Chicago IL to Brookport IL
Replies: 9 - Last Post: Sep 4, 2012 10:21 PM Last Post By: SoloHobo
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Chicago IL to Brookport IL
Hi All,I'm driving from Chicago IL to Brookport IL to visit family, I have allocated 2 days for the drive. According to Google Maps the fastest route takes 6h 22min (see google map here
I would prefer to avoid the highway and take a more scenic route, maybe stop at some quirky towns? or food stops? I'm happy to drive up to 4 hours each day, so it can be a little bit 'out of the way'.
What are my interests:
- anything fun or unique to a town that is a little 'left field'
- can be a man made attraction as well as natural
- doesn't require too much walking on uneven surfaces, I'm travelling with a 1 year old so will need to be stroller friendly (so long hikes are out)
- Could be a festival or carnival
- Very interested in local foods and trying new food things eg. trying the dish of the region
Any suggestions?
Thanks All!
3
I suggest you bump down the highway 1 ... keeping your eyes open for historic markers & such... A day trip to Cairo? ... carracar4
If you detoured off your route, you could visit a large number of museums, memorials and attractions in Springfield, as well as in St Louis (including the Gateway Arch). Also in Springfield is the Cozy Dog Diner, birthplace of the corn dog on a stick. Of course when your in Brookport, you should swing thorugh nearby Metropolis, hometown of Superman. Since your looking for "left field" attractions, check out this website http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/il which list nearby attractions like the Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, and the "Mecca for Albino Squirrels" in Olney.Your route takes you into Champagne-Urbana, home of a University. The campus is imposing and might be worth a visit, as well as the town will probablly have more varied food options for you then the generic fast food you will likely encounter on the rest of your trip. Also there is also a Childrens Science Museum there. On the outskirts of Chicago, slightly off your route is the interesting town of Lockport which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Have Fun
5
Lots of Abe Lincoln sites in Springfield.8
Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has some nice sights.Carbondale is a nice college town.
9
It would be far faster and easier to fly into Nashville (Southwest Airlines). St Louis and Louisville are even closer than Chicago.
