Points of Interest between Chicago, Illinois to Cowden, Illinois

picture of Chicago, Illinois

Museums, Parks, and Landmarks on a Roadtrip from Chicago to Cowden

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Cowden, Illinois? The route is approximately 185 miles long and can take around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. However, if you take your time exploring the museums, parks, and landmarks along the way, the journey can be an unforgettable experience.

Did you know that Route 66, which is one of the most famous roads in the United States, passes through Chicago? Route 66 was a highway originally built in 1926, and it connected Chicago with Santa Monica, California. Nowadays, this route is considered a historic landmark, and many tourists still follow it.

If you are driving from Chicago, the halfway point of your trip will be Loda, IL. This small town is located in Iroquois County and has a population of around 500 people. The town has a park, which is a great spot to stretch your legs.

The length of the trip from Chicago to Cowden can take around 3 hours and 15 minutes, but it is recommended that you take longer to explore all of the exciting attractions in the area. Those traveling with children might want to break the trip into two or three days.

Here are the top five museums, parks, and landmarks to visit on your road trip from Chicago to Cowden:

  1. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Located in Springfield, IL, this museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch movies, and see original artifacts. Don't miss the replica of the White House and the Lincoln Family Gallery.

Point of Interest: Just a few blocks from the museum, you can visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, which was the residence of Abraham and Mary Lincoln from 1844 to 1861.

  1. Starved Rock State Park: This park is located in Utica, IL, and it is known for its canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking. The view from the top of Starved Rock is worth the climb.

Point of Interest: Just a few miles from the park, you can visit the Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle, IL. This mansion was built in 1874 and has been restored to its original grandeur.

  1. The Illinois State Capitol: Located in Springfield, IL, this building is the home of the Illinois General Assembly. Visitors can take a guided tour and see the architecture, art, and history of the capitol. The dome of the building is one of the tallest in the world.

Point of Interest: Just across the street from the capitol, you can visit the Old State Capitol, which was the seat of the Illinois state government from 1839 to 1876. Abraham Lincoln delivered his "House Divided" speech here.

  1. The Lincoln Tomb: Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL, this tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. The tomb is open to the public, and visitors can see the sculptures, mosaics, and inscriptions.

Point of Interest: Just a few miles from the tomb, you can visit the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, IL. This house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902 and is a prime example of his Prairie School architecture.

  1. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site: Located in Lerna, IL, this site is a reconstruction of the cabin that Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, built and lived in from 1840 to 1844. Visitors can see the furniture, tools, and household items used by the Lincoln family.

Point of Interest: Just 10 miles from the cabin, you can visit the Rockome Gardens in Arcola, IL. This amusement park features beautiful gardens, a lake, and shops selling handmade crafts.

In conclusion, the road trip from Chicago to Cowden is approximately 185 miles long and can take around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. However, with the exciting attractions and landmarks to visit along the way, the journey can last much longer. From Springfield to Lerna, there are five museums, parks, and landmarks that everyone should visit. These sites each provide a unique and educational experience, and also make great stops to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.