Roadtripping from Cedar Rapids to Lemont: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks
Roadtripping is a great way to explore different parts of the country, whether it’s with friends, family, or solo. And if you’re planning a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Lemont, Illinois, there are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way. From museums and parks to historic landmarks, here are some top destinations to add to your itinerary.
Did you know that both Cedar Rapids and Lemont were once thriving industrial towns? Cedar Rapids used to be the center of the grain trade, while Lemont was a hub for limestone quarries. Although both towns have undergone significant changes since their days as industrial giants, you can still catch glimpses of their past as you travel from one to the other.
If you’re a fan of small towns, you won’t want to miss Lyndon, IL, the halfway point between Cedar Rapids and Lemont. This charming village is home to fewer than 600 residents and boasts a peaceful, rural setting. Take a stroll around town to get a sense of its historic architecture and laid-back pace of life.
The drive from Cedar Rapids to Lemont is around 300 miles and can be covered in about 5 hours, depending on traffic. If you choose to take it slow and enjoy the scenery along the way, you could easily stretch the trip out to a full day or more. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the road, and plan to make stops at some of these top attractions:
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Located in West Branch, IA, about 15 miles east of Cedar Rapids, this library and museum celebrates the life of the only U.S. president from Iowa, Herbert Hoover. The museum features exhibits on everything from Hoover’s early years in Iowa to his accomplishments as president, including his work to combat the Great Depression. You can also explore the library’s archives, which house a wealth of historical documents and artifacts.
Point of interest recommendation: The Hoover Birthplace Historic Site is just down the road from the library and features an 1853 cabin where Hoover was born, as well as a blacksmith shop and one-room schoolhouse.
- Starved Rock State Park
A nature lover’s paradise, Starved Rock State Park is located in Utica, IL, about 75 miles southwest of Chicago. The park covers over 2,600 acres and is named for a rock formation that was said to be the site of a Native American conflict hundreds of years ago. Today, visitors can hike through the park’s many canyons, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs, or take a boat tour on the Illinois River.
Point of interest recommendation: The park’s Lodge is a popular spot for dining and lodging, featuring a cozy fireplace, historic design, and scenic views. Be sure to try the famous fried chicken!
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Head to Springfield, IL, about 70 miles northeast of St. Louis, to visit this immersive museum dedicated to one of America’s most beloved presidents, Abraham Lincoln. The museum features life-size exhibits that let visitors experience everything from Lincoln’s boyhood cabin to his White House office. You’ll also find fascinating artifacts, like a handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address and a piece of Lincoln’s hair.
Point of interest recommendation: The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is just a few blocks away from the museum and offers tours of the house where Lincoln lived with his family for 17 years.
- Cantigny Park
This sprawling park in Wheaton, IL, about 30 miles west of Chicago, is a treat for history and nature buffs alike. The park is home to the First Division Museum, which tells the story of the Army’s oldest and most decorated combat unit, as well as the Robert R. McCormick Museum, which showcases the life of the influential newspaper publisher who founded the park. Don’t miss the park’s beautiful gardens, including a rose garden and a prairie walk.
Point of interest recommendation: The park’s Tank Park features a variety of tanks and artillery used throughout U.S. history, as well as a tank used in the movie “Fury.”
- The Lemont Quarries
Finally, no visit to Lemont would be complete without a trip to the Lemont Quarries, a newly opened recreational area that pays tribute to the town’s industrial heritage. This sprawling park features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, ziplining, and kayaking, all set against the backdrop of the town’s historic quarry walls and waterways.
Point of interest recommendation: The park’s 300-foot-long zipline is the longest in the Chicago area, and offers an exhilarating ride over the quarry’s lakes.
In conclusion, the route from Cedar Rapids to Lemont offers a fascinating mix of history, nature, and culture, making it a great road trip for anyone looking to explore the Midwest. With stops at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, Starved Rock State Park, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Cantigny Park, and the Lemont Quarries, you’ll have plenty to see and do along the way. Depending on your pace, the drive should take between 5 and 8 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the heartland.