The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, IL and Bourbonnais, IL
Chicago, IL and Bourbonnais, IL are two cities in the state of Illinois that are worth a visit. In between these two cities lies Oak Forest, IL, which marks the halfway point of the trip. Whether you are traveling from one city to the other or simply exploring the area, this article will provide you with five must-visit attractions.
Millenium Park
Millenium Park is an urban park located in the heart of Chicago. It is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Cloud Gate sculpture also known as "The Bean", which is a 110-ton stainless steel structure that reflects the surroundings and creates a unique visual effect for visitors. The Crown Fountain is another popular attraction, featuring two 50-foot glass towers that project faces of Chicago residents. Visitors can cool off at the interactive fountain below. Millenium Park also hosts free music performances, art installations, and movie screenings during the summer.
Interesting Fact: The Cloud Gate sculpture was created by artist Anish Kapoor and was installed in 2004. It stands at 33 feet tall and weighs 110 tons.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It features a collection of over 300,000 works of art from around the world. Visitors can view famous pieces such as Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Vincent van Gogh's "The Bedroom". The museum also has a modern wing that showcases contemporary art, design, and architecture.
Interesting Fact: The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings outside of France, including works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Vincent van Gogh.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is a natural wonder that features 13 miles of hiking trails within a 2,630-acre park. Visitors can climb 18 canyons that were formed by glacial meltwater. The park also has several waterfalls and scenic overlooks that provide beautiful views of the Illinois River. Starved Rock State Park is home to many species of wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, and river otters.
Interesting Fact: Starved Rock State Park is named after a Native American legend which tells the story of a battle between two tribes that took place on the top of one of the park's bluffs. The losing tribe was driven to the edge of the bluff and were so starved that they perished.
Willis Tower Skydeck
The Willis Tower Skydeck is a popular attraction in Chicago that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take an elevator ride to the 103rd floor and step out onto a glass ledge that extends 4 feet from the building. The ledge is made of glass that is 1.5 inches thick and can support up to 4,000 pounds.
Interesting Fact: The Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1974. It was surpassed by the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998.
Kankakee River State Park
Kankakee River State Park is located just south of Bourbonnais and extends for 11 miles along the Kankakee River. The park features hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Visitors can also enjoy camping at one of the park's 185 campsites. The park is home to a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, foxes, and beavers.
Interesting Fact: The Kankakee River is one of the cleanest rivers in the state of Illinois and is home to at least 22 species of fish.
In conclusion, this road trip from Chicago, IL to Bourbonnais, IL has plenty of attractions to offer. From urban parks to state parks, visitors can experience the diversity of the area. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.