Illinois road trip: Chicago landmarks to Starved Rock

Explore Illinois through a 2,492 km route connecting Chicago's iconic landmarks including Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Riverwalk, alongside natural attractions like Starved Rock State Park and Lake Michigan's shoreline near Northwestern University and Evanston.

Distance
2492.0 km
Mode
route
Start
Welcome to Illinois
End
Adler Planetarium
Stops
31
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Illinois — Midwestern state known for Chicago's iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and pivotal role in American history and commerce.
  2. Chicago River — Historic waterway divided into three branches (north, main stem, south); flow reversed to protect Lake Michigan from pollution.
  3. Chicago Riverwalk — 1.25 miles of pedestrian path along the river's banks with cafes and restaurants.
  4. Starved Rock State Park — State park named for a Native American legend; features overlooks (Lover's Leap, Eagle Cliff, Beehive) and historic Starved Rock Hotel from the 1890s.
  5. Lake Michigan
  6. Church of Saint John Cantius — Founded December 1892 by Polish immigrants; distinctive tower visible from Kennedy Expressway.
  7. Millennium Park
  8. Navy Pier — Historic lakefront entertainment destination originally known as Municipal Pier; combines history and stunning views.
  9. Oak Park — Welcoming village west of Chicago.
  10. Chicago Harbor Lighthouse — Historic beacon guiding ships into Chicago's bustling harbor, symbolizing maritime heritage and architectural significance since the 19th century.
  11. Northwestern University
  12. Lincoln Park
  13. Willis Tower — Iconic architectural landmark in Illinois.
  14. Buckingham Fountain — Historic fountain in Chicago.
  15. Tribune Tower — Historic Chicago landmark.
  16. Baha'i House of Worship — Religious landmark in Illinois.
  17. Grant Park — Major urban park in Chicago.
  18. Garfield Park — Historic park with stunning conservatory and botanical gardens, showcasing early 20th-century landscape design and horticultural excellence.
  19. Shedd Aquarium — Major aquarium in Chicago.
  20. Humboldt Park — Vibrant neighborhood park with lagoons, fieldhouse, and cultural significance as a hub for Puerto Rican and artistic communities.
  21. Willowbrook Village — Suburban residential community west of Chicago, representing typical American bedroom community development and family-oriented living.
  22. Joliet Correctional Center — Decommissioned maximum-security prison built in 1858, now a historic landmark showcasing industrial-era architecture and criminal justice history.
  23. Promontory Point — Historic lakefront peninsula featuring 1920s limestone piers where African Americans gathered during segregation era, now a cultural landmark.
  24. Arlington Heights — Affluent suburban community northwest of Chicago known for residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and proximity to O'Hare International Airport.
  25. North Avenue Beach — Popular sandy beach along Lake Michigan offering swimming, volleyball courts, and scenic views of downtown Chicago's skyline.
  26. Field Museum — Natural history museum in Chicago.
  27. Shawnee National Forest — National forest in southern Illinois.
  28. Morton Arboretum — Botanical garden in Illinois.
  29. Soldier Field — Historic stadium home to the Chicago Bears, featuring neoclassical design and hosting major sports events and concerts since 1919.
  30. Ogden Park — South Side park preserving green space and community recreation with sports facilities, honoring neighborhood heritage and accessibility.
  31. Adler Planetarium — Science museum in Chicago.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Join an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River to see the city's world-renowned skyline from a unique perspective.
Timing
Visit the Chicago River every March to watch it turn brilliant green during the St. Patrick's Day celebration, a tradition lasting over 60 years.
Tip
Explore the Chicago Riverwalk on foot, by boat, or relax in cafes and seating areas along the 1.25-mile waterfront stretch.
Tip
Hike over 13 miles of trails at Starved Rock State Park to explore rain-fed waterfalls, sandstone canyons, and overlooks like Lover's Leap and Eagle Cliff.
Where to stay
Stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or in one of its cozy cabins while visiting the park.
Tip
Enjoy outdoor activities at Starved Rock State Park including canoeing, paddle boat cruises, cross-country skiing, trolley rides, and fishing.
Tip
Use the lakefront path in Evanston for walking, biking, and running along Lake Michigan's shores.
Food
Explore diverse dining options in Evanston's downtown area with local businesses, cafes, and restaurants reflecting the community's cosmopolitan nature.
Tip
Visit one of Evanston's six public swimming beaches on Lake Michigan for year-round recreational opportunities.

Video on this route

ILLINOIS: The Untold Midwest | Travel Video 4K

More routes nearby

Map