The Best Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois to Big Rock, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois is renowned for its skyscrapers, museums, and lively nightlife, while Big Rock, Illinois has a quaint, rural charm. A road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Big Rock, Illinois is a great way to explore the state of Illinois. The trip is about 55 miles long and takes about an hour and a half. The halfway point is Downers Grove, IL, which is home to a variety of restaurants and shops.

Top Five Things to Do on the Road Trip

1. Visit the Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre outdoor museum that showcases trees and plants from around the world. The arboretum has several walking trails and beautiful gardens that visitors can explore. In the fall, the arboretum hosts a popular pumpkin patch and Halloween festival.

Interesting fact: The Morton Arboretum has over 4,200 different types of trees, shrubs, and plants.

2. Take a Tour of the Fermilab

The Fermilab is a particle physics laboratory that is home to several particle accelerators, including the world's second-largest particle accelerator. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the research being conducted at the lab.

Interesting fact: The Fermilab was the site of the discovery of the top quark, one of the six types of quarks.

3. Explore the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a natural area that features several hiking trails and a beautiful waterfall. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and coyotes.

Interesting fact: The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve was once the site of a limestone quarry.

4. Visit the Little Popcorn Store

The Little Popcorn Store is a family-owned candy and popcorn shop that has been in business for over 90 years. The store is known for its homemade popcorn, fudge, and candy.

Interesting fact: The Little Popcorn Store was opened in 1921 by a man named William Babcock.

5. See the Windmill at Windmill City

The Windmill at Windmill City is a replica of a Dutch windmill that was built in 1850. The windmill was moved to Illinois in 1965 and was restored in 1984. Visitors can take a tour of the windmill and learn about its history.

Interesting fact: The Windmill at Windmill City is one of only a few working Dutch windmills in the United States.

After exploring all these noteworthy sites, a visit to the quiet and beautiful rural village of Big Rock, IL can offer a peaceful ending to this memorable road trip.

In conclusion, this 55-mile road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Big Rock, Illinois offers many exciting and unique experiences that showcase the beauty, history, and culture of Illinois. Whether it's learning about particle physics, hiking in a forest preserve or exploring a Dutch Windmill, this trip is an unforgettable journey that will be cherished by everyone who embarks on it.