Illinois RON

[Jamesdub]

Looking for 'the' spot to see in central / north central Illinois for a layover this Sunday afternoon.

In an attempt to not be rushed for a Monday morning arrival into Oshkosh we're looking at RON'ing a few hours south. Just wondering if anyone has a favorite spot that we should checkout.

Like to stay away from the 'big' cities on this leg.

As always, really appreciate your input.

114JA / 295TC

 

[N4843W]

Re: Illinois RON

North Central IL is not a garden spot, but the Airport Steakhouse at Matoon is one of those aviation bucket-list places. The dinner-plate sized elephant ear tenderloin is a southern IL / southern IN staple. Could be an acquired taste but I grew up on them and try to stop now and then.

From where you are coming up, you might consider French Lick, IN. Eagle Creek just North of Indianapolis is Good. Lafayette, IN is fine. I know it will be busy, but since there are two of you, if the weather is good a flight up the Chicago Lakefront is a not-to-be-missed experience. about 100X more interesting that central IL. I'd fly it at 1,000' or lower since most will go higher. even 500'. go about straight north from Lansing, IL, KIGQ, and turn left at the shore. very easy. don't stray right into Gary airspace though. And study the Chicago Class B carefully the night before. It is not hard at all, just be aware.

When you get to Waukegan, KUGN, head toward OSH. Just 5 miles north of UGN you are in Milwaukee Approach and they are great at Flight Following, even during Oshkosh week. Chicago Approach usually will to. Usually.

You can also just fly up past Milwaukee on the lakefront as well, then turn toward OSH after that.

 

[wiguy]

Re: Illinois RON

We may meet Monday morning on the FISKE arrival? I'll be inbound then too.

Yes, Mattoon is a very nice airport. There should be some easy hotel options right there. If you have favorable WX and winds come further North. Peru, IL is another nice airport.

 

[RNC]

Re: Illinois RON

If you want close'ish to Chicago DuPage is a good stop. 30-45 minute ride to downtown from there. Nice new FBO, good mx shop too (blew out a nose strut there...).

But then again ya'll got IFR ratings, just go to Midway, don't be skeered .

They got a Stuka with bullet holes in it hanging in the Museum of Science and Industry, and a 727 inside the building. It's just a couple blocks off the lakefront. Few months ago they had a few pieces of the terra cotta army on display at the Fields Museum, not sure if it's still there. There's a bar on the top floor of the John Hancock building (96th floor view).

 

[N295TC]

Re: Illinois RON

Thanks guys for all the input and advice. As John stated; since we have a pretty good day of flying (About 4 to 5 hours flying) from Alabama just to get close to Osh and with the restricted closed runway times throughout Osh we have opted to go up Sunday and get close to Osh Sunday and then arrive Monday well before the 2:30 pm closer for the airshows. I'm not very familiar with that region of the country so any and all help/input is much appreciated. If we could find a nice airport that's within an hour or so flight or closer to OSH that has nice hotels and nice restaurants very close to the airport then that would be great. Don't think we would venture out to far from the stopover other than for food and maybe a little site seeing etc and then get some rest for the big event.

So keep the recommendations coming guys.

 

[wiguy]

Re: Illinois RON

Watertown, Dodge Co, Burlington are fine choices a bit further North. These are all in WI not to far from RIPON.

Most any of these will start to show the energy of Airventure towards this weekend.

 

[kgrant]

Re: Illinois RON

Watertown, Dodge Co, Burlington are fine choices a bit further North. These are all in WI not to far from RIPON.

Most any of these will start to show the energy of Airventure towards this weekend.

I've done Dubuque (DBQ) but hotels aren't close. Clinton, IA (CWI) remote and fewer hotel options, Madison, Wi (MSN) probably best services, ground transport, & urban overnight amenities. Nothing more exciting than an early morning 30-minute flight to RIPON. k

 

[JimParker256]

Re: Illinois RON

Nothing more exciting than an early morning 30-minute flight to RIPON.

Yep, that's certain to get your juices flowing! Best to have your coffee before you leave!

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Illinois RON

If you want close'ish to Chicago DuPage is a good stop. 30-45 minute ride to downtown from there. Nice new FBO, good mx shop too (blew out a nose strut there...).

But then again ya'll got IFR ratings, just go to Midway, don't be skeered .

They got a Stuka with bullet holes in it hanging in the Museum of Science and Industry, and a 727 inside the building. It's just a couple blocks off the lakefront. Few months ago they had a few pieces of the terra cotta army on display at the Fields Museum, not sure if it's still there. There's a bar on the top floor of the John Hancock building (96th floor view).

The winner is DuPage, (arriving early enough to get to the Museum) but will possibly look at the on field restaurant at Mattoon on the return leg.
DuPage makes an easy hop to OSH for the next morning.

This site is very helpful!!!
John

 

[wiguy]

Re: Illinois RON

Lots of stuff around DPA.

Monday weather is trending great. There may be some hit & miss storms over the weekend.

 

[N4843W]

Re: Illinois RON

The town of St. Charles just west of the airport is a great place with good restaurants, nice walking along the river. I would NOT go east of DPA! Just suburban sprawl for 25 miles.

 

[RNC]

Re: Illinois RON

The winner is DuPage, (arriving early enough to get to the Museum) but will possibly look at the on field restaurant at Mattoon on the return leg.
DuPage makes an easy hop to OSH for the next morning.

This site is very helpful!!!
John

Almost forgot, Frank Lloyd Wright's house is on the west side of the city on the way back out to DuPage from downtown.