Top Five Popular Attractions Between Bloomington and Lake Zurich, Illinois

Are you planning a road trip between Bloomington and Lake Zurich in Illinois? Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, this travel guide will provide you with the top five popular attractions with easy-to-follow directions and descriptions.

A Halfway Point: Braidwood, IL

Before we delve into the top five attractions, let's highlight the halfway point on this route: Braidwood, IL. This small village has a population of less than 7,000 and is located in Will County. History buffs will be interested in the Braidwood Area Historical Society and Museum, which showcases the coal mining heritage of the area. If you need to stretch your legs and take a break from driving, head to Old Smokey City Park, and enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Top Five Places to See

1. David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

Located in Bloomington, the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site was built in 1872 for David Davis, the US Supreme Court Justice who served under President Abraham Lincoln. The mansion is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, and visitors can take guided tours of the 36-room mansion while learning about David Davis's life. Don't forget to walk around the mansion's surrounding gardens, which houses sculptures, fountains, and a beautiful fishpond.

2. Lincoln Square Theatre

Drive 20 minutes from Bloomington, and you'll arrive in Decatur, where you'll find the Lincoln Square Theatre. This historic theater has been at the heart of Decatur's entertainment since it opened in 1916 and is recognized as one of the oldest theaters in Illinois. The Lincoln Square Theatre hosts diverse events, from live performances to film screenings. We recommend checking its calendar section to see if any of your favorite performers are in town during your visit.

3. Illinois Railway Museum

All aboard on our third attraction: the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. The museum features over 100 pieces of equipment, including locomotives, streetcars, and interurban cars. Their exhibits cover a vast range of Illinois railway history, including the Pullman Palace Car Company and the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad. If you're lucky, you can even take a ride in one of the operating train cars.

4. The Chicago Athenaeum International Museum

Drive an hour north, and you'll arrive in Schaumburg, where the Chicago Athenaeum International Museum is located. This museum features contemporary art and design and is recognized as one of the world's top 25 art museums. Some of the past exhibits include works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Salvador Dali, to name a few. With its diverse range of artworks, anyone who visits is sure to find something that speaks to them.

5. Volo Auto Museum

Our final attraction: the Volo Auto Museum in Volo. Motoring enthusiasts won't want to miss this museum, which is home to some rare and unique vehicles. The museum has three exhibit halls, each showcasing different collections. One exciting feature of the Volo Auto Museum is the inventory of muscle cars, exotics, antiques, and vintage motorcycles, some of which are available for purchase. Don't forget to check out their restoration garage, where you can see the ongoing work of bringing these classic cars back to life.

Conclusion

The drive between Bloomington and Lake Zurich may seem long, but with these top five attractions to visit, it'll be a road trip to remember. If you're short on time, we suggest visiting the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, the Lincoln Square Theatre, and the Volo Auto Museum. However, if you have time to spare, all of the places we've mentioned are worth the visit. Safe travels!