The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Peoria, Illinois
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Chicago, IL - Illinois is a place of unparalleled beauty and diversity. Exploring it by car is an ideal way of discovering the state's hidden gems at your own pace. Visitors embarking on a road trip from Chicago to Peoria will find plenty of activities to engage in along the route. This article will outline the top five things to do on this scenic journey.
The Highlights of the Journey
The road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Peoria, Illinois, is approximately 135 miles and should take around two hours. The route takes you through the heart of the state, bordered by picturesque meadows and undulating green hills. One of the highlights of the road trip is the small town of Odell, Illinois, which lies midway between the two cities. Odell, a historic town, offers visitors several fascinating sites to explore.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Starved Rock State Park
Located in Utica, Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is a must-visit place for nature enthusiasts. Sprawling over 2,630 acres, the state park has 13 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and towering canyons to explore. Visitors can also kayak, fish, and camp at this scenic site.
Interesting Fact: In the 18th century, the park was known as "The Rock" by French explorers who wrote about the place in their journals.
2. Peoria Riverfront Museum
Located in the heart of Peoria, the Peoria Riverfront Museum offers visitors an educational and interactive experience. The museum houses a planetarium, a giant dome screen cinema, and several galleries. There is something for everyone here.
Interesting Fact: The Museum has hosted several notable exhibitions, including Cézanne and Gauguin, hosted by the Art Institute of Chicago.
3. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and times of one of America's most famous presidents. The museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and documents relating to Lincoln's life and times. It also has exhibits that talk about the Civil War and Lincoln's legacy.
Interesting Fact: The museum has an original copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Lincoln.
4. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The historic site is located in Springfield, Illinois, where Lincoln lived for 17 years before becoming president. The Lincoln Home offers visitors an insight into Lincoln's domestic life with his family. The historic site features a 1800s-era home, a visitor center, and a museum.
Interesting Fact: Visitors who take a guided tour of the Lincoln Home get to see original furniture, family portraits, and other historical items.
5. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame
Located in Pontiac, Illinois, the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame is an excellent place to visit for anyone interested in America's history. The Hall of Fame celebrates the history of Route 66, which originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles. The museum features exhibits on the road, its people, and places that made it famous.
Interesting Fact: One of the Hall of Fame's exhibits features a replica of the "mother road" from the 1950s, complete with old-school gas pumps and antique cars.
Conclusion
The road trip from Chicago to Peoria is a scenic trip full of surprises. The journey takes visitors through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of Illinois. Starved Rock State Park, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame are places that should not be missed on your travels. Along the way, visitors will encounter the small but historic town of Odell, Illinois, which is worth stopping to explore. This road trip is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the unique beauty and history of Illinois by car.