Chicago is a sprawling metropolis of museums, restaurants, bars, apartment buildings, and more. It has many nicknames, including the Second City. That’s partly because it was entirely rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, but it’s mainly become as known by the nickname for its secondary status next to New York City. But still, a second slot is still high up there, so you might be thinking where in this bustling city (that’s comparable to NYC) could you possibly go for a good drive? There’s nothing quite like taking to the open road, even just for a day trip, and even the most devoted city-dwellers tend to miss that freedom. Well, you might have to travel a bit out of the city, but there are plenty of great driving roads near Chicago. Here are five of the best.
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
Distance: 9 miles Driving time: 15 minutes
This short stretch of road is part of Illinois Route 53. Don’t be fooled by the short mileage of this road, it’s a beautiful one. Cruise slowly through 1,700 acres of lush gardens and trees, which are particularly lovely in the fall. It’s only a thirty-minute drive out of Chicago and the perfect respite from the busy city. Remember to bring your hiking boots, as there are 16 miles of trails to explore.
The Morton Arboretum is actually the name of the outdoor museum along the road. Visitors can explore the library, herbarium, and the museum’s program in tree research. It’s a wonderful day out, even if just to breathe in the crisp fresh air. There is a cafe at the museum, or you can stop off for a bite to eat at one of the upscale villages on the way back to Chicago. Downers Grove and Oak Brook are along the route, and the village of Hinsdale is worth a visit for a taste of suburbia charm.
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, Peoria, IL
Distance: 150 miles Driving time: 2 hours 40 minutes
The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway begins in Ottawa and ends in Havana, traversing through 150 miles of parks, wetlands, and cultural sites along the great Illinois River. There’s actually over 100 nature-themed destinations along the way, so if you’re looking for a break from city life, this is it. The starting point is a three hour drive from Chicago, so a day trip is doable, but there are plenty of places to rest your weary head should you want to.
Whether you’re spending the day there or extending your stay, there’s loads to do here. Take on outdoorsy activities like canoeing, kayaking, biking, fishing, and hiking. Pass through rolling farmlands, river communities, and sweeping landscapes along the open road.
Sheridan Road, Chicago
Distance: 7 miles Driving time: 17 minutes
For a taste of the open road without even having to leave the city, Sheridan Road is a worthy drive. It’s around twenty minutes from downtown, but still within Chicago boundaries. Drivers particularly love the first section of the 7 mile drive, which snakes through winding roads, passing forest trees. The tight curves and open road is a far cry from the usual city gridlock, and the elevation changes are particularly rare for notoriously flat Illinois.
The second half of the drive is pretty straight but even more scenic. Drivers are surrounded by trees and green parks with Lake Michigan to their side. And Sheridan Road is in an affluent area, so the road is lined with flashy multi-million dollar estates. There are plenty of places to stop off and take in the scenery, Glencoe Beach is particularly beautiful on a sunny day. If you want to stretch your legs even more, the Chicago Botanic Garden sits on 385 acres, showcasing spectacular natural beauty.
Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, Fulton, IL
Distance: 140 miles Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Just over three hours away from Chicago is this beautiful stretch of road. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive follows the trail of the Spoon River, winding through seventeen villages, passing historic sites, and cruising through lovely forestry.
The whole byway is 140 miles, although it can be shortened to make a day trip from the city more doable. A particular highlight is the historic steel bridge, which is a hotspot for a great photo. In October, the area throws a festival to commemorate the coming of fall and celebrate the beautiful scenery. During that time you’ll see flea markets and stalls lined along the road selling everything from food to local arts and crafts. It’s an especially lovely time to visit, and the fiery foliage certainly helps too.
Bluff Road, Lemont, IL
Distance: 2 miles Driving time: 7 minutes
This drive is a bit of a hidden treasure. It’s just forty minutes out of Chicago, in the leafy suburb of Lemont. If you’re looking for a quick respite from the city, this drive will do the trick. The road delightfully glides round the bends, all the while being shaded by tall, dense trees that curve inward. Not only is this road a lovely drive, but it’s also surrounded by the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. As the name suggests, the forest is home to Waterfall Glen, which rushes through the forest for 15 miles. There are several cars towards the north of Bluff Road, so you can explore the nature reserve on foot and on your own time. Although this road is short, it opens you up lots of lush nature just forty minutes outside of the city. There are also several trails that lead down Des Plaines River, where you can go kayaking and canoeing. Lemont itself is a pleasant village to explore, with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or a nice coffee.