Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brookfield, Illinois and Downers Grove, Illinois
Are you planning a road trip from Brookfield, Illinois, or Downers Grove, Illinois and wondering about the best attractions to visit? Look no further! This article highlights the top places to see along the way, and the best part is, they are all family-friendly locations.
Starting the trip from Brookfield, Illinois, or Downers Grove, Illinois, the route will take you through scenic suburbs and lovely parks en route to Oak Brook, the halfway point. After crossing Oak Brook, you will continue along the route that passes through other interesting locations.
Top Five Things to Do
Brookfield Zoo
First on the list is Brookfield Zoo, located just twelve miles from Downtown Chicago. This 216-acre animal sanctuary is home to over 450 species of animals. Kids, and adults alike, will love meeting all the different animals, including amphibians, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Visitors get a chance to see animals like lions, giraffes, and zebras in the wild, and there's a children's farm where the kids can play with the animals.
- Fun Fact: Brookfield Zoo first opened on July 1, 1934, and it remains one of the top zoos in the country to date.
Morton Arboretum
A few miles from Brookfield Zoo is the Morton Arboretum, which boasts more than 1,700 species of lush trees, shrubs, and other plants. Located in Lisle, Illinois, this 1,700-acre property is open to the public all year round, and visitors can enjoy cycling, hiking, and picnicking. The Arboretum also has a beautiful view and attractive summer events.
- Fun Fact: The Morton Arboretum has been around for more than 90 years, and it's a leading institution in tree research and conservation.
Cantigny Park
Thirty minutes away from Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Park is a hidden gem and one the most unusual sites near Wheaton, Illinois. This 500-acre park has no entry fee, yet it has plenty of features like golf course, picnic grounds, and a part of Robert R. McCormick's former residence. Museum tours showcasing military memorabilia and other historical relics run regularly, and it's a good opportunity to learn about the country's history.
- Fun Fact: Cantigny Park was opened in 1958 and operated by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Downers Grove Farmer's Market
If you're looking to include healthy eating on your road trip, the Downers Grove Farmer's Market is the perfect stop for your family. Visitors can sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat from various vendors while strolling around the market. Live music throughout the market makes it a perfect weekend outing.
- Fun Fact: The Downers Grove Farmer's Market attracts over sixty vendors every Saturday during summer.
Oak Brook Center
The last spot to highlight on this Brookfield, Illinois, or Downers Grove, Illinois road trip is Oak Brook Center. This is where you can treat yourself with coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping centers. Oak Brook Center is a lifestyle center that includes over 160 stores, so visitors can shop in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Fun Fact: Oak Brook Center is designed as a venue to facilitate the shopping experience curated for their customers’ comfort.
Conclusion
Driving between Brookfield and Downers Grove, Illinois, will take approximately thirty minutes on a good journey day. Along the way, visitors can stop at these top attractions and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the duo suburbs. From the Oaks Brook at the half-point to Brookfield Zoo, Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Park, and lastly, Downers Grove Farmer's Market, there are plenty of places to see and experience as you explore this part of the USA. Don't forget to bring your family and snap as many photos as possible to keep your memories of this adventurous road trip.