The Best Things to Do on Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois to New Haven, Connecticut
Traveling by car from Chicago, Illinois to New Haven, Connecticut can be an exciting and adventurous experience. With so many places to explore along the way, it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy taking road trips. One interesting spot to note is Mercer, PA, which is the halfway point for this journey. This small town is a great place to take a break and explore some historic sites.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Millennium Park - Chicago, IL
Millennium Park is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to or from Chicago. The park offers visitors a wide range of activities, including art displays, gardens, and an outdoor concert pavilion. One of the most popular and impressive sights to see is the mirrored "Bean" sculpture. After a long drive, this is a great spot to stretch your legs and bask in the beauty of the park.
Interesting fact:
Millennium Park was opened in 2004 and took almost a decade to complete, with an estimated budget of $475 million.
2. Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The falls are located on the Niagara River, which forms the border between the United States and Canada. Visitors can take a boat tour and experience the falls up close, or explore the area around the falls on foot. With its stunning natural beauty, Niagara Falls is definitely worth the detour from your road trip.
Interesting fact:
Niagara Falls is not just one waterfall, but actually consists of three separate waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
3. Mystic Aquarium - Mystic, CT
Mystic Aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including whales, sea lions, and penguins. Visitors can watch the animals feed, see live demonstrations, and even touch a shark in the aquarium’s petting area. The aquarium also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits, making it the perfect spot for families with children.
Interesting fact:
Mystic Aquarium is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting marine education and conservation.
4. Mystic Seaport - Mystic, CT
Mystic Seaport is a living museum that showcases the history of maritime culture in the United States. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of historic ships and boats, as well as the recreated 19th-century seafaring village. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.
Interesting fact:
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Charles W. Morgan, which is the last remaining wooden whaling ship from the 19th century.
5. Yale University - New Haven, CT
Yale University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Visitors can take a walking tour of the campus and see some of the university’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sterling Memorial Library and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Yale also offers excellent food options in the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot to end your road trip.
Interesting fact:
Yale University was founded in 1701 and is the third oldest university in the United States.
Conclusion
Traveling from Chicago, Illinois to New Haven, Connecticut is a journey full of adventure and excitement. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or learn about history and culture, there is something for everyone along the way. With so many amazing experiences to be had, this trip is definitely worth the time and effort. The total distance is about 925 miles, depending on your specific route, which can take anywhere from 16-18 hours to drive straight through. However, with so many amazing stops along the way, it’s probably best to take your time and enjoy everything this trip has to offer.