Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Anderson, Indiana

Chicago, Illinois, and Anderson, Indiana, are known for their great appetizing food, sports, entertainment, and historical landmarks. Taking a road trip from Chicago to Anderson, Indiana, is a great way to explore these cities and enjoy their lovely scenery, attractions, and culture. The trip takes roughly 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. The halfway point between these two cities is Wolcott, Indiana, an ideal location to take a break for gas, food, or drinks.

Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Anderson, Indiana.

1. Millennium Park - Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park is an iconic attraction located in the heart of Chicago. It boasts of magnificent features like the stunning Pritzker Pavilion, phenomenal Cloud Gate sculpture, endless gardens, and breathtaking architectural structures. Visitors can attend free concerts, festivals, events, art exhibitions, and movies. The park offers a lot of seating, walking, biking, and music areas, making it an ideal place for tourists and locals to relax.

Interesting fact: The famous Cloud Gate sculpture stands at 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, and weighs 110 tons. It is also known as "The Bean."

2. Indiana Dunes National Park - Chesterton, Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park is located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan in northwestern Indiana. It features over 15 miles of beautiful sand beaches, dunes, rugged shorelines, and wetlands. The park offers various activities, such as swimming, hiking, bird watching, camping, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take guided tours, learn about the history and preservation of the dunes, and explore the local flora and fauna.

Interesting fact: Indiana Dunes National Park has about 70 miles of trails with stunning views of Lake Michigan, wetlands, forests, and unique landscapes.

3. Columbian Park Zoo - Lafayette, Indiana

Columbian Park Zoo is a small but impressive zoo located in Lafayette, Indiana. The zoo is home to over 190 animals, representing over 90 species. Visitors can see various exotic and domestic animals, such as lions, tigers, bears, wolves, zebras, kangaroos, and monkeys. The park also features beautiful gardens, a playground, and a mini-train ride. The zoo offers free admission but encourages donations to help with the renovations and animal welfare.

Interesting fact: Columbian Park Zoo has been opened since 1902 and has been incrementally adding more animal species ever since.

4. Wolf Park - Battle Ground, Indiana

Wolf Park is an outstanding nonprofit organization located in Battle Ground, Indiana. It is dedicated to the education, research, and conservation of wolves and other exotic canids. Visitors can take guided tours, learn about wolf behavior, howl with the wolves, or attend special events like wolf photography. The park also features a gift shop, research center, and volunteering opportunities.

Interesting fact: Wolf Park was founded in 1972 and is currently home to eight wolf packs, foxes, coyotes, and bison.

5. Anderson Speedway - Anderson, Indiana

Anderson Speedway is a classic oval racetrack located in Anderson, Indiana. It is a favorite destination for race car enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike. The speedway hosts various racing events, such as sprint cars, late models, midgets, and street stocks. Visitors can also attend car shows, free concerts, and fireworks. The speedway has concessions, merchandising, and VIP packages.

Interesting fact: Anderson Speedway was opened in 1948 and has a capacity of 25,000 spectators.

In conclusion, taking a road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Anderson, Indiana, is a fun, educational, and fulfilling adventure. With plenty of attractions to discover, there is always something exciting to see and experience. The trip is about 250 miles long and takes about four to five hours, depending on traffic. There are plenty of stops along the way, including the fascinating town of Wolcott, Indiana, the halfway point. Enjoy your trip!