Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Sycamore, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois is known for its skyscrapers, lively entertainment venues, and great food. Sycamore, Illinois, on the other hand, is a small town with some of the most breathtaking sceneries you can find in the state. A road trip from Chicago to Sycamore can take about two hours, and it offers you a chance to explore some fascinating spots along the way. This article highlights the top five things to do on your trip, and some little-known facts about them.

East Dundee, IL, is almost halfway between Chicago and Sycamore, and serves as a perfect resting spot. You can grab lunch at The Village Squire, enjoy a cold beer at Emmett's Brewing Company, or just stretch your legs with a walk in Fox River Waterfront Park.

1. Experience The City Life at Millennium Park

Millennium Park is located in the heart of Chicago and it’s an exciting place to visit for anyone looking to enjoy the city life. While here, you can take a walk to Cloud Gate, a giant reflective bean-shaped sculpture that has transformed into Chicagos go-to photo op. The natural grass amphitheater featuring Frank Gehry's awe-inspiring Jay Pritzker Pavilion is another must-see spot in Millennium Park. Additionally, you can take your picture next to the Crown Fountain, a computer-driven work of art that projects thousands of Chicagoan faces and sprays water out of the mouths letting visitors cool down on hot summer days.

Did you know that the Cloud Gate weighs a whopping 110 tons and is made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together?

2. Enjoy the Scenic Views while Driving Along IL-64

The drive from Chicago to Sycamore takes you along one of Illinois's most charming roads, IL-64. The road trip is a great way to enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries in the region, including tranquil forests, tall cornfields, and vibrant wildflowers. You can also stop by a roadside produce stand for some fresh fruits and vegetables along the way.

Did you know that IL-64 stretches from Chicago to the Missouri River, running parallel to the historic Route 66?

3. Explore the Anderson Japanese Gardens

The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL, is a must-visit spot on your trip. These sprawling gardens span over 12 acres and provide a peaceful and tranquil environment to unwind and breathe fresh air. The gardens are beautifully manicured with an array of plant species that bloom all year round, beside constructed ponds, winding paths, and a picturesque teahouse.

Did you know that the Anderson Japanese Garden is built with a unique landscape design, which utilizes rocks as the garden's backbone, and neither walls nor barriers make the gardens unusually open?

4. Visit the Wild West Town

If you're tired of the same old routine and want to take a step back in time, then Wild West Town should be on your list. This amusement park located in Union, IL, gives you a taste of living in the Wild West with an exciting lineup of attractions such as Gold Panning, Train Rides, a Saloon, a Shooting Gallery, and even a Petting Zoo.

Did you know that Wild West Town is home to a fully operational narrow-gauge railway, which takes visitors on a half-mile ride around the park's perimeter?

5. Take a Hike in the Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby, IL, is a nature lover's paradise with an abundance of flora and fauna in a scenic natural setting. The park offers miles of hiking trails, natural streams, waterfalls, and caves to explore. The park also boasts of breathtaking overlooks and a vast variety of vegetation, including the beautiful prairie wildflowers.

Did you know that Matthiessen State Park is named after Frederick William Matthiessen, who donated the land to the state of Illinois to preserve its natural beauty?

Conclusion

The road trip from Chicago to Sycamore offers a perfect escape for anyone looking to get out of the city and experience something new. The trip covers about 90 miles and takes about two hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Whether you're looking to explore a new place, or enjoy some of Illinois's natural charms, this trip has got you covered. With a mix of city life, scenic views, beautiful gardens, amusement parks, and beautiful state parks, there is something for everyone.