A Road Trip from Chatham to Markham: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit

Are you looking for a weekend getaway? A road trip through various attractions from Chatham, Illinois, to Markham, Illinois might be an ideal solution for you. With museums, parks and landmarks, this route has something for everyone.

Did you know that the distance between Chatham and Markham is approximately 180 miles? The journey takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Halfway through the trip, you will come across Lexington, a bustling town in McLean County, Illinois. Lexington has a total area of 1.26 square miles and is home to around 2,100 residents.

The road trip from Chatham to Markham covers a total of nearly 30 attractions. However, our top five picks for places to visit are:

1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield): If you're a history buff, a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must. Learn about the extraordinary life of Abraham Lincoln and his legacy through more than 12 million documents, artifacts, and other historical materials. The exhibit also has a replica of the White House and the Lincoln's family home.

   Point of Interest: Indulge in Lincoln's favorite foods such as gingerbread cookies and Hyman's famous cheese in the museum's restaurant.

2. Illinois State Capitol (Springfield): The state capitol has a breathtaking architecture that catches the eye of any visitor. Tours are available upon request for participants to explore the 19th-century building's intricate designs and learn about the state's history inside the magnificent building's walls.

   Point of Interest: Make sure to take note of Springfield's unusually designed skyscrapers constructed in the 20th century.

3. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum (Pontiac): This is a must-visit hallmark for Route 66 enthusiasts. The museum tells the story of Route 66 with a collection of artifacts, vehicles, and photographs from the route's days as a major paved highway.

   Point of Interest: Take a selfie in front of the world's largest Route 66 shield located beside the museum.

4. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Wilmington): Explore the spectacular Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie- the largest piece of open land in northeastern Illinois, comprising of over 18,000 acres. Go for hiking, horseback riding, or head to the visitor center to learn about the native bison population of the area.

   Point of Interest: Peek into the on-site preservation efforts and learn about the diverse wildlife that is making a comeback in this location.

5. Balmoral Park (Crete): Lastly, a visit to this charming horse-racing track will make your adventure memorable. With live horse racing and a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities, it is sure to be a fun experience for all.

   Point of Interest: On your race day visit, enjoy a meal at the Chicago Southland restaurant that boasts an extensive menu of classic appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

We highly recommend including these top five locations on your Chatham to Markham journey. However, while on this route, consider these additional points of interest:

• Take in the panoramic views of the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis on your way.
• Visit the World's Largest Catsup Bottle located in Collinsville, IL.
• Explore the giant wind turbines while driving through the Bloomington-Normal area.

In conclusion, the road trip from Chatham to Markham, Illinois, is an adventure worth embarking on. Complete with diverse attractions, Illinois is a gem state that has a little something for everyone. Start your journey today!