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Summer Road Trips in Illinois

Routes

30

Avg Distance

371 mi

Avg Drive

7h 15m

Destinations

21

Illinois summer drives offer a blend of expansive prairie landscapes and surprisingly varied terrain across 30 routes averaging 372 miles. With drive scores up to 9 and maximum elevations around 800 feet, these trips are best experienced with long daylight hours and access to numerous parks. For those with electric vehicles, several routes boast excellent charger coverage, with some featuring up to 15 DC fast chargers, ensuring a smooth experience across the state.

Planning Tips

Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Illinois that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 371 miles).

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Cairo, IL → Waukegan, IL

411.7 mi 7h 46m Score: 8/10

This 411-mile trek scores an 8, navigating mostly flat terrain with a high of 782 feet. It's a solid choice for those seeking a substantial drive through varied Illinois landscapes.

Editor's pick

Metropolis, IL → Waukegan, IL

403.6 mi 7h 40m Score: 8/10

Boasting excellent EV coverage and 14 DC fast chargers, this 403-mile route is ideal for electric vehicle drivers. It offers a smooth, highway-focused experience across predominantly flat ground.

Editor's pick

Rosiclare, IL → Rockford, IL

387 mi 7h 52m Score: 9/10

With a high drive score of 9 and 15 DC fast chargers, this 387-mile mixed drive is a standout for EV enthusiasts. It traverses mostly flat terrain, reaching an elevation of 798 feet.

Metropolis, IL → Arlington Heights, IL

386.7 mi 7h 16m Score: 8/10

Waukegan, IL → Anna, IL

385.3 mi 7h 15m Score: 8/10

Bremen, IL → Richmond, IL

384.9 mi 7h 33m Score: 9/10

Bremen, IL → Guilford, IL

383.2 mi 7h 55m Score: 9/10

Beach Park, IL → Bremen, IL

380.6 mi 7h 34m Score: 9/10

Metropolis, IL → Des Plaines, IL

380 mi 7h 7m Score: 8/10

Metropolis, IL → Elk Grove, IL

377 mi 7h 7m Score: 8/10

Gages Lake, IL → Bremen, IL

376.5 mi 7h 26m Score: 9/10

Bremen, IL → Round Lake Park, IL

373 mi 7h 29m Score: 9/10

Bremen, IL → Knollwood, IL

370.3 mi 7h 18m Score: 9/10

Bremen, IL → Hartland, IL

370.1 mi 7h 20m Score: 9/10

Metropolis, IL → Naperville, IL

364.3 mi 6h 59m Score: 8/10

Bremen, IL → Highland Park, IL

364 mi 7h 12m Score: 9/10

Cambria, IL → Waukegan, IL

363.1 mi 6h 56m Score: 8/10

Carpentersville, IL → Bremen, IL

362.3 mi 7h 9m Score: 8/10

Rosiclare, IL → Aurora, IL

361.6 mi 7h 24m Score: 8/10

Metropolis, IL → Berwyn, IL

361 mi 6h 49m Score: 8/10

Blackhawk, IL → Bremen, IL

360.7 mi 7h 18m Score: 9/10

Rosiclare, IL → Chicago, IL

360 mi 7h 4m Score: 8/10

Mount Carroll, IL → Bremen, IL

359.4 mi 7h 5m Score: 9/10

Bremen, IL → Prairie Grove, IL

358.7 mi 7h 28m Score: 9/10

Metropolis, IL → Cicero, IL

358.6 mi 6h 45m Score: 8/10

Bremen, IL → Long Grove, IL

358.5 mi 7h 4m Score: 8/10

Evanston, IL → Bremen, IL

358.2 mi 7h 3m Score: 8/10

Arlington Heights, IL → Saline, IL

357.4 mi 7h 2m Score: 8/10

Naperville, IL → Anna, IL

357 mi 6h 36m Score: 8/10

Lincolnwood, IL → Bremen, IL

356.6 mi 6h 58m Score: 8/10

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