The Country's Most Impressive Rest Stop Is Hiding Right Here In Illinois
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published April 03, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Every year, 40 percent of Americans plan a road trip. Some will travel out of state, and others will keep their adventures close to home. It's easy to see why! Traveling by car is a great way to explore new parts of The Prairie State. Illinois makes this easy, operating around 30 rest areas across the state where drivers can stretch their legs.
Located off I-57, Rend Lake Rest Area is the perfect pull-over spot if you're in southern Illinois. This driver's sanctuary is more park than rest area, boasting access to idyllic Rend Lake and squeaky-clean facilities.
Let's face it: rest stops don't have the best reputation. Illinois rest areas see over 36 million visitors annually. With so many people coming and going, it's easy for things to get messy. Rend Lake facilities receive glowing reviews for their cleanliness, which goes a long way to make this a place you'll want to hang out and not a place that will have you fleeing for the road as quickly as possible.
You can also stroll along Rend Lake's shore. This gorgeous body of water is actually a reservoir. Clocking in at an impressive 13 miles in length, it serves an important civic role, providing water to 300,000 persons in over 60 communities.
If you've got the time, I recommend packing a lunch or pooling your favorite road trip snacks for a travelers' smörgåsbord. Just keep your eye on the clock! Take it from me: with scenery like this, it's absolutely possible to blow your driving schedule.
So long as they remain leashed, canine adventurers can also get fresh air at Rend Lake. I encourage taking them for a well-deserved stroll by the waterfront.
If you’re heading south for a road trip, consider stopping at the best rest stop in Illinois, Rend Lake Rest Area. This park-like sanctuary is the perfect spot to stretch your legs before you head off for more adventure!
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