Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Aurora, IL to Des Plaines, IL

Have you ever taken a road trip and found yourself getting bored driving back and forth on the same highways? Well, we have just the solution for you. If you're driving from Aurora, IL to Des Plaines, IL, there are at least five unexpected places that you should stop at along the way. This trip is approximately 40 miles long and takes a little over an hour by car.

The halfway point on this journey is Woodridge, IL. Don't worry; there is more to Woodridge than just being the halfway point. Woodridge is home to the Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, which features a lazy river, plenty of water slides, a wave pool, and a children's play area. This is a great stop if you're traveling with kids because they can get out their energy while you relax on one of the chairs nearby.

1. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

After leaving Woodridge, head to the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. This 2,492-acre property has over 11 miles of hiking trails for you to explore. You can hike, bike, or even ride horses on the trails. There is also a waterfall at the preserve for you to enjoy. If you're lucky, you might encounter some wildlife such as deer, foxes, or even coyotes. The best food to eat while you're at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a packed lunch. There are plenty of great picnic spots where you can enjoy your food while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

2. The Little Popcorn Store

The Little Popcorn Store is a small store in Wheaton, IL, but don't let its size fool you; it's packed with flavor. They have every flavor of popcorn you can think of, from sweet to savory. They make their popcorn on-site, so it is always fresh. You can even get popcorn balls and cotton candy. The best food to eat at The Little Popcorn Store is popcorn, of course. Try their caramel peanut popcorn, and you won't be disappointed.

3. The Farnsworth House

If you're into architecture, you need to stop at the Farnsworth House in Plano, IL. The Farnsworth House is a one-room weekend retreat that was designed and built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1951. The house was designed to be the perfect retreat for its owner, Edith Farnsworth. The house has been named a National Historic Landmark and has been open to the public since 2004. The best food to eat near the Farnsworth House is a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables nearby where you can enjoy the beautiful environment around the house.

4. The Volo Auto Museum

The Volo Auto Museum is in Volo, IL, and is a must-see for car lovers. The museum has over 300 vintage, classic, and racecars on display, and you can even buy some of them. They also have a collection of cars from movies and TV shows, including the Batmobile and the DeLorean from Back to the Future. The museum has more than just cars; they have an exhibit about military history, including helicopters, tanks, and more. The best food to eat while you're at the Volo Auto Museum is a hot dog. They have a food stand outside the museum that serves hot dogs, popcorn, and other snacks.

5. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

The last stop on this road trip is the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL. The home and studio were designed and built by Wright in 1889 and stayed in his family until 1909. The home and studio have been restored and are now open to the public. You can take a guided tour of the house and studio and learn about Wright's life and work. The best food to eat near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is a slice of Chicago-style pizza. There is a Lou Malnati's Pizzeria nearby, and you can't leave Chicago without trying their pizza.

Now that you have five unexpected places to stop at on your road trip from Aurora, IL, to Des Plaines, IL, what are you waiting for? This trip is perfect if you're looking for a little variety and adventure on your next trip. So grab a great playlist, hit the road, and enjoy all the sights and sounds that Illinois has to offer.