Points of Interest between Cedar Lake, Indiana to Grayslake, Illinois

picture of Cedar Lake, Indiana

The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cedar Lake, IN and Grayslake, IL

Road trips can be both fun and rewarding, especially when one is traveling from Cedar Lake, Indiana, to Grayslake, Illinois. The trip spans about 129 miles and passes through different cities that offer a wide range of activities. One of the highlights of this journey is the halfway point, Hinsdale, Illinois. Hinsdale is a beautiful town with a charming downtown area that is worth exploring.

Top 5 Things to Do

1. Explore the Indiana Dunes State Park

The Indiana Dunes State Park offers a perfect haven for adventurous souls. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, and even horseback riding. The park features more than 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan's southern tip, and it boasts numerous sand dunes that provide a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors should carry enough water when hiking as there are no water sources along the trails.

2. Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden

Located in Glencoe, Illinois, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to have a peaceful and relaxing time. The garden boasts over 27 beautiful gardens and four natural areas that span 385 acres. The highlights of the gardens include vivid seasonal displays, colorful rose gardens, and a Japanese garden. Visitors can also enjoy educational exhibits, guided tours, special events, and classes in the garden. Did you know that the Chicago Botanic Garden has over 2.5 million plants and 1 million visitors annually?

3. Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is located in Oak Park, Illinois. The home and studio served as Wright's private residence and architectural studio from 1889-1909. Today, it is a museum that showcases his work and the principles of organic architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the complex and learn about Wright's design philosophy that was ahead of his time. Did you know that Frank Lloyd Wright designed over 1,000 structures, including the famous Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania?

4. Have Fun at Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America is a world-renowned amusement park located in Gurnee, Illinois. The park boasts more than 100 thrilling rides, such as fourteen roller coasters, and amazing experiences like a 20-acre water park, a Merry-Go-Round, and a Ferris wheel. Visitors can enjoy exciting extreme rides such as the Goliath roller coaster or family-friendly rides such as the kids' area. Did you know that Six Flags Great America is the largest amusement park in the Midwest?

5. Stroll Down Navy Pier and Enjoy the View

Navy Pier is a popular tourist destination located in Chicago, Illinois, along the shores of Lake Michigan. A haven for architecture buffs and lovers of scenic views, Navy Pier offers a perfect retreat for anyone looking to soak in some history and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and explore Chicago's maritime history through various exhibits at the pier. They can also hop on a cruise or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants located along the pier. Did you know that Navy Pier was originally built in 1916 as a shipping and entertainment hub?

Interesting Facts about Each Location

  • Indiana Dunes State Park is home to over 350 species of birds and attracts many bird watchers from around the world.
  • The Chicago Botanic Garden has around 26 miles of lakeshore and maintains the largest collection of plants in the Midwest.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 due to their cultural significance.
  • Six Flags Great America spans over 300 acres and features over 60 rides and attractions for children. The park is also home to the world's first 4D roller coaster.
  • Navy Pier is the number one tourist attraction in the Midwest, attracting over 8 million visitors each year.

Conclusion

This road trip from Cedar Lake, Indiana, to Grayslake, Illinois, has many exciting and fun-filled activities that make it worth exploring. The trip takes about two and a half hours without factoring in time spent exploring the different destinations. Each destination is unique and offers something different from the others, making the journey exciting and memorable. Remember to carry enough water and snacks for the trip and plan to spend ample time at each location to make the most of the experience. Happy road tripping!