A Roadtrip from Chicago to Crystal Lake: Top 5 Attractions to See

If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Crystal Lake, you're in for a treat. The route is peppered with interesting sites, charming small towns, and natural beauty, all waiting to be explored. And to help you plan your itinerary, we've put together a list of the top five attractions to see on this route.

But before we dive into the list, let's talk about the midpoint of the trip – Rolling Meadows, IL. Located just about halfway between Chicago and Crystal Lake, this small town is a perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. Rolling Meadows boasts of a vibrant Downtown area with plenty of options for dining, shopping, and walking around. For nature lovers, the Salt Creek Trail will beckon you to explore its scenic pathways.

And now, without further ado, here are the top five places to see on a road trip from Chicago to Crystal Lake:

1. The Volo Auto Museum

Car enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike will love the Volo Auto Museum, which displays a collection of over 300 classic, antique, and muscle cars from every decade. Exhibits change regularly, allowing visitors to see new vehicles, plus there’s an extensive collection of movie and TV cars, including the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Batmobile, and the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. The museum is open seven days a week, and admission prices vary depending on the season and special events.

2. Woodstock Square

Woodstock Square is a picturesque town square that's been featured in a range of films and TV shows, including Groundhog Day and The Blues Brothers. The square's historic buildings, charming storefronts, and tree-lined streets make it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. It's also a hub for arts and culture, with galleries, theaters, and the Old Courthouse Arts Center hosting year-round events and exhibits. Take a stroll through the square, grab a coffee from one of the many cafes, and enjoy the scenery.

3. Moraine Hills State Park

Nature lovers should not miss Moraine Hills State Park, an idyllic natural space with a range of activities for all ages. The park boasts of 10 miles of trails, two lakes, a beach, and even an ice skating area in the winter. Hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers will all enjoy the scenic trails through marshes, woods, and wetlands. And for those who want to take it easy, there are plenty of picnic areas, fishing spots, and nature displays to enjoy.

4. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Architecture aficionados should include a stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park. The home, where Wright lived and worked for 20 years, is a prime example of the Prairie Style of architecture that Wright popularized. Visitors can take a guided tour of the home and studio, which showcases Wright's design philosophy, innovative use of space and light, and his personal and professional life. The tours run daily, and tickets can be purchased online.

5. Chain O'Lakes State Park

The Chain O'Lakes State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with more than 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness, dotted with 10 lakes and a river. The park offers a range of activities throughout the year, including hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and hunting. The lakes are ideal for swimming, water skiing, and jet skiing, and there are marinas and boat rentals available for visitors. Take a scenic drive, hike along the trails, or camp out under the stars – the options are endless at Chain O'Lakes State Park.

And there you have it – our top five attractions to see on a road trip from Chicago to Crystal Lake. Each of these sites offers a unique and exciting glimpse into the history, culture, and nature of Illinois, and we're sure you'll enjoy them all.

When planning your trip, we recommend taking the I-90 W and US-14 W routes, which offer a scenic drive and access to many of the attractions on our list. It's about a 2-hour drive from Chicago to Crystal Lake, but with these exciting stops along the way, the trip is sure to be memorable. Happy travels!