The Ultimate Road Trip from Bolingbrook to Sussex

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip, and there's nothing like exploring new destinations in your own car. When it comes to Midwest destinations, Bolingbrook, Illinois, and Sussex, Wisconsin, are two must-visit locations that shouldn't be missed. Both offer unique experiences and spectacular sights that make for a memorable trip. The best part? You can easily drive from one to the other, making numerous stops along the way.

We've rounded up the top places to see when driving from Bolingbrook to Sussex. From sandy beaches and waterfalls to historic landmarks and delicious local cuisine, this journey has it all.

The Route

Before delving into the details, let's map out the route. The trip covers a total of 160 miles, and takes approximately three hours with no stops. The easiest way to get to Bolingbrook is via I-55 N, and from there, you'll merge onto I-294 N and continue on I-94 W all the way to Sussex.

Now, without further ado, here are the places you shouldn't miss along the way:

1. Chicago Botanic Garden

First up on the list, and just a 40-minute drive from Bolingbrook, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a perfect respite from city life. The garden boasts over 27 gardens, four natural areas, and nine islands spread over 385 acres. A must-see exhibit is the Japanese Garden, which features a calming waterfall and a traditional tea house.

2. Kohler-Andrae State Park

Located two hours from Bolingbrook, Kohler-Andrae State Park is the perfect place for hiking, biking, swimming and camping. There are two main parts of the park- the Kohler portion with its picturesque woods and calming streams, and the dune grass and sand dunes of Andrae that open up to Lake Michigan. Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while taking in the majestic beauty of Lake Michigan.

3. Historic Downtown Cedarberg

An hour and a half drive from Bolingbrook brings you to Historic Downtown Cedarberg. You can tour the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Textiles, which displays beautiful handmade quilts and traditional clothing. The downtown area offers chic artisan shops, comfortable coffeehouses, a range of restaurants, and a brewery. Spend an afternoon people watching and sipping on a handcrafted brew from the Cedarburg Brewing Company.

4. Cedar Creek Settlement

A six-minute drive north from the Downtown Cedarberg area sits Cedar Creek Settlement. This historic community was originally a woolen mill, and it still has its charming century-old buildings. Here, you'll find more artisan shops, candy and chocolate shops, and wine tastings. The gift shop at the settlement has beautiful handcrafted items that you will want to bring back home with you.

5. Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary

Just a 20-minute drive from Sussex brings you to the Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary. This Roman Catholic shrine is known for its magnificent architecture, a beautiful collection of stained glass, and numerous gardens. While the shrines and chapel sit on top of a hill, the view from the grounds is stunning, making this a perfect stop to reflect and enjoy beautiful gardens alongside the impressive architecture.

Conclusion

At the end of your journey, you'll realize that there is more to the Midwest than meets the eye. Our list highlights a few of the lesser-known attractions that can be found on your trip from Bolingbrook to Sussex. Of course, the beauty of a road trip is discovering the area's hidden gems, and stopping along the way to create lasting memories. We hope this list inspires you to pack your bags and get on the road!