The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chicago, IL to Crown Point, IN

Chicago, IL and Crown Point, IN are two charming cities located approximately 40 miles apart from each other. This makes for an excellent road trip opportunity, with plenty of attractions to enjoy along the way. One such attraction is Munster, IN, located just about halfway between the two cities. Munster offers an excellent place to stretch, refuel, and enjoy some great food options before continuing on your journey.

Here are some of the best things to do on a road trip from Chicago, IL, to Crown Point, IN:

1. Indiana Dunes National Park

This stunning national park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, just a few miles northwest of Chesterton, IN, and about 35 miles outside of Chicago. The park offers a diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching. One of the most popular trails is the Cowles Bog Trail, which takes visitors through a diverse range of ecosystems and ends with a stunning view of the lake.

Interesting Fact: Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the longest and most biodiverse stretches of dunes in the world, with over 15,000 acres of dunes, beaches, prairies, and forests.

2. John Dillinger Museum

Fans of true crime and history will love the John Dillinger Museum, located in Crown Point, IN. The museum is dedicated to the infamous bank robber, John Dillinger, who was once held in the Crown Point jail while awaiting trial. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts such as Dillinger's death mask and antique guns and photographs.

Interesting Fact: The museum is housed in the historic Old Lake County Courthouse, where Dillinger made his infamous escape from jail in 1934 by using a wooden gun.

3. Albanese Candy Factory

For those with a sweet tooth, a stop at the Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville, IN, is a must-visit. The factory produces a variety of candy, including gummy bears, chocolates, and caramel corn. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the factory and see how their favorite candies are made. The factory also has a massive candy store where visitors can purchase their favorite treats.

Interesting Fact: The factory produces over 1.5 million gummy bears per day, making it the largest producer of gummy candy in the United States.

4. Lakefront Brewery

Located in Milwaukee, WI, just a short drive north of Chicago, Lakefront Brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. The brewery offers daily tours, during which visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, the brewing process, and sample some of their award-winning beers. One of their most popular beers is the "Beerline Barleywine," which won Best Specialty Beer at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.

Interesting Fact: Lakefront Brewery was founded in 1987 and is one of the oldest and most successful breweries in the Midwest.

5. Chicago Riverwalk

Upon returning to Chicago, a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk is a great way to end your road trip on a high note. The Riverwalk is a pedestrian-friendly path along the Chicago River that offers stunning views of the city skyline and plenty of places to eat, drink, and relax. Visitors can rent kayaks, take an architectural boat tour, or simply enjoy a cocktail in one of the many bars or restaurants along the path.

Interesting Fact: The Chicago River was once known as the "Stinking River" due to its high levels of pollution. Thanks to cleaning efforts, the river is now a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and sightseeing.

After enjoying these activities and attractions, it's time to head back to your starting point in either Crown Point or Chicago. Overall, this road trip takes approximately two hours each way, but there is plenty to see and do along the route to make it an enjoyable day trip or a weekend getaway.