Exploring the Best Museums, Parks, and Landmarks from Cary to Mundelein
If you are looking for a fun road trip that takes you through beautiful places in Illinois, look no further than the route from Cary to Mundelein. Along this scenic drive, you will find numerous museums, parks, and landmarks that will keep you and your family engaged and entertained.
Did you know that Mundelein is named after Cardinal Mundelein who was the Archbishop of Chicago in the 1920s? Now that’s a fun fact to kick off a road trip!
About halfway between Cary and Mundelein, you’ll pass through the lovely village of Lake Zurich. This charming area is home to beautiful green spaces, great restaurants, and a famous 360-acre lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
This road trip from Cary to Mundelein covers about 25 miles and can be completed in under an hour. However, with so many exciting stops along the way, you may want to give yourself a full day to explore everything that the area has to offer.
Here are the top five places to visit along this road trip:
1. Volo Auto Museum
If you’re a fan of cars, then the Volo Auto Museum is a must-visit attraction. The museum has over 30 exhibits, which showcase a vast collection of classic cars, muscle cars, vintage motorcycles, and military vehicles. One of the main highlights of the museum is the Hollywood Cars exhibit, which features famous vehicles from TV and film, including the Batmobile, Delorean, and Ghostbusters car.
Point of Interest Recommendation: As you’re leaving the museum, be sure to check out the Route 66 exhibit, where you can see a piece of the actual Mother Road that ran through Illinois.
2. Moraine Hills State Park
For nature lovers, Moraine Hills State Park is a wonderful place to take a break from driving and enjoy the great outdoors. Spanning over 2,200 acres, the park features several trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also several lakes where you can swim, fish, or rent a canoe or kayak for a paddle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at geocaching, which is like a hi-tech treasure hunt using GPS devices.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Keep an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife, which includes ospreys, foxes, and deer.
3. Lake County Discovery Museum
The Lake County Discovery Museum is an excellent destination for families. The museum has several interactive exhibits, including an indoor treehouse for kids to explore, and a replica of a 19th-century farmhouse. Another exciting exhibit is the world’s largest collection of models of buildings designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, including the famous Fallingwater.
Point of Interest Recommendation: When you’re done exploring the museum, head outside to stroll around the lovely Lake County Heritage Farmstead, which is home to a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens.
4. Long Grove Historic Village
If you’re a fan of charming historic towns, then Long Grove is worth a visit. The village features many quaint shops, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as several restored 19th-century buildings, which house interesting exhibits and museums. One such museum is the Long Grove Historical Society’s 1880s farmstead, which gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the area over a century ago.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Be sure to indulge in some of the village’s famous chocolate-covered strawberries or try a slice of homemade pie from one of the local bakeries.
5. Saddlebrook Farms Nature Preserve
Saddlebrook Farms Nature Preserve is a beautiful spot to take a break from driving and stretch your legs. The preserve covers over 900 acres and features several walking trails that wind through wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. You may catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, which includes coyotes, beavers, and many species of birds.
Point of Interest Recommendation: As you’re exploring the preserve, keep an eye out for the stunning wildflowers that bloom around the trails, particularly in the spring and early summer.
In conclusion, a road trip from Cary to Mundelein is a great way to explore some of the gems of Illinois. You can spend a day or a weekend checking out fascinating museums, enjoying the great outdoors, and immersing yourself in history and culture. Whenever you choose to go, this scenic drive is sure to be a memorable experience for you and your travel companions.