When is the last time you took a good look at some of the beauty around the Prairie State? We tend to get used to places where we live and can forget how truly magnificent they are. So, let's rediscover some of the most beautiful places on this scenic road trip in Illinois. It may make you fall in love with the state's beauty all over again.
Ready to hit the road? Remember to pack some road trip snacks and gas up the car. Clocking in at just under eight hours and 376 miles, you may want to spend the night somewhere along the way. To visit these places, we created a handy interactive Google map for you to use. Feel free to add and delete stops to make it your own. Ready to go?
1. Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Our first stop on this scenic road trip in Illinois is the stunning Morton Arboretum. Known for its large collection of trees from around the world as well as gardens and the occasional large-scale sculpture installation, you'll be marveling at the beauty here at every turn.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the Morton Arboretum.
2. Bahi'a House of Worship, Wilmette
The Bahi'a House of Worship is the second Bahi'a temple ever to be created, and the oldest one that is still standing, is right here in Illinois. And it is quite a sight to behold! Found just outside of Chicago, this is one of eight of its kind in North America.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the Bahi'a House of Worship.
3. Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston
Unlike the east and west coasts, Illinois is not really a place you would think of having lighthouses, but it does. And there's quite a lovely one with a long history in Evanston. Construction on this lighthouse was completed in 1873 and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places over 100 years later. From the top you can take in absolutely stunning Illinois scenery for miles around!
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the Grosse Point Lighthouse.
4. Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
Not only will you find peace and quiet at this beachside park along Lake Michigan but resplendent beauty as well. Take a hike, lay on the beach, go for a swim....the world is your oyster at this state park.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Illinois Beach State Park.
5. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
Another one of the most most scenic places in Illinois is this 12-acre botanical garden in Rockford. At this true slice of heaven you'll find serene gardens with waterfalls, streams, and koi ponds that you can walk through on winding pathways. It's absolutely breathtaking!
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the Anderson Japanese Gardens.
6. Galena
There's perhaps no other town in the state of Illinois as picture-perfect as Galena. Not only that, but it offers shops, restaurants, attractions, nature and so much more!
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the town of Galena.
7. Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
The last spot on our scenic places road trip through Illinois is a park that's considered the best in the state and recognized as one of Illinois’ natural wonders - Starved Rock State Park. The park is home to several canyons with waterfalls, caves, bluffs, and more scenery than you can imagine.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Starved Rock State Park.
Are you ready to take a scenic road trip through Illinois? Have you already been to any of these places? If so, which ones? What other locations would you add to this route? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
For more outdoor adventure ideas in Illinois, check out this video:
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