From Centralia to Waukegan: A Road Trip Guide
If you're looking for a fun and exciting road trip, then Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois is a great route to take. This journey takes you through a variety of beautiful landscapes, and there are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way.
Did you know that Route 66 runs through Illinois, taking you from the Mississippi River in the west to Lake Michigan in the east? Riding along this historic road is a great way to experience some of America's unique and quirky roadside attractions.
At the halfway point of Lincoln, IL, take a break and visit historic Route 66 attractions at the "World's Largest Covered Wagon," or take a picture at the "Mill on Route 66."
The journey from Centralia to Waukegan is approximately 300 miles, which can take around 5 hours by car. However, to make the most of this road trip, it's best to plan for a longer journey with stops along the way.
Here are the top five places to visit on your road trip:
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - Located in Collinsville, IL, it's the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive site was home to an ancient Mississippi River civilization dating back 1,000 years.
Point of interest: The interpretive center offers exhibits, films and guided tours. Climb the 156 steps of Monks Mound for a breathtaking view of the St. Louis skyline.
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site - The home of America's 16th president is located in Springfield, IL. Tour the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, as he and his family lived here for 17 years before moving to the White House.
Point of interest: Explore the surrounding four-block historic neighborhood with beautifully restored homes from Lincoln's era of residence.
- Starved Rock State Park - Located in Utica, Illinois, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It has 13 miles of hiking trails, 18 canyons to explore, and great fishing spots.
Point of interest: View the park from the Illinois River by taking an endless hike to the namesake Starved Rock or take a leisurely guided trolley tour.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio - Located in Oak Park, IL. Here, visitors can see where the architect lived and worked when he designed more than 125 buildings that changed the face of the U.S. architecture in the 20th century.
Point of interest: Michigan Avenue is actually the backdrop for Wright's most famous work, the Robie House, which is regularly open for guided tours.
- Navy Pier - Located in Chicago, IL. Chicago's most popular destination with more than nine million visitors. Highlights include shopping, sightseeing cruises, and entertainment. Take a ride on the Centennial Ferris Wheel which features enclosed gondola-style seating.
Point of Interest: Stroll the boardwalk and catch an outdoor movie or concert in the beautiful Polk Bros Park.
In conclusion, a road trip from Centralia to Waukegan covers a vast area and offers an array of interesting attractions and breathtaking landscapes to explore. Depending on how many stops you make and how long you stay, you can take anywhere from a few days to a week's duration to complete this journey. This memorable road trip is best experienced with family or friends, a camera in hand, and a sense of adventure in your heart.