Top Five Popular Attractions to See Between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL
If you're planning a road trip between Champaign and Chicago and want to spice up your journey, we've got you covered. We have compiled a list of the top five popular attractions to see on your way. From nature to history, and art to sweets, this list has it all.
The Route and Halfway Point: Chebanse, IL
Before we dive into the top five places to see, let's talk about the route. The drive from Champaign to Chicago can take approximately two and a half hours, depending on traffic, which means you’ll have plenty of time to visit some of the fantastic attractions along your way. The halfway point of this journey is Chebanse, a small town located in Iroquois County. This town has a rich history, hosting the Chebanse Saloon shootout in 1915. Besides that, there are plenty of small parks around the town, a great place to take a break and stretch your legs before continuing the journey.
Top Five Places To See
1. The Monarch Sculpture Park -
This art park is located in none other than Kankakee County in Illinois. The Monarch Sculpture Park provides an excellent opportunity for art lovers to see a variety of sculptures from various artists around the Midwest. The park is even more beautiful in the fall due to the autumn leaves. The best thing about this place is that it's free to enter and creates an excellent ambiance for taking cool pictures.
2. Starved Rock State Park -
This park is frequently cited as the best place to visit near Chicago and is located near Oglesby, Illinois. The park is named after a Native American legend, which says that a group of Native American tribes came together on top of a tall rock formation to make peace. The most popular attraction in this state park is the Illinois Canyon Trail, which features steep rock formations and several waterfalls. Moreover, the park has boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring your picnic basket and enjoy the surroundings.
3. The Sweetest Thing -
Are you feeling hungry while traveling? The Sweetest Thing bakery, located in Morris, IL, has got you covered. They make freshly baked pastries, cakes, cupcakes, and more. Their menu rotates regularly, so you'll always have something new to try. We recommend their unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll, which includes bacon. It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
4. Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame -
Route 66 was a historic route from Chicago to Santa Monica and was one of America's first highways. This road in Illinois measures approximately 300 miles and has provided inspiration for songs and movies for years. The Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame, located in Pontiac, is a great way to get a sense of the history and culture. The museum features an overview of Route 66's history, artifacts, and exhibits. While in Pontiac, you should also take some time to walk through downtown to admire the architecture and murals.
5. The Morton Arboretum -
Located in Lisle, Illinois, the Morton Arboretum is a nature lover's dream and a great place to relax. The Arboretum has over 1700 acres of gardens full of diverse trees, flowers, and shrubs from around the world. The place features many walking trails that are suitable for all ages, abilities, and interests. The Children's Garden will capture the attention of your little ones, and the Maze Garden is a fun place to spend a few extra minutes.
The Best Route For This Trip
In conclusion, the route from Champaign to Chicago offers a great opportunity to break up a long journey with some of the top five places to see along the way. Start your journey by heading north on I-57 and visit The Monarch Sculpture Park and the Sweetest Thing bakery. Then, take I-80 west to check out Starved Rock State Park. Next, take Route 66 to reach Pontiac and visit the Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame. Finally, end your trip by visiting the Morton Arboretum and soak in the natural beauty before reaching Chicago. These attractions are sure to make your road trip an adventurous and unforgettable experience.