Plan a Road Trip with Family by Starting with these 10 Trends
TREND #1 | Ludington, Michigan
FEATURING THE BIG SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse features its original keepers' quarters, which is attached to the tower. The quarters provide housing for the lighthouse's summer volunteers, a gift shop, and a video room for visitors. Several different displays highlighting the history of the lighthouse are available for guests to enjoy. Visitors can also climb the 130 steps to the watchtower room, walk out on the catwalk, and witness spectacular views of the Ludington State Park and Lake Michigan. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.visitlundington.com www.splka.org
TREND #2 | Illinois Beach State Park
LOCATED IN ZION, ILLINOIS
Illinois Beach is a unique and captivating natural resource for all to enjoy. It was created by the titanic forces of glacial advance and retreat and the steady winds that breathed across expansive Lake Michigan. The park has dunes and swales with sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation.The 4,160-acre park, consisting of two separate areas, offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and just appreciating nature. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.stateparks.com
Illinois Beach State Park
TREND #3 | Starved Rock
LOCATED IN OTTAWA, ILLINOIS
Starved Rock State Park is a wilderness area on the Illinois River in the U.S. state of Illinois. It’s known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. Several, including the St. Louis, French and Wildcat canyons, have waterfalls. A wooded trail leads to Lover’s Leap Overlook, with views of the river and Starved Rock Dam. Park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bald eagles and migratory birds. Pictured is an amazing view from behind Lasalle Falls. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.starvedrockstatepark.org
TREND #4 | Historical Route 66
AN OLD GAS STATION IN DWIGHT, ILLINOIS
Since 1926, driving down Route 66 has been the experience of a lifetime for travelers, adventurers, desperados and dreamers. Historical Route 66 made its way through many towns and Dwight was in its path. Built in 1933 was Ambler’s Texaco Station, which later became The Marathon Oil Station that serviced travelers until 1998. While officially Route 66 no longer exists, a great deal of it remains to be driven and enjoyed. A turn-by-turn road description will guide you on your journey through all eight states from Chicago to Los Angeles. Download it today! www.historic66.com
TREND #5 | Chicago Botanic Garden
LOCATED IN GLENCOE, ILLINOIS
A majestically beautiful outdoor setting, truly. In every season at the Chicago Botanic Garden, there are activities and programs, and breathtaking beauty throughout the 385 acres, including 27 gardens, four natural areas — including prairie and woods — and 81 acres of water. You can explore the wonders of the Garden by walking or by taking a tram. Tram tours include a panoramic overview or the intimate view of the gardens of the main island. To enhance your visit, head online first to download Garden guides of individual gardens. Detailed information on special events, exhibits, garden walks, and tram hours is available online as well in the Events Calendar. We think you’ll really love this place! View website for COVID-19 updates. www.chicagobotanic.org
Chicago Botanical Garden
TREND #6 | Cave of the Mounds
LOCATED IN BLUE MOUNDS, WISCONSIN
Less than 3 hours from Naperville, Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark is truly something to see in your lifetime. Celebrating 75 years since the Cave opened for tours, it has become the premier cave in the upper Midwest and the jewel box of America’s major show caves. Guided tours of this geologic wonder follow paved, lighted walkways departing regularly every day of the year. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.caveofthemounds.com
TREND #7 | Pierhead Lighthouse
LOCATED IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
The Milwaukee Pierhead Light is an active lighthouse located in the Milwaukee harbor, just south of downtown. This aid to navigation is a 'sister' of the Kenosha North Pier Light and is rich in history. This is favorite place for many to take pictures of the Milwaukee skyline at night. The light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 2012. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.lighthousefriends.com
TREND #8 | Devil’s Lake State Park
LOCATED IN BARABOO, WISCONSIN
Located in the Baraboo Range in eastern Sauk County, just south of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Devil's Lake State Park is the biggest state park in Wisconsin. Filled with outdoor attractions and activities from the 400 State Bike Trail in one corner to Lake Wisconsin on the other– this is a favorite camping site for many. Activities include biking & area trails, canoe & kayaking fishing, golfing, power boating and rock climbing. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.devilslakewisconsin.com
TREND #9 | House On the Rock
LOCATED IN SPRING GREEN, WISCONSIN
Simply amazing! The House on the Rock began in 1945 when a man named Alex Jordan had a towering goal: to build a retreat as awe-inspiring as the view from the rock upon which the House would eventually be built. What took shape on and around Deer Shelter Rock is a truly remarkable achievement. The House was only the beginning. In the years that followed, Alex expanded his vision beyond the House and collected and built on a massive scale. In the end he had created the world-renowned attraction known as The House on the Rock. Pictured is a bridge on the property. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.thehouseontherock.com
TREND #10 | Dells Riverwalk
A SCENIC ATTRACTION LOCATED AT THE WISCONSIN DELLS
Now easily accessible to the public for the first time in 75 years, this ¼-mile paved path offers visitors not only a breathtaking view of the Dells' unique scenery, but sprinkles in game tables and comfortable benches inviting guests to relax and take in all of Mother Nature's glory. Walk, bike or run the Dells Scenic River Walk. It's free and open to the public year-round. View website for COVID-19 updates. www.wisdells.com
ALL ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
ALL DINING + COCKTAILS
