Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago, IL to Monticello, IN

Chicago, Illinois, and Monticello, Indiana, are only 135 miles apart, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. The drive time without traffic is about two hours, but with stops, it can be an all-day affair. There is no need to hurry, take each stop as an opportunity to explore a new place, rest, and have fun. The route passes through small towns, bucolic farmland, and urban centers, making it diverse enough to suit every traveler's taste.

Halfway Point: De Motte, IN

De Motte, Indiana, is the approximate midpoint between Chicago and Monticello. It is a small town of about 4,000 people, with a charming downtown area and several restaurants. The town's name is a Dutch word that means "the mole," and it was founded in 1865. Visitors can stop at De Motte Park for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or to watch a Little League game. The park is home to a community center, a skate park, and a swimming pool, making it a fun destination for families traveling with children.

1. Fair Oaks Farms Adventure Center

Fair Oaks Farms Adventure Center is a unique attraction that combines entertainment, education, and agriculture. It is located in Fair Oaks, Indiana, just off I-65. Visitors can take a bus tour of the working dairy farm, see the cows being milked, and even pet a calf. The center also features interactive exhibits about modern farming, a 4D movie, a ropes course, and an indoor playground. The Farmhouse Restaurant serves farm-to-table comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. The best thing to try is the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and apple slices. It's a perfect meal for a day of exploring the farm.

2. Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort

Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort has been a favorite family destination since 1926. It is located in Monticello, Indiana, on the shores of Lake Shafer. The resort features an amusement park with more than 30 rides and attractions, including a wooden roller coaster, a water park, and a classic arcade. Visitors can also rent boats, jet skis, and pontoons to enjoy the lake's pristine waters. The resort offers several dining options, including a pizza restaurant, an ice cream parlor, and a beach bar. The signature dish is the breaded tenderloin sandwich, a Midwestern staple that consists of a thin pork cutlet coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.

3. Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park is a nature lover's paradise located in Marshall, Indiana. The park is named after the wild turkeys that inhabit the area and features rugged canyons, sandstone cliffs, and pristine forests. Visitors can hike the trails that wind through the canyons, climb the ladders that lead to scenic overlooks, or cool off in Sugar Creek, which flows through the park. The park also offers camping, picnicking, and horseback riding. The park's restaurant serves classic American fare, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches. The must-try dish is the country fried steak with mashed potatoes and corn. It's a hearty meal that will fuel hikers for their next adventure.

4. Lafayette Brewing Company

Lafayette Brewing Company is a craft brewery and restaurant located in downtown Lafayette, Indiana. The brewery's motto is "small town, big flavor," and it delivers on that promise. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all brewed on-site in small batches. The brewery also serves pub fare, including sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. The standout dish is the beer cheese soup, a rich and creamy soup made with the brewery's amber ale. It's a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a cold pint of beer.

5. Kankakee Sands

Kankakee Sands is a nature preserve located in Morocco, Indiana. The preserve covers 8,000 acres of restored prairie, wetlands, and savanna. Visitors can hike the trails that wind through the prairie, paddle the streams that flow through the wetlands, or birdwatch at the bird blind. The preserve also offers guided tours and educational programs. There is no food service at the preserve, so visitors should bring a picnic lunch or snacks.

A drive from Chicago, Illinois, to Monticello, Indiana, offers a great opportunity to explore the diversity of the Midwest. Visitors can combine nature, culture, and fun in a single trip. From the bustling city of Chicago to the serene prairies of Kankakee Sands, there is something for everyone. So pack a picnic, fill up the gas tank, and hit the road. You won't regret it.