#Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Champaign, Illinois and Downers Grove, Illinois
Champaign, IL - As the second-largest city in Illinois, Champaign is a bustling location with a wide array of activities to partake in. Embark on a road trip from Champaign to Downers Grove to explore some of the best sights Illinois has to offer.
Halfway between the two cities lies Kankakee, IL, a city known for its rich history in Native American culture.
##Top 5 Things to Do
###1. Visit the Illinois Railway Museum Train enthusiasts of all ages will love the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL. With over 450 pieces of rolling stock, this museum has the largest collection of historic trains in America. Visitors can ride several of the restored trains and learn about their history.
Interesting Fact: The Illinois Railway Museum caters to all types of train fans, even the miniature ones. They offer train rides on the "L" line, a replica of the elevated train in Chicago.
###2. Experience the DuPage Children's Museum Located in Naperville, IL, the DuPage Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits and activities for children to learn and explore. Kids can experiment with water, science, and art, while parents can relax in the cafe and watch their children have fun.
Interesting Fact: The DuPage Children's Museum's three floors of exhibits were designed to celebrate the creativity and imagination of children.
###3. Take a Hike at Starved Rock State Park Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning views at Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of hiking trails, the park is known for its canyons and waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking along the Illinois River.
Interesting Fact: Starved Rock is named after a legend that tells of a group of Native Americans who were trapped atop a cliff by a rival tribe until they died of starvation.
###4. Indulge in the Chicago Pizza Summit For all the pizza lovers out there, the Chicago Pizza Summit is the ultimate event. The annual festival in Chicago offers a chance to sample pizza from some of the best pizzerias in the city.
Interesting Fact: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was invented in 1943 by pizzeria owner Ike Sewell. He wanted to cater to customers who preferred a thicker crust.
###5. Explore the Brookfield Zoo Travel just outside of Chicago to visit the Brookfield Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the country. With over 2,000 animals, including gorillas, lions, and dolphins, visitors can immerse themselves in the animal kingdom. The zoo also offers several education and conservation programs.
Interesting Fact: The Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo to open a dolphin exhibit, which has been in operation since 1961.
##Conclusion Drive from Champaign to Downers Grove to explore the best of what Illinois has to offer. Visit the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville, Starved Rock State Park, the Chicago Pizza Summit, and the Brookfield Zoo. This journey takes roughly two hours to complete, giving you ample time to explore each destination.