Five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Chicago, Illinois and Village of Somers, Wisconsin

If you're looking for a picturesque road trip through the Midwest, the journey from Chicago, Illinois to Village of Somers, Wisconsin is a great option. While the drive is only about two hours long, there are several unexpected places to visit on the way.

Starting in Chicago, take I-94 North for approximately 70 miles until you reach the Village of Somers. Along the way, you'll discover beautiful scenic routes, charming small towns, and delicious local cuisine.

1. The Spice House, Evanston, IL

Located just off I-94 in Evanston, The Spice House is a small spice shop that has been in business for over 60 years. It offers a wide variety of spices, herbs, and blends from all over the world. Visitors can browse the selection, learn about the history of different spices, and sample some of the blends.

Favorite Food: Try their signature blend, "Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper," on grilled chicken.

2. Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Art Museum is a beautiful piece of architectural design and a great stop for art lovers. The museum’s collection includes over 26,000 pieces with works ranging from old masters to contemporary artists. Don't miss the iconic "Wings" by Santiago Calatrava, the museum's main attraction.

Favorite Food: Head to the museum's Café Calatrava for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.

3. Mars Cheese Castle, Kenosha, WI

Located just off I-94 in Kenosha, Mars Cheese Castle is a unique roadside attraction that has been in business for over 70 years. It's a cheese lover's paradise, offering more than 700 varieties of cheese from around the world. The store also has a bakery, a deli, and a gift shop, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a snack.

Favorite Food: Try their famous grilled cheese sandwich with a side of cheese curds.

4. Petrifying Springs Park, Kenosha, WI

Located just 10 minutes from Mars Cheese Castle, Petrifying Springs Park is a beautiful park with over 350 acres of natural beauty. The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a golf course, making it a great place to get outside and stretch your legs.

Favorite Food: Pack a picnic with local Wisconsin cheese and a loaf of fresh bread from a local bakery.

5. Jelly Belly Center, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Located just off I-94 in Pleasant Prairie, Jelly Belly Center is a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. Visitors can take a guided tour of the factory, learn about the history of Jelly Belly, and sample some of the famous jelly beans.

Favorite Food: Try their new line of "Mixed Emotions" Jelly Belly flavors, including "Happy," "Love," and "Excited."

This road trip offers an enjoyable taste of Midwest living. A visit to the Spice House in Evanston is a perfect way to start the trip with a bit of spice. At a halfway point in Libertyville, IL to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs, take a break in Chicago’s charming northern suburb. In Milwaukee, art enthusiasts should not miss out on the Milwaukee Art Museum, while Mars Cheese Castle is a must-stop for cheese lovers. For outdoorsy families, Petrifying Springs Park is a perfect fit. Lastly, Jelly Belly Center is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth. Take the plunge and make the trip from Chicago to Village of Somers sure to be a road trip that yields great experiences.