Top Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Arlington Heights, IL to Oak Lawn, IL
Road trips offer an excellent opportunity to explore a new destination, learn about its history and culture, and make unforgettable memories. If you're planning a road trip from Arlington Heights, IL to Oak Lawn, IL, you're in for a treat. This route offers numerous museums, parks, and landmarks that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.
Interesting fact: Did you know that Oak Lawn, IL, is home to one of the oldest continuously active racetracks in the United States, the Hawthorne Race Course, which opened in 1891?
Halfway point: Oak Brook, IL, is located approximately 15 miles from Arlington Heights and 14 miles from Oak Lawn, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch or a quick break.
The trip from Arlington Heights to Oak Lawn is approximately 25 miles long and takes about 40 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. However, the time can vary depending on the attractions you choose to visit along the way.
Here are the top five places to visit on your road trip from Arlington Heights to Oak Lawn:
- The Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL): The Chicago Botanic Garden spans 385-acres and features 27 gardens and four natural areas. Visitors can explore beautiful landscapes, including rose gardens, Japanese gardens, and English Walled Gardens. The Garden also houses the Lenhardt Library, where visitors can learn more about plants and gardening.
Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the Dwarf Conifer Garden, which showcases over 60 varieties of dwarf conifers.
- Kohl Children's Museum (Glenview, IL): The Kohl Children's Museum is an interactive museum designed for children aged birth to 8 years old and their families. Exhibits are hands-on and educational, with topics ranging from science and technology to art and creativity.
Point of interest recommendation: Kids will love "City on the Move," an exhibit where children can explore a child-sized city complete with cars, buses, and a construction site.
- The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (Oak Park, IL): This National Historic Landmark was home to the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright from 1889 to 1909. Visitors can take a guided tour of the home and studio where Wright designed some of his most famous buildings.
Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the Unity Temple, located just a few blocks away. The temple was also designed by Wright and is considered one of his greatest works.
- The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum (Oak Park, IL): This home was the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, one of America's greatest writers. The house has been restored to its 1899 appearance, and visitors can learn about Hemingway's life through exhibits and tours.
Point of interest recommendation: Nearby is the Oak Park Public Library, where Hemingway spent many hours reading and writing as a young man.
- The Pullman National Monument (Chicago, IL): This National Historic Landmark was once a company town built by the Pullman Palace Car Company for its workers. Visitors can learn about its history and preservation efforts at the Visitors Center and explore the historic district, which includes the Hotel Florence.
Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the Pullman Factory Clock Tower, which once kept the time for all of Pullman's workers.
In conclusion, a road trip from Arlington Heights to Oak Lawn offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're interested in botany, architecture, literature, or history, this road trip is worth embarking on. The total driving time is about 40 minutes, but you could easily spend a full day exploring the top five places mentioned above. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!