Road Trips from Chicago, IL
Chicago's surrounding routes offer a variety of day trips, mostly on highways with flat terrain. You have options close by, like La Grange just 14 miles away, perfect for a quick escape. For longer excursions, several destinations are around 4-6 hours out, reaching points like Barr, IL, and Barry, IL. All these trips include access to parks, with Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument appearing frequently in the nearby options. These are primarily short, easy drives, not designed for overnight stays.
Total Routes
10
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
10
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Mount Pulaski, IL
3h 27m175.3 mi one way
At 175.3 miles and 3.5 hours, this trip offers a bit more distance than the closest options. It features a mostly highway profile and a drive score of 8. You'll have access to Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. The terrain is mostly flat, and it's a day trip.
Buckhart, IL
3h 58m206.5 mi one way
This route extends to 206.5 miles, taking around 4 hours, with a solid drive score of 8. Like other longer trips, it includes proximity to Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. The mostly flat terrain and highway profile make it a straightforward drive, best suited for a day trip.
Carthage, IL
2h 10m96.5 mi one way
This drive is 96.5 miles and takes about 2.2 hours, with a drive score of 7. It stands out by being mostly on surface roads, offering a different driving experience than the highway-focused routes. Pullman National Historical Park is nearby. The terrain is flat, and it's a day trip.
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Barr, IL
5h 5m247.7 mi one way
Covering 247.7 miles and taking approximately 5.1 hours, this trip has a drive score of 8. It's a longer option that gets you further out, with access to Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. The mostly highway route and flat terrain are typical for these longer day trips.
Barry, IL
5h 13m279.4 mi one way
At 279.4 miles and 5.2 hours, this is one of the longer excursions available, featuring a drive score of 8. You'll have opportunities to visit Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. The drive is primarily on highways with flat terrain, suitable for a day trip.
Adams, IL
5h 54m299.3 mi one way
This route covers 299.3 miles and takes about 5.9 hours, offering a drive score of 8. It's one of the furthest destinations, providing access to Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. The mostly highway, flat terrain profile makes it a consistent choice for a long day drive.
La Harpe, IL
4h 56m253.3 mi one way
This trip spans 253.3 miles and takes around 4.9 hours, with a drive score of 8. It's a substantial day trip that includes access to Pullman National Historical Park. The drive is mostly on highways, and the terrain is flat, making it a predictable route for a longer outing.
Prairie, IL
6h 18m319 mi one way
At 319 miles and 6.3 hours, this is the longest trip offered, with a drive score of 8. It provides access to Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. The mostly highway route and flat terrain make it a long, but direct, day trip option.
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
The mostly flat terrain and park accessibility make these routes viable year-round, with parks like Pullman National Historical Park offering spring blooms.
Summer
These mostly highway drives with flat terrain are well-suited for summer, with numerous park options like Pullman National Historical Park available.
Fall
The consistent, flat terrain and highway profiles are ideal for fall drives, with parks such as Pullman National Historical Park providing autumn scenery.
Winter
With mostly flat terrain and highway routes, these trips remain accessible, though park availability might vary.
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.