Points of Interest between Chicago, Illinois to Vernon Hills, Illinois

picture of Chicago, Illinois

Road Trip from Chicago to Vernon Hills: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago to Vernon Hills? This route offers a fantastic blend of urban and suburban landscapes, rich history, and natural beauty. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a family of four, or a group of friends, you can find plenty of things to do and see along the way. In this post, we will highlight the top five places to visit on your road trip, along with some interesting facts, tips, and recommendations.

An Interesting Fact

Did you know that Vernon Hills is home to one of the largest shopping malls in Illinois - the Hawthorn Mall? This indoor center has over 120 stores, restaurants, and attractions, including a cineplex, a food court, and a variety of specialty shops.

The Halfway Point: Chicago, IL

Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, after New York City and Los Angeles, with over 2.7 million residents. It is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, iconic architecture, and deep-dish pizza. If you have some extra time, you can explore some of Chicago's top attractions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), and the Magnificent Mile. However, for the purpose of this post, we will assume that you're starting your road trip from Chicago and heading north towards Vernon Hills.

The Length of the Trip

The distance between Chicago and Vernon Hills is approximately 35 miles, depending on the route you take and the traffic conditions. On average, the driving time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, barring any delays or detours. However, we recommend that you plan for at least half a day or a full day, depending on how many stops you want to make and how long you want to spend at each destination. You can also adjust your itinerary based on your interests and preferences.

The Top Five Places to Visit

  1. Chicago Botanic Garden - This 385-acre oasis in Glencoe is one of the most beautiful and diverse gardens in the world. With over 27 display gardens, four natural areas, and nine islands, the garden offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. You can stroll along the paths and see a wide variety of plants and flowers, attend a special event or concert, take a guided tour, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The garden also has several dining options, a gift shop, and a visitor center that provides maps and information. Point of interest: Make sure to visit the Japanese Garden, which features a traditional tea house, a bonsai collection, and a pond with koi fish.

  2. Cuneo Mansion and Gardens - This historic estate in Vernon Hills showcases the grandeur and elegance of the Gilded Age. Originally built in 1916 by Samuel Insull, a prominent utilities magnate, the mansion features 33 rooms, including a ballroom, a library, a conservatory, and a chapel. The gardens, designed by landscaper Jens Jensen, include a sunken garden, a rose garden, a lily pond, and a waterfall. The mansion is now owned by Loyola University Chicago, which uses it for special events, tours, and academic programs. Point of interest: Look for the hidden grotto, a secluded area with a natural spring, ferns, and mosses.

  3. Volo Auto Museum - This unique museum in Volo celebrates the history and diversity of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. With over 33 exhibits and collections, the museum features classic cars from the 1900s to the 1980s, rare prototypes, movie cars and replicas, military vehicles, and more. You can also view vintage clothing, toys, jukeboxes, and other Americana artifacts. The museum has several interactive displays, including a driving simulator, a pinball arcade, and an antique diner. Point of interest: Don't miss the Batmobile collection, which includes several versions of the iconic car from the Batman TV series and movies.

  4. Independence Grove Forest Preserve - This natural sanctuary in Libertyville offers a peaceful retreat from the city and a chance to connect with nature. The preserve has over 1150 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and lakes, and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. You can also attend a concert or movie in the outdoor amphitheater, join a yoga or fitness class, or explore the visitors' center and learning lab. Point of interest: Take a scenic hike around the perimeter of the lake, which offers stunning views of the forest and wildlife.

  5. Six Flags Great America - This thrilling amusement park in Gurnee is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers. With over 14 roller coasters and 40 rides, the park offers a variety of experiences for all ages and interests, from gentle swings to heart-pumping drops. You can also see live shows, meet cartoon characters, play games, and enjoy a variety of food and drink options. The park has several themed areas, including DC Universe, Mardi Gras, and Hometown Square. Point of interest: Check out the new ride for 2021, the Jersey Devil Coaster, which is the tallest, fastest, and longest single-rail coaster in the world.

Point of Interest Recommendations

  • Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the scenic spots in the botanical garden or the forest preserve.
  • Take a guided tour of the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens to learn more about the history and architecture of the estate.
  • Get a souvenir from the gift shop at the auto museum or the garden center at the botanical garden.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and check the weather forecast before you go, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
  • Bring a camera or a smartphone to capture the highlights of your trip.

Conclusion

In this post, we have highlighted the top five places to visit on your road trip from Chicago to Vernon Hills: the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, the Volo Auto Museum, the Independence Grove Forest Preserve, and the Six Flags Great America amusement park. Each place offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors, from natural beauty to cultural heritage to adrenaline-fueled fun. We hope that you have found this guide helpful and that you will embark on your own road trip soon!