Points of Interest between Chicago, Illinois to Batavia, Illinois

picture of Chicago, Illinois

Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Chicago, IL to Batavia, IL

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago, IL to Batavia, IL? If so, make sure to add these museums, parks, and landmarks to your itinerary.

Fun fact: Illinois has 3,755 miles of road, making it one of the longest state highway systems in the United States.

Halfway between Chicago and Batavia, you'll hit the charming town of Oakbrook Terrace, IL. It's a great place to stretch your legs, grab some food, and explore some local shops.

The trip from Chicago to Batavia is a relatively short one, with a distance of only 40 miles. However, the travel time can vary, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

Here are the top five places to visit on your road trip:

  1. Cantigny Park Cantigny Park is a beautiful 500-acre park that features gardens, hiking trails, a playground, and two museums. The park is open year-round and offers a variety of events and activities for visitors. Make sure to check out the First Division Museum, which features exhibits about the history of the United States Army and the First Infantry Division. Point of interest recommendation: Grab a picnic lunch from the park's restaurant and enjoy it on the grounds.

  2. Fermilab Fermilab is the nation's premier particle physics laboratory. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the facilities, which includes a look at the lab's famous particle accelerators. Keep your eyes peeled for bison - Fermilab has a herd of over 100 bison that roam freely throughout the grounds. Point of interest recommendation: Visit the lab's art gallery, which features exhibits inspired by the lab's research.

  3. Naper Settlement Naper Settlement is a living history museum that features 30 historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a 19th century mansion. The museum offers guided tours and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Point of interest recommendation: Visit during the holidays - Naper Settlement is transformed into a winter wonderland during the month of December.

  4. Iron Horse Park Iron Horse Park is a park and museum dedicated to the history of the railroad in the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the museum, which features exhibits on the history of trains and rail travel. The park also has a large outdoor area where visitors can explore trains and train cars. Point of interest recommendation: Take a ride on the museum's miniature train - it's fun for both kids and adults.

  5. Batavia Depot Museum The Batavia Depot Museum is located in a former railroad station and features exhibits on the history of Batavia, IL. Visitors can learn about the town's early settlers, its connection to the railroad, and its history as a manufacturing hub. Point of interest recommendation: Take a stroll down Riverwalk, a beautiful path that runs along the Fox River and offers stunning views of the water.

In conclusion, the road trip from Chicago to Batavia may be short, but it's full of interesting museums, parks, and landmarks. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun day trip, there's something for everyone along this route. Enjoy the drive!