Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bolingbrook, Illinois to Clinton Charter Township, Michigan
If you're in the mood for a scenic road trip and live in the Midwest, the drive from Bolingbrook, Illinois to Clinton Charter Township, Michigan is a fantastic daytime adventure. The trip covers approximately 290 miles and takes about 4.5 hours, but visitors can make the journey fast or slow, depending on how many stops they plan to make. The route takes you from Illinois, through Indiana, reaches the Great Lakes region of Michigan, and eventually ends in Clinton Charter Township, part of the Detroit metropolitan area. This article will present five unexpected places to stop on your journey and provide you with a guide to the best places to eat along the way.
The Halfway Point: Kalamazoo, MI
Before we delve into the five stops, it's worth mentioning the halfway point of the journey: Kalamazoo, Michigan. This small city is known for its unique buildings, friendly locals, and great festivals. Suppose you're lucky enough to plan your trip to align with any of their events. In that case, you might have the chance to attend Art Hopper, the pride festival, the Gospel Fest, or the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair.
Kalamazoo is an ideal destination for foodies, too. From classic American dishes to traditional Vietnamese and Mexican cuisines, Kalamazoo has everything you could ever want to eat. It's easy to find a wide variety of dishes since both Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College attract students from across the globe. Now that you know how amazing Kalamazoo is, let's move on to the five must-see stops on your drive from Bolingbrook to Clinton Charter Township!
1. The Indiana Dunes National Park
If you want to escape the busy highways and car-filled streets, you can turn to the Indiana Dunes National Park, located in Porter County, Indiana, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. It's roughly two hours into your journey, so it's the perfect place to stop early on.
The park is a lovely spot to relax and breathe fresh air. On top of that, you can hike on some of the trails, swim in the lake, and even go bird watching. You can explore various habitats, including forest, marshes, and prairies. If you're lucky enough to visit during fall, Indiana Dunes is a beautiful place to see the foliage. When you get hungry, you can stop by the Beach Cafe for local favorites like BBQ pork ribs or mozzarella sticks.
2. The Old Fort Wayne Historic Park
For history lovers, the Old Fort Wayne Historic Park is a magnificent place to visit. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the park is a reconstruction of the frontier settlement Fort Wayne established during the American Revolution.
Visitors can participate in a one-hour guided tour of the reconstructed fort, including the barracks, blockhouses, and the trading post. Guides also perform musket demonstrations and activities like candle making. If you're driving with kids, they'll love it. Be sure to fuel up before your visit to the historic park with a stop at Coney Island Wiener Stand for delicious chili dogs.
3. The Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids is a must-see stop for history enthusiasts. The museum covers topics ranging from science, history, and culture. The exhibits' topics vary from the Ice Age, the history of Grand Rapids, the furniture industry in West Michigan, and artifacts from many different cultures worldwide.
The museum offers a broad range of activities for visitors of all ages: interactive displays, touchable artifacts, fun gaming experiences, and full-size skeletons. One of their most popular exhibits is a live laboratory where visitors can see paleontologists and archaeologists at work. When hunger strikes, grab lunch at Terra, a farm-to-table restaurant that includes seasonal flavors and unique cocktails.
4. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Another place to visit on your route is Frankenmuth. It's a small town located in central Michigan that's known as Michigan's "Little Bavaria." This town celebrates local German heritage, lining its streets with half-timbered houses and shops selling sausage, beer steins, and gingerbread cookies.
As the name implies, Zehnder's Restaurant is one of the most famous spots in Frankenmuth. It hosts the world's largest family-style chicken dinners, which are fantastic and come with a unique array of side dishes. If you love sweets, Frankenmuth offers some of the best fudge and sweet treats in the Midwest.
5. The Henry Ford Museum
Last but not least, the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors who love history, culture, and technology. The museum celebrates American innovators and showcases some of the country's iconic items from the past and present.
You can admire thousands of exhibits, including famous cars, airplanes, and trains, with a focus on innovation and industry. The museum holds some of the most important artifacts in American history, such as Abraham Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre. If you're hungry, you can grab lunch at The Eagle - a craft beer bar with the tastiest mac and cheese in the area.
Summing It All Up
This information should give you an enticing taste of what these locations offer and the food you can expect to find along the way. From the beautiful scenery at Indiana Dunes National Park to the fascinating historical sites like the Old Fort Wayne Historic Park, this road trip offers something for everyone. So whether you're a history geek, foodie, or adventurer, you're sure to find plenty of reasons to embark on this journey. Don't hesitate to take a break from the routine and escape for a weekend adventure.