The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Carpentersville, IL to New Lenox, IL
Carpentersville, IL, and New Lenox, IL, are two charming towns that sit at opposing ends of a 58-mile journey. If you're looking for a fun, easy-going trip that will spark your sense of adventure, then this is the perfect getaway route for you!
Taking the I-355 S and E I-88 to the North Central College neighborhood in Lombard, IL is approximately the halfway point of the road trip. With a population of 44,645 in 2019, Lombard was founded in 1869 and used to be an important regional transportation center.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. Visit the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, IL.
The Fox River Trolley Museum has been operating since 1961 and has more than 30 streetcars and electric railway vehicles. Those who love history and architecture would enjoy the experience of seeing and even riding the old streetcars. The museum is open on weekends between May and October.
Interesting fact: The museum's collection includes an electric railway car from 1886 that's believed to be the oldest surviving car of its type in the world.
2. Explore the Fabyan Windmill and Japanese Garden in Geneva, IL.
The Fabyan Windmill is one of the oldest working mills in the United States, built-in 1850 and functioning for more than a century, this historic site is open for tours. After exploring the windmill, head down to the Japanese Garden, which is a serene and beautiful place to get away and relax for a bit.
Interesting fact: It is said that the windmill was inspired by Dutch windmills and has a unique feature that it has a roof that can be lifted to help manage mill-related tasks, such as changing belts.
3. Stop at the Silver Springs State Park in Yorkville, IL.
Silver Springs State Park is a serene 1,350-acre park that offers outdoor enthusiasts room to focus on unspoiled nature and have a splendid time fishing or boating. The park has a variety of hiking trails that allows you to explore the outdoors.
Interesting fact: The park's distinctive geological attributes rely on the presence of a spring with water that maintains a steady temperature and outstanding water quality throughout the year.
4. Shop at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, IL.
Chicago Premium Outlets are located in Aurora and can be a great spot to grab a bite while shopping from over 170 designer and name-brand outlets. You can get great deals on anything from electronics to clothes. From your favorite high-end brands, there's something for everyone.
Interesting fact: Chicago Premium Outlets won the "Best Shopping Center" award for the third consecutive year in the Daily Herald's annual readers' choice poll.
5. Golf at the Sanctuary Golf Course in New Lenox, IL.
The Sanctuary Golf Course is situated in a tranquil, wooded setting and has an 18-hole layout with wide-open fairways, large greens, and a variety of elevation changes. The course is located on 200 acres of land and is an impressive network of nature-friendly golfing facilities.
Interesting fact: The course features a couple of holes where the water feature streams through, making for a challenging golfing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this drive will take you through some of the scenic parts of Illinois. The trip is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Carpentersville to New Lenox, and the great thing is that at every stop, visitors will discover something new and see some of the best landmarks in the area. If you're driving from Carpentersville to New Lenox and back and stopping at each site for an hour or so, you should be able to make this drive in roughly 5-6 hours.