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

Chicago and Evansville are two great cities that are separated by a 280-mile drive, and there is a lot to see and do along the way. If you're embarking on this road trip, you're in for a treat. Along the route, you'll travel through the states of Illinois and Indiana and pass through small towns, picturesque countryside, and sprawling cities. One of the highlights of this journey is the halfway point, Cayuga, IN, where you can take a break and explore the town's unique offerings. Here are five of the best things to do on a road trip from Chicago, IL, to Evansville, IN, and interesting facts about each location.

1. Tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield

No trip through Illinois is complete without a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. This attraction is more than just a museum; it's an immersive experience that takes visitors through the life and times of one of America's greatest presidents. The museum features over 50,000 square feet of exhibits that include interactive displays, artifacts, and personal memorabilia from Lincoln's life. Visitors will also get a chance to view the very desk where Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.

Interesting Fact: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has over 12 million items in its collection, including original copies of the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.

2. Take a Boat Tour on the Champaign-Urbana Watershed

The Champaign-Urbana Watershed is a sprawling network of lakes and rivers that runs through the heart of Illinois. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this area is to take a boat tour. Several companies offer boat tours that take you through the area's serene waterways. You can choose from a variety of tours, including birdwatching tours, sunset tours, and even tours that take you to some of the area's best fishing spots.

Interesting Fact: The Champaign-Urbana Watershed is home to over 30 species of fish, including bass, walleye, and catfish.

3. Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park

When you reach Indiana, make sure to take a detour to visit the Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the state's hidden gems. The park features over 15 miles of pristine shoreline along Lake Michigan and is home to a variety of wildlife, including red foxes, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, birdwatching, and even camping in the park's many campsites.

Interesting Fact: The Indiana Dunes National Park contains over 350 species of birds, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in the country.

4. Explore the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science

When you finally reach Evansville, make sure to visit the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. This museum is home to an impressive collection of art, historical artifacts, and scientific exhibits. Visitors can view everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art and even a planetarium show. The museum is also home to a beautiful sculpture garden, where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Interesting Fact: The Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science is one of only a few museums in the country that has a working Foucault pendulum.

5. Take a Walk Through the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden

The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is one of the top-rated attractions in Evansville and is a must-visit if you love animals and nature. The zoo features over 700 animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants, and boasts a beautiful botanic garden with over 25 acres of gardens, trails, and greenhouses. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the zoo's train or take part in one of the zoo's many activities and events.

Interesting Fact: The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is home to the oldest accredited zoo in Indiana, with a history that dates back over 100 years.

In conclusion, this road trip from Chicago, IL, to Evansville, IN, is a fun and exciting journey that takes you through some of the best attractions in the Midwest. With stops at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Indiana Dunes National Park, visitors can experience the history and natural beauty of the area. Exploring the Champaign-Urbana Watershed, touring the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science, and visiting the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden are great ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy everything that this road trip has to offer. This trip typically takes around 5 hours to complete, but with so much to see and do, make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey.