Road Trip from Chicago to Gilberts: A Guide to Museums, Parks, and Landmarks

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Gilberts, Illinois? This route is filled with exciting museums, breathtaking parks, and historic landmarks. Here's our guide on the top places to visit during your journey!

Did you know that the distance between Chicago and Gilberts is approximately 44 miles? It takes about one hour to complete the journey by car, depending on traffic.

Halfway along the trip, lies the charming village of Mount Prospect, IL, where you can take a break and soak in the local culture by exploring their art galleries, bakeries, and restaurants.

Now, let's dive in and explore the top five places to visit on your road trip!

1. Grant Park

Grant Park is a 319-acre park located in downtown Chicago. It is also known as "Chicago's front yard". The park features many attractions, including The Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, and the legendary “Bean” sculpture, also known as Cloud Gate. Take a stroll through the pathways of the park and enjoy the scenic views, while listening to the sounds of the city.

Point of Interest Recommendaion: Don't miss out on the spectacular views of Lake Michigan from the park.

2. The Field Museum

The Field Museum is a natural history museum that boasts a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that covers over 4 billion years of life history. From dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian mummies to gems and rare fossils, you name it, and the museum has it. Be sure to check out SUE, the most significant and most complete T-Rex fossil ever discovered.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Enjoy a stroll through the museum's stunning collections of botanical specimens in the Grainger Hall of Gems.

3. Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is a living museum located in Lisle, Illinois. It spans across 1,700 acres and has one of the most significant collections of trees from across the globe. The arboretum is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Take a hike or bike ride through the grounds, or stroll around the beautiful lake.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a guided tour of the arboretum to learn more about the trees and their habitats.

4. Elgin History Museum

The Elgin History Museum is a must-visit destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts. The museum has an extensive collection of exhibits that showcases the history of Elgin and Kane County. It comprises three historic buildings, including Old Main, which was once a high school, and now houses the museum's collection.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Check out the stunning murals painted by Elgin artist, Elgin Kane, which depict the city's history.

5. Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden

The Fabyan Villa Museum is located in Geneva, Illinois. It is a former home turned museum, which once belonged to George and Nelle Fabyan. This beautiful mansion was built in the early 1900s, and it has now been restored and turned into a museum. The museum houses many collections that include art, antiques, and furniture. It also contains a stunning Japanese Garden that has been restored to its original beauty.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Stroll through the Japanese Garden to experience serenity and peace and witness the beauty of nature's harmony.

In conclusion, the road trip from Chicago to Gilberts is a perfect getaway for anyone looking to explore some of the best attractions and landmarks between these two cities. The trip can take around an hour, but with a list of places like ours, we guarantee you'll have a fantastic time exploring the best of Illinois. Happy travels!