The Best Road Trip from Champaign, Illinois to Kansas, Illinois
Champaign and Kansas are two towns that are located about 45 miles apart in Illinois. The distance between them is not too great, which makes for an excellent road trip between the two areas. The route between the towns will take you along some of the most scenic routes in the state, and there are plenty of fun and interesting things you can do along the way.
Hume, IL is located at the halfway point of this road trip journey. It's a small town known for its historical significance in the Civil War era. This tiny community serves as a great place to take a breath or stretch your legs on this wonderful journey.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Established in 1900, this park is home to over 14,000 acres of gorgeous nature, manicured gardens and beautiful sculptures. Visitors can spend several hours exploring the ground, especially the formal gardens, observatory, and Bowen House. Plus, with lodging options, anyone can turn a day trip into a weekend getaway.
- Interesting fact: The mansion at Allerton Park is the spot where Robert Allerton proposed to his partner.
Tour the Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch
Found on the outskirts of Champaign, the Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch is renowned for its exceptional apples, pumpkin picking, and baked goods. Kids will adore the apple cider donuts and train rides while adults can indulge in wine-tasting. The property off kids activities, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a petting zoo, and you can spend the entire day there.
- Interesting fact: Curtis Orchard is one of the oldest orchards in Champaign County, founded in 1873.
Explore the Rockome Gardens
Found in Arcola, Illinois, the Rockome Gardens showcases authentic historic Amish structures like a traditional one-room schoolhouse, a working blacksmith shop, and buggy rides, among other unique attractions. Plus, there are special events and activities for families, and the visitors can go shopping for everything Amish, such as handmade furniture, noodles, and baked goods.
- Interesting fact: Rockome Gardens started as a wooden statue park in 1929.
Stop by Tuscola Outlet Mall
The Tuscola Outlet Mall is your one-stop destination for all things shopping. Here, you can find great bargains on numerous brand-name items including clothing, shoes, accessories, and housewares.
- Interesting Fact: This mall is home to over fifty retail spaces and is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States.
Visit the Amish Country in Arthur
Known as 'The Heart of Illinois Amish Country,' Arthur is a small-town located in Douglas County. You can discover the Amish way of life by stopping by the local craft stores and trying different Amish cuisines. The Amish residents offer farm tours, hayrides, and other fun activities, and also make a range of handmade products like quilts, candles, cheeses, and baked goods.
- Interesting Fact: Old Order Amish residents operate over 130 businesses within the town.
Conclusion
The family-friendly journey from Champaign, Illinois to Kansas, Illinois is a fantastic road trip route filled with enjoyable activities. The scenic drive offers the quintessential way to travel and truly experience small-town Illinois. This trip typically takes only an hour driving one way, but with all the activities to engage in, families can quickly make a weekend of it by staying in the area and verifying all that this region has to offer.