Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cary and Streamwood, Illinois
A road trip is always an exciting adventure that allows for discovering new places, people, and cultures. If you're looking for a road trip starting in Illinois, there's no better place to start than the small villages of Cary and Streamwood. This trip will take you through scenic routes, buzzing cities, and some unforgettable stopovers.
The roughly 120-mile journey takes about two hours one-way and passes through the charming town of South Barrington halfway. This town and its surroundings feature excellent places to stop and recharge before continuing the drive.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Explore the Historic Downtown Crystal Lake
The historic downtown Crystal Lake is a must-visit place situated about nine miles northwest of Cary. It has a variety of stores, restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. Main Street has plenty of unique shops, so visitors can find something they like. The downtown area is a pedestrian-friendly zone with easy access to public transportation. It is an excellent place for a stroll, grab some coffee and a bite to eat while admiring the beautiful architecture of the buildings.
2. Have Fun at the Six Flags Great America
Located in Gurnee, about 40 miles from Streamwood, Six Flags Great America is a perfect place to enjoy some thrills and fun. The park features more than 100 rides, attractions, and events that cater to all ages from kids to adults. The park is home to 16 roller coasters, the Hurricane Harbor water park, and shows. Six Flags Great America provides the ideal venue to cool off on a hot day and have a memorable time with the family.
3. Visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
For those traveling with kids, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is a must-visit attraction located in Schaumburg, ten miles from Streamwood. This attraction features interactive exhibits, rides, and 4-D movies that showcase the magic and creativity of LEGO bricks. Visitors can explore Chicago's famous landmarks all made out of LEGO bricks, and kids can build their imagination in the LEGO Racers Build & Test area.
4. Unwind at Morton Arboretum
Located in Lisle, Illinois, about 30 miles from Streamwood, Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre nature preserve featuring trees, gardens, and walking paths. It's home to over 222,000 plants and 4,630 different plant species, making it a botanic garden and research center. Morton Arboretum has educational exhibits, an excellent visitor center, and breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect place for a relaxing day out.
5. Learn at the Volo Auto Museum
For auto lovers, the Volo Auto Museum is a haven located in Volo about 35 miles from Cary. It has over 33 exhibts and five showrooms filled with Hollywood cars, vintage cars, muscle cars, and military exhibits. The museum comes alive with the interactive format that allows visitors to touch and feel the exhibits and see the cars. Volo Auto Museum is the world's biggest auto collection, and visiting it is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Interesting Facts about Each Location
Crystal Lake, Illinois, was named after the beautiful lake of the same name that's actually a glacier-made part of the Fox River Valley.
Six Flags owns more theme parks in North America than any other company.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is part of a chain operated by Merlin Entertainments, and the first was opened in Berlin, Germany.
Morton Arboretum was founded by Joy Morton, who was the founder of the famous Morton Salt Company.
Volo Auto Museum has been featured in films like "Bridesmaids", "The Blues Brothers", and "Batman vs. Superman".
Conclusion
The road trip from Cary and Streamwood, Illinois, is an exciting journey through some of the best places and attractions in Illinois. The trip takes about two hours one way and passes through the charming town of South Barrington, situated halfway along the route. From exploring the Historic Downtown Crystal Lake to having fun at Six Flags Great America to unwinding at Morton Arboretum, and learning at the Volo Auto Museum, this road trip has something to offer for everyone. The best part is that you can customize the trip to your liking and add more stops along the way for an even more memorable experience.