Road Trip: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit from Chicago Ridge to Aurora

Embark on a road trip from Chicago Ridge to Aurora and discover some of Illinois's most beautiful hidden gems. This route will take you through stunning parks, historic landmarks, and fantastic museums, providing a perfect opportunity to learn, relax, and have fun.

Did you know that the oldest house in Aurora, the Tanner House, was built in 1856? It's a historic gem that you won't want to miss on this road trip!

The halfway point on this road trip is Oak Brook, a beautiful village in DuPage County. The village is home to several parks and trails, including the Oak Brook Sports Core, which features baseball and soccer fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts.

This road trip covers approximately 62 miles and takes around an hour to drive one way. However, to fully enjoy the route and the attractions, it's recommended to take at least a full day.

Top 5 Places to Visit:

1. Brookfield Zoo Located in Brookfield, the Brookfield Zoo is a must-visit attraction on this road trip. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, including tigers, lions, gorillas, dolphins, and penguins. Visitors can also enjoy several exhibits, including Tropic World, featuring primates and birds, and the Wild Encounters exhibit, where butterflies, birds, and reptiles, roam free.

Point of interest: Stop by the Hamill Family Play Zoo, where children can have fun petting and feeding friendly animals.

2. Cantigny Park and Robert R. McCormick House Cantigny Park, located in Wheaton, is a 500-acre public park that features an immaculately kept mansion, multiple gardens and museums, as well as a golf course. The mansion, called the Robert R. McCormick House, is a stunning example of a French country house.

Point of interest: Check out the First Division Museum, which features a large collection of tanks, weapons, and other artifacts from the First World War.

3. Naper Settlement Located in Naperville, Naper Settlement is a living history museum that showcases life in the 19th century. Visitors can explore several historic buildings, including a blacksmith's shop, a schoolhouse, and a church.

Point of interest: Plan to attend one of the museum's live demonstrations, where visitors can learn more about blacksmithing, woodworking, or farming.

4. Garfield Park Conservatory The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is a must for those who love plants and flowers. This botanical garden houses thousands of plants from around the globe, including a fern room, palm house, and even a children's garden.

Point of interest: A popular attraction is the G-scale garden railway, featuring miniature trains that run through a living landscape.

5. SciTech Hands-On Museum The SciTech Hands-On Museum is a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages. The museum features over 200 interactive exhibits, covering topics such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Point of interest: Check out the Omnimax Theatre, where you can watch 2D and 3D movies on a giant screen.

Overall, this road trip provides a fantastic opportunity to see some of Illinois's most beautiful hidden gems. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or science, there's something for everyone along the way. Take your time, and enjoy each stop to the fullest. It's a trip that can be completed in a day but is worth lengthening to enjoy properly.