7 Activities
A Road Trip to Gurnee: The Ultimate Play Day
Starts from
Chicago
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
12 hours
Length
70 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Chicago
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
12 hours
Length
70 mi
Chasity Cooper
Traveller
- Be captivated by the butterfly exhibit at the Botanic Garden.
- RIde the classic American Eagle.
- Try the Dutch Baby pancake at The Original Pancake House.
Gurnee is typically known for its large shopping center, but this trip will give you a glimpse into the sights and sounds that make this area the perfect one-day getaway. From the breathtaking beauty at the Chicago Botanic Garden to the chills and thrills you'll get from Six Flags Great America, this route is a great way to get everyone in the family out of the house and up on their feet.
And with so much excitement, you can count on eating some delicious food from breakfast to dinner. Get ready to have a great time!
And with so much excitement, you can count on eating some delicious food from breakfast to dinner. Get ready to have a great time!
Categories
Gurnee is typically known for its large shopping center, but this trip will give you a glimpse into the sights and sounds that make this area the perfect one-day getaway. From the breathtaking beauty at the Chicago Botanic Garden to the chills and thrills you'll get from Six Flags Great America, this route is a great way to get everyone in the family out of the house and up on their feet.
And with so much excitement, you can count on eating some delicious food from breakfast to dinner. Get ready to have a great time!
And with so much excitement, you can count on eating some delicious food from breakfast to dinner. Get ready to have a great time!
Chasity Cooper
Traveller
- Be captivated by the butterfly exhibit at the Botanic Garden.
- RIde the classic American Eagle.
- Try the Dutch Baby pancake at The Original Pancake House.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
70 mi0.5 mi
Get Ready to Rock and Roll
Today, you’re going to embark on a fun route from start to finish. Make sure to pace yourself and drink water along the way - you will absolutely need your energy!
08:005 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
Park here to embrace some spectacular Lake Michigan views.
0.5 mi
10 min
08:1530 min
Northwestern Lookout
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
A place where many NU students and Evanstonians like to gather and marvel at Lake Michigan, this is a perfect spot to not only get a great look at the Chicago skyline, but to take in a fresh breeze.
3.1 mi
15 min
09:001 hr
Walker Bros. Original Pancake House
Breakfast Spot
Open Details
This restaurant is a classic breakfast staple with many locations across the northern suburbs. Founded in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, Walker Bros. Original Pancake House is beloved by so many, and you'll be dining at the very first location opened almost 60 years ago.
9.5 mi
20 min
10:201 hr 30 min
Chicago Botanic Garden
Botanical Garden
Open Details
Not only is this stop on the way to more fun, but it is a beautiful curation of natural that you're so lucky to experience right in Chicago's backyard.
While the garden is open all year round, hours are seasonal and you must buy tickets for admission.
While the garden is open all year round, hours are seasonal and you must buy tickets for admission.
23.8 mi
40 min
12:304 hrs
Six Flags Great America
Theme Park
Open Details
This is truly the place where kids of all ages are welcome. With over 40 thrilling rides, live shows and other events, Great America is the perfect place to spend the afternoon with the family.
6.9 mi
15 min
17:0045 min
Mickey Finn's Brewery
Pub
Open Details
After a long day at the amusement park, you'll want to cleanse your palate from all the sugary treats. Opened since 1994, Mickey Finn's is the oldest brew pub in the state of Illinois. While they have several beers on tap, the Güdenteit Hefe-Weizen is a classic that will help you usher in the summer.
27.2 mi
40 min
19:001 hr
Giordano's
Pizza Place
Open Details
A fun day in the suburbs isn't complete without pizza, right? Giordano's, which started on Chicago's south side in 1974, has Italian roots that date back to almost 200 years. The restaurant now has locations nationwide.
You can absolutely order a deep dish pizza full of your favorite toppings, but the thin crust pizza is also just as great and deserves to be celebrated.
You can absolutely order a deep dish pizza full of your favorite toppings, but the thin crust pizza is also just as great and deserves to be celebrated.