Road Trips from North Chicago, IL
North Chicago is your launchpad for a variety of Illinois adventures. You've got options for quick, under-two-hour hops on surface roads, some even passing by Pullman National Historical Park. If you're looking for a longer haul, there are a couple of routes that lean heavily on the highway for a more substantial drive, reaching further into the state. Consider what kind of day trip or extended drive you're after – whether it's proximity and park access or covering more ground.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
0.6h
With Parks Nearby
3
Under 2 hours
Joliet, IL
1h 35m71.8 mi one way
This 1.6-hour drive takes you to Joliet on mostly surface roads, with a drive score of 7. It's a solid choice if you want to visit Pullman National Historical Park, which is nearby. It's a bit longer than the trip to Des Plaines but offers park access.
Lockport, IL
1h 23m64.5 mi one way
For a 1.4-hour trip on surface roads, Lockport is an option with a drive score of 7. Like the Joliet route, it also allows for a visit to Pullman National Historical Park. This is a good middle-ground option in terms of distance and drive profile.
Elgin, IL
1h 3m46.1 mi one way
This 1.1-hour drive to Elgin is one of the shorter options, covering 46.1 miles on surface roads. It has a drive score of 6 and doesn't directly feature parks, making it a straightforward, quick excursion if you're not prioritizing park visits.
Des Plaines, IL
35m26.2 mi one way
At just 0.6 hours and 26.2 miles, this is the most direct route on surface roads, with a drive score of 6. It's a quick trip with no parks nearby, ideal if you need a very short drive without park stops.
Elk Grove, IL
42m32.9 mi one way
This 0.7-hour drive to Elk Grove covers 32.9 miles on surface roads and has a drive score of 6. Similar to Des Plaines, it’s a brief trip without park access, suitable for a quick outing.
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
Browse by Mood
Peoria, IL
3h 43m193.1 mi one way
Belleville, IL
6h 8m321.7 mi one way
Joliet, IL
1h 35m71.8 mi one way
Lockport, IL
1h 23m64.5 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant weather for exploring Pullman National Historical Park, accessible on several shorter surface road trips.
Summer
Summer is ideal for longer highway drives to destinations like Peoria, with parks like Pullman National Historical Park being accessible.
Fall
Fall colors could enhance the drives, especially on the longer highway routes, with park access available on shorter trips.
Winter
Winter drives are feasible, though park visits might be limited; the shorter trips on surface roads remain practical.
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 North Chicago, IL city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.