Points of Interest between Chillicothe, Illinois to North Liberty, Iowa

picture of Chillicothe, Illinois

The Top Five Popular Attractions Between Chillicothe, IL and North Liberty, IA

Are you planning a road trip from Chillicothe, Illinois to North Liberty, Iowa? This stretch of road takes you through some of the most beautiful and exciting attractions in the Midwest. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or going solo, you’ll surely find something to love in this list of the top five popular attractions.

Colona, IL: The Halfway Point

Before we delve into the top five attractions, let's take a moment to appreciate Colona, IL, the halfway point between Chillicothe and North Liberty. It is a small town in Henry County located on the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Trail. Visitors can enjoy walking or biking the trail, taking in the wildlife and scenery. If you’re looking to rest and eat, there are several local restaurants in town to choose from.

Top Five Places to See

  1. Quad City Botanical Center

Take a break from the road and spend a few hours at the beautiful Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, IL. This 17-acre facility offers visitors an opportunity to see different species of plants and attracts many birds and butterflies. There are multiple gardens to explore, including water gardens, roses, seasonal flowers, and even a children’s garden. You can also join a guided tour or attend one of the many workshops and events that take place throughout the year.

  1. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

A visit to West Branch, Iowa, is incomplete without stopping at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The site preserves the birthplace and early childhood of the 31st president of the United States and the town of West Branch where he grew up. Visitors can take guided tours and explore the visitor center, which houses exhibits about his life, presidency, and the Great Depression.

  1. Music Man Square

If you're a fan of the movie "The Music Man," this attraction is not to be missed. Mason City, Iowa, is home to Music Man Square, which includes a museum dedicated to the film and stage musical, which was filmed there. The museum houses artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia from the movie. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the historic River City streetscape, which is a recreation of the streets featured in the movie.

  1. Coralville Lake

Located near Iowa City, Coralville Lake is a great spot for fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. The lake is home to several species of fish, including bluegill, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass, among others. There are plenty of campsites and picnic areas, too, so you can make a day of it.

  1. The Putnam Museum and Science Center

The Putnam Museum and Science Center is a unique destination in Davenport, Iowa, that combines history, science, and culture. Visitors can explore the many exhibits, including the Hall of Mammals, which houses over 350 specimens, including elephants, lions, and bears. There is also the Science Center, which focuses on hands-on learning and interactive exhibits for all ages.

Best Route

In conclusion, taking a road trip from Chillicothe, Illinois, to North Liberty, Iowa, is an adventure that should not be missed. From the Quad City Botanical Center to the Putnam Museum and Science Center, there are so many fun and interesting attractions to explore. For the best route, we recommend taking I-74 West until you reach US-6, which will take you to Colona. From there, take US-6 and I-80 West to reach North Liberty. Happy travels!