Did you know what Chicago Illinois is just a 6-hour drive from Columbus? Yes, it can make a quick road trip for you and your family. Pair that with seeing some of the fun places you can visit while in the state of Illinois, you and your family can have a great time while not being too far away from home. Today, I am sharing some places you can stop and visit while visiting the state of Illinois.
Chicago
Everyone will tell you that you should stop in Chicago when you head into the state. For good reason as well. There are tons of things to do while you are there, including visiting the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. There are so many things to view while there so just make sure you plan to spend a day just in downtown Chicago if you’d like to see everything they have to offer.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is one of the best places to visit while in Illinois. It has 2,630 acres where you can explore 18 canyons, while visitors can also walk through some 13 miles of trails around the park too. I think if you like colors, you’ll want to stop through in the fall.
The Morton Arboretum
Located in DuPage County, Illinois, the Morton Arboretum is a gorgeous place to take the family or even to have a wedding! It is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center. There is a knockout post that you can have a look at and understand how a tree can be taken care of. Arboretum has hiking trails, roadways for driving and bicycling, a 4-acre interactive children’s garden and a 1-acre maze. So much fun for the whole family! This is a quick drive from Chicago and even closer to Downers Grove.
Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest is located just outside Harrisburg in southern Illinois. It’s the state’s only national forest and is perfect if you are looking to see Illinois’ more natural side. Just like starved rock, if you are looking for lots of colors, the perfect time to stop through is during the fall when the foliage is perfect.
Let me know one of your favorite places to stop in Illinois.
If you are looking for more places to travel, don’t miss the 4 must-see attractions on your next road trip through Ohio and Beautiful Places to visit when in Michigan.
