The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Willow Springs, Missouri

Chicago, Illinois, a city known for its museums, art, and food scene, is also a great starting point for a road trip. Willow Springs, Missouri, a small town in the Ozarks, offers a relaxing and scenic destination for a road trip. The trip is approximately 400 miles long and takes approximately 7 hours each way. The halfway point is Litchfield, Illinois, a small town with a charming downtown area. Here are some of the highlights of this road trip, as well as the top five things to do.

Overview

The route starts in Chicago, then heads south on Interstate 55, passing through towns such as Joliet, Pontiac, and Springfield. After Springfield, the route veers off to the south and follows state highways through the small towns of Carlinville, Litchfield, and Hillsboro, then ultimately to Willow Springs, Missouri. The route is mostly scenic, but there are a few urban areas, including Springfield, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Halfway through the trip lies the small town of Litchfield, Illinois. It is a charming town located on old Route 66, with a historic downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. It is a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat.

Top Five Things to Do

Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is an iconic monument that stands 630 feet tall and is the tallest arch in the world. Visitors can take an elevator to the top and enjoy stunning views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The monument also houses a museum that tells the story of St. Louis and its role in American history.

Fun fact: The Gateway Arch is made of stainless steel and is hollow inside.

Explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal, Missouri is the boyhood home of Mark Twain, one of America's most famous authors. Visitors can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and learn about the life of Samuel Clemens, the man behind the pen name. The museum has exhibits on his life and writings, as well as the town of Hannibal.

Fun fact: In his lifetime, Mark Twain wrote 28 books and numerous short stories and essays.

Hike at Pioneer Park in Carlinville, Illinois

Pioneer Park is a beautiful park located in Carlinville, Illinois. It features hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the lake. The park is a great place to spend a day outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the Illinois countryside.

Fun fact: The lake in Pioneer Park was formed by a strip mining operation in the 1950s.

Visit Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, Illinois

Springfield, Illinois is the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Visitors can tour his tomb, which is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The tomb features a large granite monument and a statue of Lincoln, as well as the graves of his wife and three of his four sons.

Fun fact: Lincoln's tomb was almost destroyed by a train derailment in 1874, but it was quickly repaired.

Take a Scenic Drive on Route 66

Route 66 is one of America's most famous highways. It stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, California and is known as the "Main Street of America". The route passes through some of America's most iconic sights and landmarks, including the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest. The Illinois portion of the road is especially scenic, with picturesque small towns and historic landmarks.

Fun fact: The song "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" was written by Bobby Troup in 1946 and became an anthem for the road.

Conclusion

This road trip from Chicago to Willow Springs offers a great mix of urban and rural destinations. Along the way, visitors can experience some of America's most iconic sights and landmarks, as well as discover hidden gems in small towns. The trip takes approximately 7 hours each way, but visitors can extend their stay in any of the destinations along the route. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this road trip has something for everyone.