Road Trips from Arlington Heights, IL
Thinking about a quick escape from Arlington Heights? You've got options ranging from short hops to nearby towns to longer hauls across the state. Several trips are under an hour and feature a mix of highway and surface roads, making them easy day trips. You can also find longer drives that lean more heavily on highways if you're looking to cover more ground. Plus, some routes offer access to parks, giving you a chance to stretch your legs outdoors before heading back.
Total Routes
11
Shortest
3.7h
With Parks Nearby
10
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
10 total in this range
Macomb, IL
4h 42m251.5 mi one way
This is the longest option at 4.7 hours and 251.5 miles, featuring a mix of highway and surface roads with the highest drive score of 10. It's ideal for a significant road trip, though it doesn't list specific park access.
Olney, IL
5h 27m266.5 mi one way
Covering 266.5 miles over 5.5 hours, this predominantly highway route scores a 9 for its drive. It's one of the longest options available and includes access to Pullman National Historical Park.
Bethalto, IL
5h 22m282.7 mi one way
O'Fallon, IL
5h 40m296.1 mi one way
Litchfield, IL
4h 44m250.4 mi one way
This 4.7-hour, 250.4-mile trip is mostly highway, with a drive score of 8. It stands out for offering access to two historical sites: Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park.
Browse by Mood
Galesburg, IL
3h 44m203.7 mi one way
Macomb, IL
4h 42m251.5 mi one way
Olney, IL
5h 27m266.5 mi one way
Bethalto, IL
5h 22m282.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With several nearby options featuring park access, spring is a good time to explore local green spaces before they get too crowded.
Summer
Longer, highway-focused trips are viable in summer, especially those that include access to Pullman National Historical Park for outdoor activities.
Fall
The mixed highway and surface road routes offer varied scenery, suitable for fall drives, particularly the shorter trips with nearby park access.
Winter
Shorter drives with mixed highway and surface road profiles are best suited for winter, minimizing time spent on potentially less-maintained roads.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Arlington Heights, IL city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.