Road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Durham, North Carolina
Are you looking for an exciting road trip experience? Look no further! The route from Chicago, Illinois to Durham, North Carolina provides a perfect opportunity to explore several museums, parks, and landmarks on the way.
Interesting fact: Did you know that the first McDonald's restaurant, established in 1955, is located in Des Plaines, Illinois, just outside of Chicago?
About halfway through the trip, you'll reach Jackson, Ohio - a small town with a rich history. It serves as the seat of Jackson County and is home to several historic points of interest, including Jackson County Historical Society, Lillian E. Jones Museum, and Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve.
The total distance of the trip is approximately 790 miles, which takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Of course, this time frame can vary depending on your route and stops along the way. However, the route provides numerous opportunities to explore the best of what the Midwest and the East Coast have to offer.
Here are the top five places to visit on the way:
- The Art Institute of Chicago – One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from around the world. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt. Don't forget to check out the impressive collection of American art and artifacts, including the iconic American Gothic painting.
Point of interest recommendation: Millennium Park - a popular public park located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It features stunning architecture, beautiful art installations, and a variety of free concerts and events throughout the year.
- Mammoth Cave National Park – Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave and explore the surrounding forest, rivers, and hills. The park is also home to numerous hiking trails and campgrounds.
Point of interest recommendation: Corvette Museum - a fascinating museum in nearby Bowling Green, Kentucky, dedicated to the history and development of the Chevrolet Corvette. Visitors can see rare models, exhibitions on the manufacturing process, and even purchase souvenirs.
- Biltmore Estate – Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is a grandiose mansion built in the late 1800s by George Vanderbilt. The estate features awe-inspiring architecture, stunning gardens, and luxurious interiors. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion, explore the grounds, and sample the estate's wines in the winery.
Point of interest recommendation: Asheville Botanical Garden – a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of Asheville, featuring native plants, a butterfly garden, and walking paths.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains is a breathtaking national park featuring lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountain vistas. It's perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Point of interest recommendation: Dollywood – a world-renowned amusement park located in nearby Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that features a variety of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and great food.
- Duke University - Considered one of the top universities in the United States, Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina. The campus features stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful gardens, and world-class facilities for sports and research.
Point of interest recommendation: Sarah P. Duke Gardens - a 55-acre public garden on the Duke University campus featuring a variety of plants and flowers, walking paths, and sculptures.
In conclusion, the route from Chicago, Illinois to Durham, North Carolina is full of exciting opportunities to explore the best of the Midwest and the East Coast. The trip takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, but with these top five destinations and suggested points of interest, it's sure to be a memorable journey.