The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, IL and Holland, MI
Traveling by car is an excellent way to explore the Midwest of the United States. The scenic route from Chicago, Illinois to Holland, Michigan offers an unforgettable road trip experience with fantastic attractions, beautiful nature, and delicious food.
The route spans approximately 170 miles and takes around 3.5 hours, making it an excellent weekend getaway. The halfway point, Three Oaks, MI, is one of the highlights of the route, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. Visit Millennium Park - Chicago, IL
Millennium Park is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago. Located in the heart of the city, the park offers breathtaking views of the skyline, a beautiful garden, and iconic water features. Visitors can take a stroll down the winding paths and past the renowned Cloud Gate sculpture that reflects the skyline of the city. The park also hosts seasonal events that showcase a diverse array of arts and music.
Interesting Fact: The park cost $490 million to create and features the largest rooftop garden in the world.
2. Try Deep Dish Pizza - Chicago, IL
No trip to Chicago is complete without trying their legendary deep-dish pizza. The dish consists of a thick crust that is baked in a pan and filled with a generous amount of cheese, toppings, and marinara sauce. Many local pizzerias around the city serve their variation of the dish, making it the perfect excuse to try multiple slices.
Interesting Fact: The deep-dish pizza was invented in Chicago by Ike Sewell, founder of Pizzeria Uno, in 1943.
3. Explore Warren Dunes State Park - Sawyer, MI
Warren Dunes State Park is a nature lover's paradise, spanning over 1,952 acres of sand dunes, woodlands, and beaches. The park offers visitors the chance to hike, bike, or even climb a nearby dune to witness panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. Those who love water sports will enjoy swimming, canoeing, or kayaking in the lake.
Interesting Fact: The dunes in the park can reach up to 260 feet in height, making them some of the tallest sand dunes in the Midwest.
4. Visit the Saugatuck Dune Rides - Saugatuck, MI
Saugatuck Dune Rides is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers thrilling rides on rugged dunes that sit along the shores of Lake Michigan. The rides take visitors on a guided tour of the dunes, offering them a unique opportunity to see the varied flora and fauna of the region. The tour also offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding dune landscape.
Interesting Fact: The dune rides have been in operation since the 1930s and were originally used to transport lumber from the forest to the lake.
5. Try Dutch Pastries - Holland, MI
Holland, Michigan, is known for its Dutch heritage, and what better way to embrace this culture than by trying some of their classic pastries. The town boasts many pastry shops and bakeries that offer authentic Dutch treats like stroopwafels, banket, and oliebollen. Visitors can also visit the annual Tulip Time Festival that showcases the Dutch heritage of the town with various events, music, and dance.
Interesting Fact: Holland, Michigan has the only authentic Dutch-style windmill in the United States.
Conclusion
Exploring the Midwest by car is an enjoyable and exciting adventure. The route from Chicago, Illinois to Holland, Michigan offers a diverse array of attractions, nature, and food. From the iconic skyline of Chicago to the stunning dunes of Warren Dunes State Park and the Dutch pastries of Holland, there are plenty of things to do and see along the way. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours, making it an ideal weekend getaway.