The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bridgeport, Illinois and Park Ridge, Illinois

A road trip from Bridgeport, Illinois to Park Ridge, Illinois is a perfect way to explore the beautiful scenery of the Midwest. This road trip covers over 240 miles, and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. This trip has plenty of exciting destinations to visit. The halfway point Rantoul, IL is a great place for a short break. It has a famous air museum that gives a glimpse into the history of aviation in the United States.

Top Five Things to do

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is located in Springfield, Illinois, and is a must-visit destination on this road trip. The museum features exhibits that chronicle the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s greatest presidents. The museum has over 50,000 square feet of exhibits, including interactive displays and artifacts. Visitors can also watch a film about Lincoln’s life in the museum’s theater.

Interesting Fact: The museum’s collection includes a handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address.

Take a Boat Ride on Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville is one of Illinois’ hidden gems. It’s a beautiful, man-made lake located near Shelbyville, Illinois. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers plenty of recreational activities, such as fishing, hiking, and boating. Visitors can take a rented boat out on the water and enjoy the scenery while relaxing.

Interesting Fact: The lake has over 200 miles of shoreline, making it perfect for fishing.

Explore Allerton Park

Allerton Park is a nature preserve located in Monticello, Illinois. This park is home to over 14 formal gardens, hiking trails, and dozens of sculptures. The park’s formal gardens are home to unique plants and flowers, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s history.

Interesting Fact: The park features a giant chessboard, and visitors can play a game of chess using life-sized chess pieces.

Discover the Krannert Art Museum

The Krannert Art Museum is located in Urbana, Illinois, and is home to a vast collection of art from all over the world. The museum has over 10,000 pieces of art spanning across various periods, such as modern, ancient, and contemporary. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the artwork or explore the museum on their own.

Interesting Fact: The museum has an extensive collection of 20th-century European and American art.

Taste the Wine at Alto Vineyards

Alto Vineyards is a winery located in Champaign, Illinois. The winery offers guided tours to visitors who want to learn more about the winemaking process. Guests can explore the vineyards and taste the award-winning wines produced on site. Alto Vineyards is also known for their live music events, which feature local musicians.

Interesting Fact: The winery has been producing wine since 1985 and has won numerous awards for their wines.

Conclusion

This road trip from Bridgeport, Illinois to Park Ridge, Illinois offers plenty of exciting destinations to explore. Along the way, visitors can stop at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, take a boat ride on Lake Shelbyville, explore Allerton Park, discover the Krannert Art Museum, and taste the wine at Alto Vineyards. With plenty of interesting sights to see, this trip is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Midwest. Additionally, this trip takes approximately 4 hours to complete, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation.