Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Savanna, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, and Savanna, Illinois are located 142 miles apart from each other. A road trip from these two towns offers beautiful sceneries, interesting attractions, and endless activities to do. The halfway point of this road trip is Rochelle, IL, a small town where travelers can stop and refuel before embarking on the remaining journey.
Top 5 Things to Do
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Located in Utica, Illinois, the park boasts 13 miles of trails, 18 canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, or picnic in this wonderland of outdoor activities. The park's beauty and serenity come from a unique geology feature caused by glacial melt. Starved Rock was voted the #1 attraction in the state of Illinois on Tripadvisor.
Galena Historic District
Galena is an idyllic town located in the northwest corner of Illinois. Bursting with charm and tradition, this historic district has preserved its 19th-century architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Museums, shops, and restaurants line the streets, providing a vibrant atmosphere for everyone. Galena is known for being the home of Ulysses S. Grant, who lived in town for four years before the Civil War.
John Deere Pavilion
The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois, offers a unique indoor museum experience showcasing the evolution of farming equipment. The pavilion features exhibits with interactive displays, historic tractors, and insights into the role the John Deere company played in shaping the American agricultural industry. Visitors can learn about the innovations that helped farmers increase productivity, which ultimately enhanced the American economy.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois, is a 2,500-acre site that offers unmatched views of the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenic drives, hiking trails, camping grounds, and rock climbing. The park is known for its birdwatching opportunities, as it attracts more than 200 species of birds. The park's namesake palisades, a series of cliffs that rise over the riverfront, give it a unique character.
Midway Village Museum
History buffs will love the Midway Village Museum, located in Rockford, Illinois. This museum is known for its immersive exhibits and reenactments of life in the 19th century. Visitors can explore a recreated Victorian village, learn about the life of pioneers, and view giant steam engines. The museum describes life in Northern Illinois during the early to mid-1900s.
Interesting Facts
- Starved Rock State Park sits on 2,630 acres of land and sees an average annual visitation of 2.1 million people.
- A large percentage of Galena's downtown area has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- John Deere's invention of the steel-plow was a game-changer in American agriculture that improved the yield of farming.
- The Mississippi Palisades State Park was donated by private citizens to the state in 1928 and is now one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Illinois.
- The Midway Village Museum's community represents the lifestyle and cultures of Northern Illinois during the periods of 1890 to 1910.
Conclusion
This road trip from Chicago to Savanna takes about 2.5 hours of driving time, but with the number of attractions and activities to engage in, the journey feels shorter. The route offers some of the most picturesque scenery that showcases the beauty of Illinois. This article only covers five of the best things to do, but there are plenty of other amazing experiences to discover along the way. Whether touring historic locations or exploring natural vistas, the Chicago and Savanna route offers something for every type of traveler.