The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Kent, Ohio

The Midwest has always been known for its great road trips. Whether it's exploring big cities or quaint towns, there are plenty of things to do and see. A road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Kent, Ohio, is no exception. This scenic route takes you through some of the best sites and attractions the region has to offer. The trip is about 350 miles and takes approximately six and a half hours, with a halfway point in Montpelier, OH. Below is a list of the top five things to do on this journey.

1. Explore the Windy City of Chicago

Starting your journey in Chicago, a metropolis that needs no introduction, you will be surrounded by skyscrapers and endless possibilities. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile for fantastic shopping, beautiful architecture, and amazing restaurants. Visit Navy Pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel, take a boat tour, or eat at one of many waterfront restaurants. Don't forget to see "The Bean" in Millennium Park, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Interesting fact: Chicago is home to four different professional sports teams: the Cubs and White Sox (baseball), the Bears (football), and the Blackhawks (hockey).

2. Tour the University of Notre Dame

A little over an hour away from Chicago is South Bend, Indiana, home to the University of Notre Dame. The campus tour is a must-see, with over 1,250 acres of beautiful grounds. You can visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. It's a great way to experience a college campus's culture and history.

Interesting fact: The University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious order founded in Le Mans, France, in 1837.

3. Visit Sauder Village

As you approach Montpelier, Ohio, you should plan a visit to Sauder Village. Sauder Village is a living history museum that showcases Ohio's past and its early settlers from 1865 to 1920. Visitors get a glimpse of what life was like while watching artisans creating their wares, experiencing historical demonstrations, and seeing remarkable collections of antiques and artwork.

Interesting fact: The founder of Sauder Village, Erie J. Sauder, developed the use of ready-to-assemble furniture and is credited with bringing inexpensive furniture to American homes.

4. See the National Museum of the Great Lakes

Traveling through Toledo, Ohio, you must stop by the National Museum of the Great Lakes. The museum showcases the history of the Great Lakes region's development and the evolution of commercial shipping. The experience includes a guided tour of the museum's galleries and a chance to explore the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, the largest freighter on the Great Lakes.

Interesting fact: The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, covering over 94,000 square miles.

5. Discover Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

The last stop on your journey before Kent is Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. This 70-acre estate, built-in 1915 by F. A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, is considered one of the finest historic homes in the United States. The estate includes a 64,500 square foot manor house, beautiful gardens, and a conservatory filled with exotic plants.

Interesting fact: Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was designed by architect Charles Sumner Schneider in an English Tudor Revival style and took four years to complete.

The Chicago-to-Kent road trip offers a unique blend of big city attractions and small-town highlights. The trip gives you a chance to experience the Midwest's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The most significant attraction and halfway point on your journey is Montpelier, Ohio, and the living history Sauder Village. Finally, when you arrive in Kent, Ohio, you will have experienced the best the Midwest has to offer.

Total Distance: Approx. 350 miles

Total Time: Approx. 6.5 hours