Road Trips from Chicago, IL
Where to drive next — curated by how much time you have and what you're in the mood for.
Total Routes
113
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
98
Under 2 hours
63 total in this range
Naperville, IL
46m31 mi one way
Waukegan, IL
59m42.4 mi one way
Wheaton, IL
46m28.4 mi one way
Oak Park, IL
18m9.8 mi one way
Lombard, IL
37m22.2 mi one way
Full-day getaway
30 total in this range
Eureka, IL
2h 49m135.4 mi one way
Empire, IL
2h 59m147.1 mi one way
Fairbury, IL
2h 21m112.8 mi one way
Forreston, IL
2h 30m115 mi one way
Peoria, IL
3h 9m164.1 mi one way
Weekend trip
20 total in this range
York, IL
4h 56m213.2 mi one way
Cincinnati, IL
5h 38m276.2 mi one way
Quincy, IL
5h 53m309.6 mi one way
Norris City, IL
6h 4m296.8 mi one way
Barr, IL
5h 5m247.7 mi one way
Browse by Mood
York, IL
4h 56m213.2 mi one way
Eureka, IL
2h 49m135.4 mi one way
Empire, IL
2h 59m147.1 mi one way
Fairbury, IL
2h 21m112.8 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Long daylight returns and parks begin peak bloom.
Summer
Fewer closures but plan for heat and heavier traffic.
Fall
Cooler temps and foliage make it the underrated season here.
Winter
Shorter days — prioritize shorter drives or southbound routes.
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 Chicago, IL city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.