Ultimate Road Trip from St. Louis to Chicago - Best Stops, Routes and Best Ways

Road Trip from St. Louis to Chicago

Routes

St. Louis - Springfield - Bloomington - Chicago - Champaign - Effingham - St. Louis

Springfield (Fantastic Caverns)

Discover the timeless beauty of Fantastic Caverns, one of the earth's rarest treasures. Here, you'll discover one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders; giant columns stretching from floor to ceiling, delicate soda straws glistening with minerals, tiny cave pearls hidden in crystal-clear water. And best of all, you'll see it close-up from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram!  

You don’t walk through these caverns, a guide drives through and makes stops and discusses the history, how the caves affect the environment/eco system, how caves are formed, etc. The tour will take a little under 1 hour. You also get a free picture, which is taken in the trolley at the main entrance of the cave, with everyone in it, and you will get it at the end.

Bloomington (David Davis Mansion State Historic Site)

Beautifully restored mansion. Be sure to watch the short video to get more history. The painted ceilings are incredible. The house is beautiful and seems very comfortable for a mansion that size. You will be very impressed with the decor of the house. Doesn't take to long to tour. Small estate is easy to navigate.

Chicago (The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park)

The Art Institute of Chicago

Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular Modern Wing. Stand before classics like Nighthawks, and travel the globe through galleries devoted to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas.

Chicago CityPASS: Save on Chicago's 5 Best Attractions for $108

Art Institute of Chicago: $35 per adult

Millennium Park

Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites. Fun, great design and a good place for families. 

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Champaign (The Virginia Theatre)

The Virginia Theatre is a historical classic theater. Great place with a wide variety of performances, shows and movies. Good place for a date or family.

Effingham (Cross at the Crossroads)

Great to see a visual representation of Jesus Christ' sacrifice - and a wonderful visual for those driving by. You can easily see the 200 foot cross from I-70 and I-57 but it is nicer to get off the Interstate for a few moments of quiet contemplation. With major Interstates crossing here and other major interstates relatively nearby, the area has come to be called The Crossroads. Hence although known to locals as simply The Cross, more widely it is known as The Cross at the Crossroads. It is surrounded by benches and memorials and has a spiritual and contemplative atmosphere. 

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