The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In Illinois That Showcases Mansions, Lake Michigan, And Forests
By Linze Rice|Published November 09, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
There is something so soothing about just going for a leisurely drive. If you have a destination, taking the long way can turn a simple drive into a scenic journey along the path less taken. If there is no destination, then the drive itself is the main event. Either way, it’s an opportunity for some tranquil solo time, a chat session with a friend, or even some family time. And one of the best scenic drives in Illinois offers not only spectacular views, but plenty of activities along the way.
As someone from a small town, the first time I took this trek up the North Shore I was blown away. "So this is how the other half lives, huh?" I thought to myself. Worlds apart from my own life, I loved escaping into the lush reality of these stunning communities, filled with mansions, ornate cottages, breathtaking tree-lined streets, adorable downtowns, and incredible lakefront access.
This journey begins at the northernmost tip of Chicago at the corner of Juneway and Sheridan in Rogers Park. The trip begins with a dramatic curve with a sweeping view of Calvary Catholic Cemetery to the left and Lake Michigan to the right. As soon as you enter the curve, you're already technically in Evanston.
Evanston is directly north of Chicago and has a fantastic mix of modern and historic homes, shops, and dining options. This route takes you up Sheridan Road almost the entire way, which showcases Evanston's famous historic homes and mansions. In fact, this is likely one of the best scenic drives in Illinois for seeing huge historic homes and mega-mansions.
The suburb is also home to Northwestern University, and Sheridan Road takes you right through the campus. Stop off to walk around and get great views of Lake Michigan and the beautiful campus.
Continuing north, you'll drive past the inspiring Bahá'í House of Worship in Wilmette. The elegant white structure is the only of its kind in the country and is filled with architectural details, and its pristine grounds are instantly calming. This is another great place to pull off for an exterior photo and to admire its sacred grounds.
In Winnetka, Sheridan Road takes you straight to Tower Road Park/Beach — a gorgeous lakefront park with summer swimming access, a playground, a sandy beach, a pier, and plenty of panoramic views of the lake.
Nature is the name of the game with this route. All along the drive, you're almost constantly surrounded by tall trees that almost create a tunnel effect. In the summer, they're lush and green, in the fall they're blazing reds and yellows, and in the winter, their barren branches reveal the street's secret mega-homes. It's why I consider it one of the best scenic drives in Illinois.
Keep going, and you'll reach the Glencoe and Highland Park areas where the Chicago Botanic Garden and Ravinia Festival grounds are found. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is only a few minutes east of Sheridan Road and is a must-visit when in the North Shore with its dazzling gardens and conservatory.
In Highland Park, Sheridan Road takes you right through its charming downtown area, filled with small shops and restaurants perfect for an afternoon of shopping or grabbing lunch.
Drive carefully, but do try to peek out the side windows as much as possible to get rare glimpses of the many stately mansions that the North Shore is known for.
In Lake Forest, stop off at the historic Deer Path Inn for afternoon tea service or a one-of-a-kind cocktail in its basement pub, a favorite hangout spot for locals.
Linze Rice
Finally, the route ends in the waterfront town of Waukegan, another community with fantastic lakefront access and a cute Main Street that offers delicious local dining and a strong arts and entertainment scene. Notice public art everywhere while you head to the Genesee Theatre for a show!
If you’re looking for one of the absolute best scenic drives in Illinois, I highly recommend taking the route above. It can easily be stretched into a day trip, or even a weekend getaway! This lakeside art deco vacation rental in Rogers Park is a great home base to the south, or this top-rated Sonesta ES Suites offers spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and affordable rates (plus it’s just 10 minutes from Six Flags in Gurnee!).
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