Road Trips from Des Plaines, IL
Where to drive next — curated by how much time you have and what you're in the mood for.
Total Routes
75
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
65
Under 2 hours
49 total in this range
Aux Sable, IL
1h 22m58.9 mi one way
Lakewood Shores, IL
1h 29m64.6 mi one way
Chicago, IL
33m20.5 mi one way
New City, IL
39m24.9 mi one way
Lower West Side, IL
33m19.9 mi one way
Full-day getaway
11 total in this range
Atwood, IL
3h 35m181.8 mi one way
Thomasboro, IL
2h 47m140.4 mi one way
Arcola, IL
3h 29m181.5 mi one way
Dunlap, IL
3h 18m162.4 mi one way
Heyworth, IL
2h 58m152.2 mi one way
Weekend trip
15 total in this range
Bruce, IL
4h 14m210.2 mi one way
Marion, IL
5h 45m274.9 mi one way
Olney, IL
5h 17m259.1 mi one way
Breese, IL
5h 39m300 mi one way
Lawrenceville, IL
5h 49m281 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Bruce, IL
4h 14m210.2 mi one way
Atwood, IL
3h 35m181.8 mi one way
Marion, IL
5h 45m274.9 mi one way
Thomasboro, IL
2h 47m140.4 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 Des Plaines, IL city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.