Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Town of Ridgeway, New York

Chicago, Illinois and Ridgeway, New York are two great destinations to embark on a road trip in the United States. The 724-mile journey takes approximately 12 hours, uninterrupted. The route covers beautiful landscapes and significant landmarks. The halfway point of the trip passes through Milan, OH, an excellent opportunity to stretch their legs and dig into local flavors.

Top 5 Things to Do

1. Tour the Adlai E. Stevenson II Farm - Mettawa, Illinois

Located in Mettawa, Illinois, the Adlai E. Stevenson II Farm is a historical land that served as home to Illinois Governor and former United States Ambassador Adlai E. Stevenson. The location provides a backdrop to learn about the works of Stevenson, as well as the history and development of Illinois State. The farm spans over 70 acres and is an excellent spot for a picnic or a stroll around the garden.

Interesting fact: Adlai Stevenson II was an incredibly successful diplomat that served under two United States Presidents, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy.

2. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Cleveland, Ohio

A visit to Cleveland, Ohio is never complete without visiting Cleveland's iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tourists can spend hours in the galleries within the museum, ranging from inductee exhibits to educational archives. The museum is located on the city's waterfront, where visitors can also enjoy a stunning view of Lake Erie.

Interesting fact: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum houses more than 600 inductees and over 50,000 artifacts from around the world-truly a rock-fanatic's dream.

3. Brewery Tour at Great Lakes Brewing Company - Cleveland, Ohio

Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland is one of the best breweries stateside. The staff at the brewery impeccably runs its production and offers tourists guided tours of their facility, where visitors can learn about the brewing process, sample beer, and even attend storytelling sessions. The brewery also offers tours for groups of up to 30 people.

Interesting fact: Great Lakes Brewing has a long-standing reputation of award-winning craft brews, including its Autumn Ale-American-style Brown Ale and Edmund Fitzgerald Porter- a robust and complex porter.

4. Visit the Niagara Falls - New York

Niagara Falls is an excellent destination and should not be missed, situated at the border between New York and Ontario, Canada. The view of the falls as the water cascades down the slopes is breathtaking. Visitors can experience the falls up close by taking Maid of the Mist boat ride below the falls or by taking a walk behind the falls at the Cave of the Winds.

Interesting fact: The rushing water over the falls generates up to 4 million kilowatts of electricity, making it a significant power source.

5. Tour the Finger Lakes - New York

The Finger Lakes region in New York is a haven for wine lovers. Wine enthusiasts can tour several wineries and taste some of the best wines in the area. The region is also home to stunning lakes and waterfalls, state parks, and hiking trails.

Interesting fact: The Finger Lakes are a group of parallel lakes located south of Lake Ontario. Eleven of the lakes run side by side, looking like fingers, hence the name, Finger Lakes.

The Route

The journey through the states of Illinois, Ohio, and New York is fulfilling for road trippers embarking on the journey. The halfway point of the trip at Milan, OH, offers an opportunity to relieve achy muscles and stock up on snacks for the trip. The route would take approximately 12 hours, allowing for impromptu stops to explore hidden gems along the way.

In conclusion, the trip route from Chicago, Illinois, to Ridgeway, New York, is one that delivers a memorable experience. The route boasts of unforgettable scenery and attractions that excite all categories of tourists. Travelers should consider the Top 5 Things to Do mentioned above to complete a fulfilling journey, capturing the essence of the Midwest and the East Coast's beauty.