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

Chicago, Illinois and its surrounding areas have plenty to offer, so why not go on a road trip to experience it firsthand? This 4 to 6-hour journey allows visitors to take in many small towns and attractions en route to their destination. Halfway through the trip is Chicago, a city buzzing with energy and a perfect break spot. A road trip through this area guarantees an unforgettable experience and an appreciation for the Midwest.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Explore the Chicagoland Speedway

Nestled in Joliet, the Chicagoland Speedway is a must-visit destination for motorheads and fans of competitive sports. It is a 1.5-mile paved NASCAR oval speedway constructed in 2001. The Chicagoland Speedway hosts a range of racing events, ranging from NASCAR to ARCA, throughout the year. The visitors can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which enables them to ride alongside a seasoned driver for an adrenaline-pumping speed around the track.

Fun Fact: The first NASCAR Cup race at the Chicagoland Speedway was held on July 15, 2001, and Kevin Harvick emerged as the winner.

2. Visit the Morton Arboretum

Visitors interested in nature will find the Morton Arboretum, located in Lisle, to be a real gem. The arboretum spanned 1,700 acres and featured more than 222,000 live plants. It is famous for its colorful seasonal displays, including the popular Daffodil Glade, and its interactive children’s garden, the Arboretum Adventure. Visitors also have access to several hiking and biking trails, which allow them to explore the fascinating landscape.

Fun Fact: Historically, the arboretum was established in 1922 by Joy Morton who wanted to encourage the planting of deciduous trees in the Midwest.

3. Discover the Brookfield Zoo

For animal lovers, a visit to the Brookfield Zoo would be the ultimate experience. As one of the premier zoos in America, the Brookfield Zoo, located in Brookfield, offers visitors a unique chance to witness over 2,000 animals in their natural habitats. Among its vast collections are the African lions, American bald eagles, Asiatic black bears, Asian elephants, grizzly bears, and much more. Some of the zoo's popular feature exhibits include Australia House, Butterflies!, and The Swamp.

Fun Fact: In 1919, the Brookfield Zoo opened, becoming the first zoo in the world to exhibit giant pandas.

4. Explore Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is the perfect getaway for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in Oglesby, the park is renowned for its scenic views and hiking trails that cut through tall trees and flow over streams, waterfalls, and sandstone formations. One of its significant highlights is the Starved Rock Lodge, built-in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Visitors to the Lodge can enjoy a variety of activities ranging from hiking to horseback riding.

Fun Fact: The Illinois Confederacy tribes used the area for religious ceremonies and celebrated in the lands that are now Starved Rock State Park.

5. Spend Time at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Architecture aficionados will get a lot out of a trip to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park. The renowned architect designed the home in 1889 and the studio in 1898; as a result, the area has become a location of great inspiration to many budding architects and designers. The site is now open to the public and features an extensive collection of furniture and stained glass, as well as guided tours run by informed staff.

Fun Fact: Frank Lloyd Wright's design philosophy was rooted in the idea of organic architecture, which aims to create harmony between the environment and the structure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, road trippers who embark on this journey to and through Chicago, Illinois, and its surrounding areas are in for an unforgettable experience. The 4 to 6-hour journey guarantees an appreciation of the Midwest, the beauty of nature, and the importance of sustainable architectural designs. Whether it's a day trip or an overnight stay, the road trip through this area will undoubtedly be worth it.