The Best Road Trip from Cicero to Chicago
Cicero, Illinois, is a suburb just west of Chicago, and is the perfect starting point for an adventurous road trip through the heart of Illinois. Whether traveling with family or friends, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy along the way. After a quick drive-through Cicero, the halfway point of the journey is reached in Chicago, which offers endless opportunities for exploration.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Shedd Aquarium
Located in downtown Chicago near Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is the perfect place to spend an afternoon among an array of marine life. With over 32,000 animals from around the world, visitors can see everything from sea turtles to beluga whales. The Shedd Aquarium is not only an entertaining attraction, but it also serves as an essential hub for scientific research.
Interesting Fact: The Shedd Aquarium is home to a rescued green sea turtle, the first in the aquarium’s history to successfully reproduce.
2. Millennium Park
One of the most iconic tourist centers in Chicago, Millennium Park is a must-visit destination. The 25-acre park is home to world-famous sculptures, fountains, and gardens. The park also hosts numerous festivals and performances, such as free summer concerts.
Interesting Fact: One of the most popular sculptures at the park is "Cloud Gate," sometimes referred to as "The Bean."
3. Route 66 Museum
A perfect pit stop on a road trip is the Route 66 museum in Pontiac, Illinois. This museum is dedicated to the "Mother Road," and its collection perfectly illustrates the heyday of the highway and how it shaped American history. The museum documents how people traveled during the time when Route 66 was thriving and highlights the contributions of the highway to Illinois's economic growth.
Interesting Fact: The VW microbus in the Route 66 Museum is an iconic vehicle known to be associated with hippies in the 60s and 70s.
4. Starved Rock State Park
For a glimpse of natural beauty, Starved Rock State Park in Peru, Illinois, is an excellent destination. The park's main attraction is its 18 unique sandstone canyons and waterfalls. If you love outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, or rock climbing, this is the perfect place to be.
Interesting Fact: The Black Hawk War ended when Chief Black Hawk was captured near the park site in 1832.
5. Rialto Square Theatre
Located in Joliet, Illinois, the Rialto Square Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and one of the nation's most beautiful theaters. It has undergone a series of renovations and restorations over the years but still maintains its original beauty and grandeur. For concerts, plays, or other live performances, visitors can immerse themselves in in the theater's ornate interior.
Interesting Fact: The Rialto Square Theatre was one of the first theaters in the world capable of playing "talkies" during the debut of sound in movies.
The Route and Duration
The trip begins from Cicero, which has direct access to I-55 and I-290. Visitors can take I-55 straight to Pontiac, where they can visit the Route 66 Museum. From there, the scenic route to Starved Rock is a short drive away to arrive at the majestic natural sights. Visitors can then take IL-71 south to Joliet, stopping at iconic places like the Rialto Square Theatre, before heading to Chicago. The trip can take anywhere from 4-6 hours, allowing visitors to see everything along the way.
In conclusion, a road trip from Cicero and Chicago, Illinois, offers numerous opportunities for an adventurous journey. From the Route 66 Museum to the star-studded skies at Starved Rock State Park, this trip allows visitors to immerse themselves in history, culture, and natural beauty all in one route. So, on your next weekend, pack your bags and explore the best of Illinois.