Top Five Places to Visit on a Chicago to Justice Road Trip

If there’s something that the Midwest of the United States offers is a wide range of attractions to explore across its scenic roads. If you are planning a road trip between Chicago, Illinois, and Justice, Illinois -which stretches for just under 20 miles- we’ve got you covered. This is our top five list of the best places to visit to turn your journey into a memorable adventure.

Route and Halfway Point: Berwyn, IL

As usual, the best way to start any road trip is to check your car is in good condition, grab a playlist, and maybe pack food and drinks for the journey. Once you are all set, head southwest on the I-290, and after about 20 minutes, you will reach Berwyn, IL, which is conveniently located at the halfway point for this route. The downtown area offers a ranging and unique mix of boutiques, check out some of the murals painted in its brick buildings or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cafes.

Stop 1: Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL

The Brookfield Zoo is not only a great entertainment option for the little ones, but it is also worth visiting for adults who enjoy nature and animals. The zoo opened in 1934 and over the years, its exhibits have grown and evolved to include diverse habitats such as wetlands and savannahs, and more than 450 species of animals. Among the zoo’s highlights is the Great Bear Wilderness, which recreates the habitat of grizzly bears, polar bears, and North American river otters.

Stop 2: Riverside, IL

Riverside, IL is a suburb located just south of the Brookfield Zoo with a lot to offer in terms of architecture. In fact, the whole historic village is a National Historic Landmark and it is recognized for its extraordinary residential architecture. In the village center, there is a train station designed by architect Frederick Law Olmsted -famous for his work on Central Park in New York City- that was built in 1871 and still works today. Walk up East Lawn, and you will discover some of the most striking houses of the village, including the Coonley Estate; a stunning red brick house with vivid stained-glass windows.

Stop 3: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Oak Park, IL

Only a 10-minute drive from Riverside, we reach Oak Park, IL, which is home to one of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. Here we can visit the house where Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked with his family for 20 years. The house showcases the groundbreaking architecture Wright became famous for, such as his so-called “Prairie” style. Guided tours are available, or you can opt for a self-guided audio tour. The house is surrounded by charming gardens where you can find ideas for your own backyard.

Stop 4: The Malt Row, Forest Park, IL

Right before heading to your final destination, take a quick detour to Forest Park, IL to visit the “Malt Row” area. It is a small district where you can find breweries, distilleries, and beer bars. Among the breweries, stops include Exit Strategy Brewing Company, which opened in 2018 and features a cozy taproom with flavorful beers, or Short Fuse Brewing Company which is known for using unusual ingredients in the beer-making process such as horchata and limoncello. It's an ideal place to relax after a long drive.

Stop 5: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs, IL

Before you end your trip in Justice, we recommend taking your car and drive 10 minutes south to visit the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center. The nature center is nestled among the woods of the Cook County Forest Preserves, and it features various walking trails, exhibits on local wildlife, and interactive displays that will teach you about the surrounding flora and fauna. It's an ideal way to reconnect with nature, and kids will love the kids' corner, which features games, and crafts.

As you make your way back to the highway and head to your final destination, we hope that this top-five list of the best places to visit on a road trip from Chicago to Justice, Illinois will help you make the most of your journey.