#Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Whitestown, Indiana
A road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Whitestown, Indiana can be an exciting journey with plenty of adventures and destinations to explore along the way. The road trip spans around 180 miles, and the halfway point is Remington, IN. The highlights of the trip include breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and delicious food stops. The following top five things to do in the area are must-sees for any traveler on this road trip.
##1. Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is a gem on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and attracts visitors from all over the world. The park features 15 miles of beaches and more than 70 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore sand dunes towering up to 200 feet, wetlands, prairies, forests, and historic sites. A hike to the top of Mount Baldy provides a stunning panoramic view of the shoreline. The park is a perfect place for outdoor activities like fishing, bird watching, camping, and kayaking.
Interesting Fact: Indiana Dunes National Park was designated as a National Park in 2019 and is the 61st National Park in the US.
##2. Explore the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago
The Willis Tower Skydeck is a must-visit attraction in Chicago, offering breathtaking views of the Windy City from 1,353 feet above street level. Visitors can step out onto the glass ledge and look down on the street below from the 103rd floor. The Skydeck offers interactive exhibits, a theater presentation about Chicago's history, and a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area.
Interesting Fact: The Willis Tower Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the US and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
##3. Experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a mecca for car enthusiasts, featuring race cars, trophies, and artifacts from over a century of motorsports history. The museum offers guided tours of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the Indy 500 and other races. Visitors can explore exhibits on the evolution of racing, technology, and speed through the years.
Interesting Fact: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world, seating up to 257,000 people, and the track covers 253 acres.
##4. Discover the West Baden Springs Hotel
The West Baden Springs Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and a world-famous luxury resort. The hotel dates back to 1902 and features a stunning domed atrium that spans 200 feet. Visitors can stroll through the grounds of the hotel, take a guided tour of the facility, and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. The hotel also offers a spa, golf course, and various recreational activities.
Interesting Fact: The West Baden Springs Hotel boasts the world's largest free-spanning dome until the construction of the Houston Astrodome in 1965.
##5. Roam around the Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is a nature lover's dream, located in Parke County, Indiana. Visitors can explore rugged canyons, sandstone cliffs, and scenic waterfalls along the Sugar Creek. The park offers over 10 miles of trails to hike or bike, nature programs, and horseback riding. Turkey Run State Park is also home to several unique geological features like fossil beds, dry creeks, and cave-like structures.
Interesting Fact: Turkey Run State Park is one of the oldest and the second-largest state parks in Indiana, encompassing over 2,400 acres.
The road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Whitestown, Indiana spans around 180 miles and has plenty to offer visitors from diverse backgrounds. The trip covers everything from scenic landscapes and historic landmarks to cultural attractions and gourmet food stops. By visiting the Indiana Dunes National Park, experiencing the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago, exploring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, discovering the West Baden Springs Hotel, and roaming around the Turkey Run State Park, visitors can have a memorable and immersive road trip.
In conclusion, the entire road trip takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. It is always a good idea to plan the trip well in advance, carry enough snacks and drinks, and make stops along the way to stretch your legs and relax. Happy road tripping!