Points of Interest between Cary, Illinois to Summit, Illinois

picture of Cary, Illinois

A Road Trip From Cary to Summit: A Tourists' Guide

Are you planning a summer road trip from Cary to Summit? This guide will take you through the top five landmarks, parks, and museums to visit along the way.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Summit has a rich history and was once a stop on the Underground Railroad? Abolitionist activists, through their network, provided hiding spaces to escaped slaves commemorated by the town's historical markers.

Halfway Point: Schaumburg, IL

At a little over 25 miles from Cary, Schaumburg is an excellent spot to stretch and rest. It has fabulous museums like the Trickster Native American Art Gallery and Visitors Center and the Schaumburg Historical Society and Museum. Also, there are shopping and entertainment centers like the Woodfield Mall and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.

The Road Trip Length

The distance from Cary to Summit is roughly 37 miles, and driving without stops should take approximately 45 minutes. However, with this list, you can stretch the trip to be nearly a full day's worth of fun.

Top Five Places to Visit

  1. Volo Bog State Natural Area - Located off Route 12, this Illinois nature preserve features a raised boardwalk spanning 1.5 miles through the woods with a view of the marshy terrain. Volo Bog is the only quaking bog in Illinois, a type of wetland with specific plants that have adapted to the acidic and nutrient-deficient conditions.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Bring along a pair of binoculars to spot sandhill cranes, kingfishers, and several other bird species that reside here.

  1. Barrington Hills Riding Center - Located on Bateman Road, the Barrington Hills Riding Center is a unique facility that teaches horseback riding and offers extensive training and boarding programs. This center has well-trained instructors and gentle horses that are perfect for riders of all experience levels.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Make arrangements with one of the qualified certified instructors to experience the pleasure of horseback riding through Barrington Hills Forest Preserve.

  1. Kenosha Museum - Located just a few miles east of Interstate 94, off Route 50, Kenosha Museum boasts exceptional exhibits such as the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Civil War Museum, and Kenosha Public Museum. The Civil War Museum's exhibition, on the other hand, tells the story of the Civil War's impact on the soldiers, civilians and To the Sesquicentennial era.

Point of Interest Recommendation: You can book a guided tour or a workshop in the art studio. Visitors can also watch artists create custom pieces in real-time.

  1. Burnham Park - Burnham Park stands out with its picturesque waterfront views and its close proximity to McCormick Place, Soldier Field, and the Field Museum. The park features 39 acres of lakefront location, including tennis courts, a skate park, a bird sanctuary, and a beach.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Travel south from Burnham Park to Jackson Park, home to the Museum of Science and Industry.

  1. Summit Park - While Summit may be a small town, it has its fun waitng to be discovered. Summit Park is perfect for families with little ones as it has a playground with slides, swings, and water spray jets. The park also has picnic tables and shaded areas for a relaxing afternoon under the sun.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit the Summit Park District's Facebook page for more annual events, like Easter Egg Hunts and Fall Festivals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cary to Summit road trip can be a fun-filled day trip for locals and tourists alike. Although the drive is manageable within an hour, you can add to the experience by visiting some of the landmarks, museums, and parks featured in this guide. Pack a picnic, bring your binoculars, and charge your camera - it's time to hit the road!