Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bloomington, Illinois and Mackinaw, Illinois

Bloomington and Mackinaw are known for being excellent road-trip destinations. This trip is more than just a scenic drive; it is an adventure of a lifetime. En route to Mackinaw, there are several exciting places to stop and visit. The halfway point of the trip is Stanford, known for its historic downtown, refreshing parks, and mouth-watering eateries.

Top 5 Things to Do

1. The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is a great place to visit on this road trip. Founded in 1879, the museum has an extensive collection of art, showcasing diverse cultures and time periods. It is also home to some of the most famous American artwork, including Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic". Anyone with a passion for art or history should take their time exploring this museum.

Interesting Fact: The Art Institute of Chicago is the second-largest art museum in the United States after the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

2. Cleveland Museum of Art

The next stop on this road trip is the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is home to more than 51,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. One of the museum's most famous exhibits is the Armor Court, a collection of armor from different periods. Anyone who loves art or history should visit this museum.

Interesting Fact: The Cleveland Museum of Art was the first museum in the United States to purchase Caravaggio's "The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew."

3. Niagara Falls

A trip to Niagara Falls is an adventure of a lifetime. The falls are located on the Niagara River and are a beautiful sight to behold. There are several ways to explore the falls, including a boat ride that takes you up close to the mist. The Niagara Falls is an attraction that is worth visiting on any road trip.

Interesting Fact: The Niagara River is the world's fastest-flowing river.

4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Those who love nature should stop at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The park is home to beautiful sand dunes, beaches, and forests. It is an adventure lover's paradise, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park is filled with wildlife, and visitors can see everything from foxes to bald eagles.

Interesting Fact: The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America viewers in 2011.

5. Mackinac Island

Last but not least, the final stop on this road trip is Mackinac Island. Located in Lake Huron, the island is a perfect summer getaway destination. Visitors can explore the island by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. There are several attractions on the island, including the historic Fort Mackinac and the famous Grand Hotel. Mackinac Island is a unique destination that everyone should include on their road trip itinerary.

Interesting Fact: Mackinac Island is known for its fudge, with over a dozen fudge shops on the island.

Concluding thoughts

This road trip route from Bloomington to Mackinaw offers the perfect mix of history, art, nature, and adventure. It takes approximately 7 hours to complete the entire trip, but with so many exciting places to stop along the way, it is worth making it a multi-day journey. From exploring the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago to the unique cultural experience of savoring fresh fudge on Mackinac Island, there is something for everyone on this road trip.