The Best Places to Visit When Driving From Beloit to Elmhurst

Do you love long drives and discovering new places? If yes, then you're in for a treat when you go on a road trip from Beloit, Wisconsin, to Elmhurst, Illinois. The road is scenic, and your eyes will be on an adventure for most of the journey. Along the way, there are lots of charming towns, roadside attractions, and historic buildings to explore. Here are a few of the top places you should visit when driving from Beloit to Elmhurst.

A Scenic Drive Through Rockford

Rockford is the third-largest city in Illinois, and it's one of the best places you can visit on your journey from Beloit to Elmhurst. You can take a scenic route through the streets of Rockford, which are lined with tall buildings and numerous parks. A drive through the city will take you through the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which is a 12-acre Japanese garden that features a koi pond, waterfalls, and a teahouse.

Apart from the garden, Rockford has a host of other attractions to offer. You can check out the Burpee Museum of Natural History, which contains dinosaur skeletons and the Discovery Center Museum, a science museum that is perfect for children. There's also the Midway Village Museum, which features costumed characters who give visitors a sneak peek into the life of the Rockford settlers in the 19th century.

Best Towns to Visit Along the Way

The journey from Beloit to Elmhurst is roughly 100 miles, and you'll pass through numerous towns. These towns have different offerings and are perfect for a pit stop. Below are the best towns to visit along the way:

1. Belvidere

This town is in Boone County, and it's known for its scenic beauty. Belvidere has two public parks: Doty Park and Belvidere Park. Both parks are perfect for picnics, fishing, and boating. You can also explore the historic Victorian homes and the Boone County Historical Museum.

2. Rochelle

Rochelle is in Ogle County, and it has a lot to offer. The Veterans Memorial Park is a perfect spot for a picnic, and the Lincoln Highway Association National Museum has exhibits and information on the famous highway that passes through the town. Also, Rochelle has the Rochelle Railroad Park, which features a miniature train ride that's perfect for kids.

3. DeKalb

DeKalb is in DeKalb County, and it's home to Northern Illinois University. The town is known for historic landmarks like the Egyptian Theatre and the Ellwood family homes. DeKalb also has parks like Hopkins Park and Prairie Park, where you can go hiking, biking, and have a picnic.

4. Elgin

Elgin is a riverside town in Kane County, and it's known for its architecture, history, and arts. You can explore the Elgin Historic District, which has many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, there's the Grand Victoria Casino and the Hemmens Cultural Center, where you can catch a performance.

5. Lombard

Lombard is a suburban town in DuPage County, and it's perfect for a pit stop. The town has a scenic lilac park that has over 300 lilac bushes and is perfect for a stroll. Also, there's the Lombard Historical Society, which has exhibits on the town's history, and the Yorktown Mall, where you can shop.

A Visit to Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers. The zoo is in Brookfield, Cook County, and it's home to more than 2,000 animals. You can see animals like big cats, monkeys, apes, bears, sea lions, penguins, and more. The Brookfield Zoo also has exhibits like Tropic World, which features animals from tropical rainforests, and the Hamill Family Play Zoo, where kids can interact with animals.

Catch a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field

What road trip is complete without a visit to a ballpark? Cubs fans will find Wrigley Field, the team's home stadium, on their way from Beloit to Elmhurst. The stadium is in Chicago, and it's one of the oldest ballparks in the country. Seeing a game at Wrigley Field is an electric experience, and you'll understand why Cubs fans are so passionate.

In Conclusion

Beloit to Elmhurst is an exciting road trip that will take you through scenic routes, charming towns, historical sites, and attractions. From Rockford to Wrigley Field, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this trip. Whether you're planning a family outing or a solo adventure, you'll find plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. Next time you're looking for a road trip destination, remember to add Beloit to Elmhurst to your list.