Exploring Museums, Parks, and Landmarks on a Road Trip from Chesterton, Indiana to University Park, Illinois
Are you looking for a perfect road trip with a mix of history and natural beauty? A drive from Chesterton, Indiana to University Park, Illinois offers just that.
Indiana is Home to the World's Largest Dunes
Did you know that Indiana is home to the world's largest dunes? Yes, it's true, and you can experience this natural wonder on your road trip. While this journey has great places to visit, one point of interest is Highland, which is halfway between Chesterton and University Park.
Enjoy the Scenery in a 90-Minute Trip
The distance between Chesterton and University Park is approximately 63 miles, which should take approximately an hour and a half. However, if you stop to explore some of the many sights along the way, it might take a little bit longer. So, buckle up, we're about to explore the top 5 places that you shouldn't miss on this road trip.
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-visit place on your road trip. With 15 miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, this is the perfect spot for a picnic with family or friends. You'll also find a variety of trails to explore the dunes, as well as an abundance of wildlife and an opportunity to learn about the area's history.
Don't Miss: Mount Baldy Beach, located in Indiana Dunes National Park, is a great place to spend a day near the ice-cold waters of Lake Michigan. The beach is unique because of a sand dune that keeps moving and swallowing parts of the beach.
- John Dillinger Museum
The John Dillinger Museum in Crown Point is a fascinating place to visit. It's located in the Old Lake County Courthouse, where notorious bank robber John Dillinger escaped from jail in 1934. The museum catalogs the life and criminal activities of this legendary figure and the law enforcement efforts that brought him down.
Don't Miss: The Old Lake County Courthouse, where John Dillinger escaped from jail, is a beautiful piece of architecture worth taking in while you’re in Crown Point.
- Illinois State Capitol
The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is a magnificent building that's rich in history. The building has been in use since the early 1800s and was designed by famed American architect, Thomas U. Walter. It's home to the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Illinois General Assembly.
Don't Miss: Lincoln's Tomb is a few miles away from the Capitol and is the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln and his family.
- Brookfield Zoo
Located just a few miles from Chicago, the Brookfield Zoo is a world-class facility that you won't want to miss. With more than 400 species and over 2000 animals, there's something for everyone at this zoo. You can get up close to a variety of animals, including giraffes, penguins, and bears.
Don’t Miss: Visit one of the largest indoor habitats for primates in the world, that houses two western lowland gorillas and eight chimpanzees.
- Navy Pier
The Navy Pier in Chicago is a magnificent place to visit. With attractions like the Ferris wheel, miniature golf, laser tag, and a variety of restaurants and shops, there's something for everyone. The pier is also home to the Chicago Children's Museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Don't Miss: While you're on the pier, take a ride on the Centennial wheel, a breathtaking Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
Conclusion
This road trip from Chesterton, Indiana to University Park, Illinois offers a mix of museums, parks, and landmarks, making it a great place to explore. With a distance of approximately 63 miles, it should take about 90 minutes to reach your destination, but with stops at the Indiana Dunes National Park, John Dillinger Museum, Illinois State Capitol, Brookfield Zoo, and Navy Pier, there's no doubt that this journey will be worth the effort. Enjoy!