The Best Places to Explore: Addison, Illinois to Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Grab your keys and buckle up because we’re about to embark on a scenic drive from Addison, Illinois to Glen Ellyn, Illinois. This route ranges from urban settings to rural areas, offering a variety of iconic destinations to explore. They say the journey is more important than the destination, but in this case, both are equally important! So, let’s begin our journey to explore the top places to see when driving from Addison, Illinois to Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Starting our journey in Addison, we take a short drive down Rohlwing Road to reach the interstate. Here are the top places to see when driving from Addison, Illinois to Glen Ellyn, Illinois:

Discovering Chicago’s Nature

Our first destination is only a few minutes away from Addison, and it’s Chicago’s Nature Museum. Located on the North Branch of the Chicago River, this museum offers an interactive experience where you can learn about Chicago’s natural history. It is famous for its butterfly greenhouse, interactive exhibits, and live animal displays. Not only will this museum provide an opportunity to explore the indigenous wild flora and fauna, but also the lakefront and the trails. The museum is open daily except for major holidays, and it is perfect for families, adventure-seeking-buddies, and nature lovers.

Emperor’s Palace, The Chinese and American-Inspired Restaurant

What’s a trip without some delicious food? Continuing the journey, we come across one of the must-visit restaurants - Emperor’s Palace. Located in the heart of Lombard, Illinois, customers will have an exquisite dining experience, with a twist of Chinese and American-inspired cuisine. Their menu includes noodle and rice dishes, classic Chinese entrees, and favorite American dishes such as steak, burgers, and fries. They also offer a prominent selection of seafood and vegetarian cuisine.

Bloomingdale’s Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

After a satisfying treat, it’s time for a nature adventure. In this urban world, Bloomingdale’s Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve provides an escape to silence. The preserve features diverse habitats, including a prairie, wetland, and woodland. Visitors have access marked trails, ranging from a relaxed half-mile stroll to a four-mile loop. The bloom period is spring and fall, and different flowers are visible, ranging from aster, goldenrod, to coneflower. It’s a great spot for bird watchers as they can spot various bird species in its natural habitat - the migratory and nest-building birds.

Cantigny Park

A few miles closer to Glen Ellyn, not to miss the ornate garden and landscaped estate- Cantigny Park. This is a perfect spot for peaceful relaxation, family picnic, and live events. This military museum covers over 500 acres, featuring many trails, exhibits music festivals, and picturesque gardens. The garden's beauty may mesmerize your soul as the space is so well designed and maintained that visitors may not want to leave this site.

DuPage Children’s Museum

Save the best for last, and that’s what we’ve got! DuPage Children’s Museum includes several exhibits that allow children to engage in interactive learning through hands-on experiences. With over 17,000 square feet, the museum offers interactive exhibits and programs for children up to age 10. Its offerings range from art, life sciences, health, and creativity, and the exhibits are regularly updated in a way that will drive a child’s imagination wild. It’s also a great place to spend time on a hot summer day- cooling down and discovering.

Conclusion

From the beauty of nature, exquisite cuisine, and kid’s imagination, Addison, Illinois to Glen Ellyn, Illinois tops our list when it comes to scenic drives. It features both suburban and rural environments with lots of hidden gems. This list gives you some ideas of places to stop on a drive from Addison to Glen Ellyn or to add to your next road trip agenda when in the vicinity! Enjoy the journey and explore these iconic spots!