The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Vandalia, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois, and Vandalia, Ohio are two great destinations with plenty of landmarks and activities for road trippers to explore. Whether it’s a spontaneous visit or a well-planned trip, there is something for everyone. The journey from Chicago, Illinois, to Vandalia, Ohio is approximately 343 miles and takes about 5 hours. The halfway point, Lebanon, IN, is an ideal stop for pit stops and taking a break. Here are the highlights of the trip and the top five things to do on the way.
Highlights of the Trip
On the trip, you’ll cross the border into Indiana where you can find a lot of interesting places and landmarks. First, you can visit Turkey Run State Park located in the west-central part of Indiana. The park offers beautiful trails along the waterfalls that are sure to mesmerize you. Head south to Indianapolis and visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where you get to see race cars going over a 100 miles per hour. Head north, and you’ll discover the charming town of Lebanon, Indiana, known for its quiet streets, antique shops, and delicious confectioneries. The town is the perfect stop before making the final push to Vandalia.
Top Five Things to Do
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is home to a vast collection of artwork from different periods, including modern and contemporary art, impressionism, and post-impressionism. Here you will find some of the greatest works of art, like Pablo Picasso's "The Old Guitarist," Vincent van Gogh's "The Bedroom," and Grant Wood's "American Gothic." If you appreciate art, this is a must-stop destination.
Interesting Fact:
The museum has over 300,000 works of art in its collection.
2. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a 24.5-acre park located in the heart of Chicago. Here you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape, which includes the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the serene Lurie Garden, and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, known commonly as “the bean.” With free admission, this place offers the perfect scenery for a group selfie or family photograph.
Interesting Fact:
The Cloud Gate sculpture weighs over 100 tons and is made up of 168 stainless steel plates.
3. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For automobile enthusiasts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the place to be. Known for hosting the Indianapolis 500, this racing track is one of the most popular spots in Indiana. Not only can you watch cars zoom by at over a hundred miles per hour, but you can also take a guided tour of the track and even drive a racecar.
Interesting Fact:
The attendance for the Indianapolis 500 was the highest in 2019 with over 300,000 attendees.
4. Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is a must-stop destination for nature lovers. With scenic trails and natural rock formations, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. The park is a perfect place to enjoy hiking, picnicking, or camping and is home to many rare plant species.
Interesting Fact:
Turkey Run State Park is Indiana’s second oldest park and was dedicated in 1916.
5. Jack Nicklaus Museum
The Jack Nicklaus Museum is located on the parallel line between Chicago, Illinois, and Vandalia, Ohio. This museum is dedicated to honoring one of the greatest golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus, and displays his awards, trophies, and memorabilia. They also provide interactive exhibits that entertain and educate visitors on the history of golf.
Interesting Fact:
Jack Nicklaus is one of the 15 golfers that has won all 4 of the major tournaments.
Conclusion
The road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Vandalia, Ohio, is an adventure with plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 343 miles, with highlights including art, nature, racing, and golf. From the Art Institute of Chicago to the Jack Nicklaus Museum, you’ll have quite an unforgettable experience. So gas up and hit the road, and like the saying goes, "it's not the destination; it's the journey."