Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago to Algonquin

If you're driving from Chicago to Algonquin, taking the I-90 W route, you're in for an interesting ride. The 50-mile journey will take around an hour, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way. From family-friendly attractions to tasty food joints, there's something for everyone. Here are five places worth the stop.

Halfway Point: Mount Prospect, IL

Before diving into the other five places, make sure to stop at the halfway point, Mount Prospect, Illinois. Stretch your legs at the beautiful Big Surf Wave Pool or enjoy some window shopping at the Randhurst Village Mall.

1. Schaumburg Boomers Stadium

Sports fans will want to visit Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, home of the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team. You don't have to be a huge baseball fan to enjoy a game here. The stadium offers tasty food, drinks, activities, and a great atmosphere. With tons of promotions and giveaways, there's never a dull moment. Make sure to grab a craft beer and a burger while you're there.

2. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg is a great place to take your kids for some interactive fun. The center features a LEGO-themed 4D cinema, a LEGO-themed ride, and a LEGO play area. You can even get your photo taken with life-sized LEGO characters like Yoda and Darth Vader. Each area is themed according to favorite movies or periods, including Star Wars and the Wild West. For food, check out the LEGOLAND café for a kid-approved pizza slice and fruit cup.

3. Woodfield Mall

Shopaholics will want to add Woodfield Mall to their itinerary. It's the largest shopping mall in the Chicago Metropolitan area and has over 300 stores, including the famous Apple Store, the American Girl store, and the Lego Store. Grab a bite to eat in the food court, where you will find everything from Dunkin' Donuts to Chick-fil-A.

4. Milk House

Milk House is a family-owned creamery in McHenry County that sells fresh, homemade ice cream. They have a wide variety of flavors including traditional favorites such as vanilla and chocolate and exciting seasonal ones like pumpkin pie and apple cider. Milk House's ice cream is so good that it has won multiple awards at the Illinois State Fair. Don't skip out on their homemade waffle cones.

5. Three Oaks Recreation Area

For outdoor enthusiasts, Three Oaks Recreation Area is a must-visit. It's a beautiful lakeside park located in Crystal Lake, featuring a full-service marina, fishing, hiking, and biking trails. It's perfect for a family picnic or just a relaxing afternoon by the lake. For some tasty snacks, visit the concession stand for hot dogs, a bag of chips, and soda.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a fun and exciting day trip away from Chicago or Algonquin, consider taking this scenic route. With stops at Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Woodfield Mall, Milk House, and Three Oaks Recreation Area, you're sure to have a memorable time. Don't forget to try some of the delicious food on offer at each location. From ball games and theme parks to malls and outdoor activities, there's something for everyone.