ILLINOIS — Constantly churning to a cacophony of sounds from nonstop traffic, trains and the 9.459 million or so people who call it home, Chicagoland has almost every base covered when it comes to spending leisure time.
Sometimes, though, you just have to break on through to the other side of Chicago and its suburbs. You won’t have to drive far to feel you’re in a different place.
The most American of road trips anywhere starts on Route 66 in Chicago — more about that in a bit — but with seven national scenic byways and 15,969 miles of state highways, there’s plenty more to see in the Prairie State.
Here are five classic Illinois road trips:
Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis, about 300 miles: If you can’t manage the entire cross-country route, the first leg of the Route 66 road trip does come with a lot of flat stretches and cornfields, but there are still plenty of iconic diners and gas stations and giant roadside statues to make the drive worthwhile. Route 66 starts at South Michigan Avenue and East Adams Street in downtown Chicago, and the Route 66 Welcome Center is in Joliet, where the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site draws a steady stream of the curious. Route 66 is dotted with giant fiberglass “Muffler Man” statutes from the 1960s, including Wilmington’s Gemini Giant, who sports a rocket ship, and Atlanta’s Paul Bunyon (intentionally spelled with an “o”), who grips a giant hot dog in his oversized hands. Before you leave Illinois, stop in Collinsville to see the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle. In St. Louis, there’s plenty to see, including Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis Union Station, the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum and the Laumeier Sculpture Park & Museum. By the way, Route 66 also goes through Springfield, Illinois’ state capital and worth a trip on its own. About 35 minutes north of there in Lincoln, you don’t want to miss the Guinness World Record holding Railsplitter Covered Wagon featuring Abraham Lincoln reading law.
Springfield, about 220 miles southwest of Chicago: Springfield is the state capital of Illinois, and both the current and Old State Capitol Building are worth touring. But the reason many people make the trip is to learn more about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, who in 1863 issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring forever free slaves within the Confederacy. The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is in Springfield, and visitors can also see Lincoln’s tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the house he lived in before becoming president.
Starved Rock State Park, about 95 miles southwest of Chicago: If you’re craving fresh air and outdoor adventure, Starved Rock State Park is the place to go. Known for steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater, 14 of them with waterfalls, the state park is a choice destination for hiking, kayaking and white water rafting. Camp overnight, or stay at the Starved Rock Lodge. There are plenty of places to see and things to do in the charming Illinois River valley towns near the park. Some of the attractions are museums and mansions, brewery and winery tours, zip lining, horseback riding and canal boat tours.
Galena, about 165 miles northwest of Chicago: This Mississippi River town is set against a backdrop of the steep, forested ridges, deeply carved valleys and spring-fed waterfalls typical of the Driftless Area, a 24,103-square-mile area in four states that escaped the flattening effects of glaciers in the last ice age. A former precious minerals mining mecca, Galena recalls a simpler time with its historic downtown filled with shops, cafés and restaurants that cater to multiple styles and tastes, and historic hotels. The area is prolific with golf courses and wineries, and hiking opportunities are endless. Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa offers golf and pampering. For people who want more adventure, Long Hollow Canopy Tours offers zip line tours through the woods. The home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. president, is a classic example of the Italianate style of architecture and is packed with hitory. Trolley tours take visitors to historical and architectural landmarks, or visitors can tailor their trip to include original experiences.
Gurnee, about 55 miles north of Chicago: If you’re short on time, adventure awaits in Gurnee, a village that hosts about 23 million visitors a year. It’s home to Six Flags Great America, which has high-speed roller coasters and other thrill rides, and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, which offers water rides galore, as well as Gurnee Mills, a shopping mecca with nearly 200 stores. Year-round ice skating is available at Top Shelf Ice Arena, and there are also plenty of day spas, restaurants and speakeasy bars.