Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cicero, Illinois and Hammond, Indiana

Taking a road trip from Cicero, Illinois to Hammond, Indiana is an adventure that offers a variety of experiences to tourists. From learning about the history of the region to exploring the scenic views, this route has something for everyone. The trip is a total of 55 miles and the halfway point is the bustling city of Chicago, IL. Here are some of the best things to do on a road trip from Cicero, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.

Visit the Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the hidden gems that the region has to offer. The park is a 15-minute drive from Hammond, Indiana, and has more than two miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan. The park has various accommodation options, including cabins, campsites, and the park's beachfront pavilion. Camping enthusiasts can rent a beautiful campsite and spend the night. Visitors can also indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and bird watching.

Fun Fact: Indiana Dunes State Park is home to over 350 bird species.

Explore the Willis Tower Skydeck

The Willis Tower Skydeck is an iconic landmark in Chicago, Illinois, and a must-visit spot on a road trip. The skydeck offers a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline and lakefront. The glass balconies extend out about four feet and allow visitors to stand 1,353 feet above the ground. Visitors can take a quiz while queuing up for the elevator that takes them up to the skydeck. It is a fun way to pass the time while waiting.

Fun Fact: In 2009, French climber Alain Robert climbed Willis Tower without any ropes or safety gear.

Take the Chicago River Architecture Cruise

The Chicago River Architecture Cruise is an excellent way to explore the city's diverse architecture. The tour offers an engaging and informative narrative on the city's engineering history and architecture. Tourists can enjoy the one and a half hour long tour either during the day or at night. The tour guides are highly knowledgeable, and they offer depth on the history that lies behind every building along the river.

Fun Fact: The Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backwards.

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States. The museum has more than 300,000 works of art, including sculptures and paintings, from all over the world. The Art Institute’s collection is a sight to behold, and even art amateurs can appreciate the history and beauty of the art. The museum’s exhibitions, including contemporary art, are always changing. This means visitors can always return and experience something new during subsequent visits.

Fun Fact: The museum’s collection includes more than 53,000 pieces of textiles and fashion accessories.

Go on a Brewery Tour at Three Floyds Brewing Co.

No road trip is ever complete without enjoying a cold beer. The Three Floyds Brewing Co. is a brewery that has established itself as a must-visit spot on a road trip to Hammond, Indiana. The brewery’s beer-making process is highly interactive, allowing visitors to learn the ins and outs of beer-making. Visitors get to taste the brewery’s signature beers, including Gumballhead, Zombie Dust, Yum Yum, and Alpha Klaus. The experience is made even better by the brewery’s fantastic atmosphere and excellent customer service.

Fun Fact: Three Floyds Brewing Co. was listed as one of the Top 25 breweries in the world by RateBeer in 2021.

Conclusion

The road trip from Cicero, Illinois, to Hammond, Indiana, is a memorable journey that offers tourists a lot to see and do. From the Indiana Dunes State Park, the Willis Tower Skydeck, and the Chicago River Architecture Cruise to the Art Institute of Chicago and Three Floyds Brewing Co., this route offers diverse experiences that suit the needs of all visitors. The trip took approximately two days, giving visitors enough time to explore and enjoy the region.