It’s summer and you want to take off on a trip. But let’s be real. Gas can get pretty pricey. Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can head on just ONE tank of gas. That’s like $25 guys. Split a few ways, that’s the price of an overpriced burrito. Most cars can go roughly 300 miles on a tank of gas. This trip takes you just a touch under that. With ten awesome spots, you might want to stretch this trip over a couple of days. Here is the map.
And here is the trip!
- Champaign-Urbana
Kevin Dooley/Flickr There is so much more to see down here than just the campus. Both towns have awesome dining offerings and little shops to walk into. Don’t leave town without eating at Black Dog BBQ.
- Tuscola
Patrick Finnegan/Flickr Tuscola is known for its outlets and other shopping. Don’t miss the downtown area and various antique shops.
- Arcola
Ken Bosma/Flickr Arcola is a weird blend of Amish and a hippie memorial. Trust us, it makes sense if you visit. Enjoy the serenity of the countryside.
- Charleston
Matt Turner/Flickr Charleston is a nice town to drop into along the way. If you like hiking, make sure to check out Fox Ridge State Park. Take a break from it all at Jackson Avenue Coffee Shop, a unique coffee shop.
- Effingham
Sean Biehle/Flickr Effingham is known for the Cross at the Crossroads. We also recommend unwinding at the Tuscan Hills Winery.
- Rend Lake
Eric Crowley/Flickr Rend Lake might be the most fun of all Illinois lakes to get out on. But if you aren’t into getting out on the water (scandalous!), there’s plenty to do in the way of hiking and biking. There is even a dinner playhouse if you are truly exhausted.
- Carbondale
Boo Memorial Park/Facebook Carbondale is a college town with some artistic offerings. But you definitely need to stop by Boo Memorial Park, a D&D themed playground.
- Ferne Clyffe State Park
Anthony George/Flickr Ferne Clyffe State Park has gorgeous geological features, including an awesome hike lined with interesting rocks. You can also find a small waterfall and interesting plant life.
- Crab Orchard
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook Crab Orchard is comprised of 44,000 acres of land and water. Nearly 1 million visitors come each year to see the birds and the gorgeous wetlands. You can even canoe or kayak through here.
- Garden of the Gods
Michael/Flickr There’s no better way to end your trip than to take in a sunset at Garden of the Gods. Your trip can end here or you can explore the Shawnee National Forest.
Where would YOU go on one tank of gas?
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
There is so much more to see down here than just the campus. Both towns have awesome dining offerings and little shops to walk into. Don’t leave town without eating at Black Dog BBQ.
Patrick Finnegan/Flickr
Tuscola is known for its outlets and other shopping. Don’t miss the downtown area and various antique shops.
Ken Bosma/Flickr
Arcola is a weird blend of Amish and a hippie memorial. Trust us, it makes sense if you visit. Enjoy the serenity of the countryside.
Matt Turner/Flickr
Charleston is a nice town to drop into along the way. If you like hiking, make sure to check out Fox Ridge State Park. Take a break from it all at Jackson Avenue Coffee Shop, a unique coffee shop.
Sean Biehle/Flickr
Effingham is known for the Cross at the Crossroads. We also recommend unwinding at the Tuscan Hills Winery.
Eric Crowley/Flickr
Rend Lake might be the most fun of all Illinois lakes to get out on. But if you aren’t into getting out on the water (scandalous!), there’s plenty to do in the way of hiking and biking. There is even a dinner playhouse if you are truly exhausted.
Boo Memorial Park/Facebook
Carbondale is a college town with some artistic offerings. But you definitely need to stop by Boo Memorial Park, a D&D themed playground.
Anthony George/Flickr
Ferne Clyffe State Park has gorgeous geological features, including an awesome hike lined with interesting rocks. You can also find a small waterfall and interesting plant life.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Crab Orchard is comprised of 44,000 acres of land and water. Nearly 1 million visitors come each year to see the birds and the gorgeous wetlands. You can even canoe or kayak through here.
Michael/Flickr
There’s no better way to end your trip than to take in a sunset at Garden of the Gods. Your trip can end here or you can explore the Shawnee National Forest.
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