Points of Interest between Bridgeview, Illinois to Portage, Michigan

picture of Bridgeview, Illinois

Road Tripping from Bridgeview, IL to Portage, MI

Are you eager to embark on a fun-filled road trip? Look no further than the route from Bridgeview, Illinois to Portage, Michigan. Along the way, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and discover landmarks that will leave you awe-struck.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the distance between Bridgeview, Illinois to Portage, Michigan is approximately 146 miles? This route takes you through lovely towns and cities with so many places to visit and explore.

Halfway Point: Union Pier, MI is the halfway point of this route. This small town is known for its serene beaches and beautiful houses that have their unique charm.

Length of the Trip: The road trip is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes' drive time, depending on the traffic. It is an easy and scenic drive with plenty of pit stops, photo ops, and tourist attractions to keep you busy along the way.

Top Five Places to Visit:

  1. Indiana Dunes National Park The Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the top places to visit along this route. This beautiful park offers over 15 miles of pristine sandy Lake Michigan beaches and dunes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birding, camping, swimming, and exploring the many historic sites and nature trails available. Don't forget to capture that perfect Instagram shot when you visit this beautiful park.

Point of Interest: Try fishing or boating along Lake Michigan and marvel at the scenic views of the dunes.

  1. Michigan City Lighthouse A trip to Michigan City Lighthouse is an excellent way to learn more about Michigan's maritime history. This historic lighthouse has been operational since 1858 and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can climb the winding staircase to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the watch deck.

Point of Interest: Enjoy a picnic in the picturesque lighthouse park, with tables and benches located conveniently around the lighthouse.

  1. Holland State Park Holland State Park in Michigan is another top attraction for road trippers. It is known for its long sandy beaches, clear water, and shaded picnic areas. The park features two large campgrounds, picnic facilities, and a nature trail leading through the dunes. Bring your family out for a day of fun at this lovely park that boasts of being one of the top-visited parks in the state.

Point of Interest: Go on a sunset walk to see the "Big Red" lighthouse lights up in the dark.

  1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park If you have a love for nature and art, then Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the ideal place for you to visit. This outdoor garden serves as a botanical paradise with over 30 hectares of display gardens, such as the Japanese tea garden, carnivorous plant house, and a maze garden. With more than 200 sculptures from various international artists on display, you can take in the beauty of nature and art all at once.

Point of Interest: Explore one of the largest indoor butterfly exhibits in the world, where exotic butterflies from around the world flutter freely.

  1. Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum End your road trip with a bang by visiting the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan. This museum features various interactive displays of aviation history, such as the virtual flight simulator, 4D theater, and a space exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy taking a ride in a World War II Mustang aircraft while viewing the thrilling high-flying stunts and tricks on display.

Point of Interest: Try the Combat Flight Simulator and simulate dogfights from World War II.

In Conclusion:

Embarking on a road trip from Bridgeview, Illinois to Portage, Michigan offers a wide variety of things to experience and enjoy. From sandy beaches to aviation history, there is indeed something for everyone. Total driving time is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. We hope that you have enjoyed our top picks for visiting and exploring along this route, and we cannot wait for you to hit the road and see what awaits you on your next road trip adventure. Happy travels!