The Top Five Best Places to Visit on a Road Trip Between Chattanooga, Tennessee and Wood Dale, Illinois
Are you planning a road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Wood Dale, Illinois? Look no further! Here are the top five best places to visit along the way that will make your trip unforgettable.
The Route and Halfway Point: Sellersburg, Indiana
The journey from Chattanooga to Wood Dale is approximately 600 miles, taking about 9 hours to drive. The route takes you through the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. The halfway point of this journey is Sellersburg, Indiana, a charming town located just 10 minutes north of Louisville, Kentucky.
Sellersburg is a perfect pitstop for lunch or dinner. Stop by Two Kings Restaurant for authentic southern comfort food, or enjoy a slice of pizza at the locally owned Nino's Pizza. Afterward, stretch your legs with a walk down Silver Creek Trail, a scenic walking and biking trail that winds around the town's namesake creek.
Stop 1: Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
World-Class Cave System and Outdoor Adventures
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is just a short 30-minute drive north of the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world, offering a unique experience underground. The park offers various tours for different levels of adventure-seekers, from an easy stroll along the historic underground route to a more challenging wild caving tour.
If you prefer to stay above ground, Mammoth Cave National Park also offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing/kayaking on the Green River.
Stop 2: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky
Discover the History of America's Favorite Sport
A 20-minute drive west from Sellersburg will take you to downtown Louisville, home of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. This museum is devoted to the history of baseball, particularly the iconic Louisville Slugger baseball bat.
Visitors can tour the factory where the bats are made and even create a personalized mini-bat with their name on it as a souvenir. Learn about the history of baseball, from its early beginnings to its modern-day presence.
Stop 3: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indiana
Experience the Thrill of Racing History
A two-hour drive north on I-65 from Sellersburg will lead you to Indianapolis, Indiana, home of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum showcases the history of the storied racing track, including the famous Indy 500 race.
Visitors can see various race cars, vintage to modern, and learn about the evolution of racing. The museum's highlight is the track tour, which takes you on a lap around the speedway, giving you a taste of the thrill and excitement of racing.
Stop 4: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Relax and Rejuvenate in the Heart of Wisconsin
A two and a half-hour northward drive on I-65 will take you across the state line into Wisconsin. Lake Geneva is a beautiful resort town nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's rolling hills and farmland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Lake Geneva's shining gem is its eponymous lake, offering a wide range of activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to scenic boat tours and cruises. The town is also known for its vibrant downtown area dotted with antique shops, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants.
Stop 5: Cosley Zoo, Illinois
Charming Zoo with Farm-Sized Animals
A one-hour drive eastward on I-88 from Lake Geneva will take you to Wood Dale, Ilinois, the final destination on your trip. But first, take a detour to Cosley Zoo in the nearby town of Wheaton.
Cosley Zoo is a charming, family-friendly zoo featuring farm-sized animals such as cows, horses, and goats. Visitors can pet and feed the animals at the petting zoo, or walk through the scenic Wilder Park surrounding the zoo.
In Conclusion
There you have it, the top five best places to visit on a road trip between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Wood Dale, Illinois. From the awe-inspiring underground world of Mammoth Cave to the thrilling speedway laps, from the scenic Lake Geneva to the charming Cosley Zoo, these stops will offer you a combination of adventure, relaxation, and fun. Happy travels!