Marion, IL Road Trips
With 5 routes heading out and 1 heading in, Marion, IL works well as a modest departure point in the Midwest. Routes from here tend to cover serious ground — the average trip runs 320 miles, so plan for multi-day adventures. Most routes from Marion, IL head north, giving the route network a clear directional lean.
Photo: Nino Sanger
Trip Routes
6
Longest Drive
341.7 mi
Arlington Heights, IL
Quickest Drive
2h 2m
Belleville, IL
Plan Around Marion, IL
Popular Incoming Routes
Useful if Marion, IL is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.
Continue From Marion, IL
Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.
Trips from Marion, IL
Driving from Marion, IL
The typical drive from Marion, IL covers about 320 miles and takes around 6h. This is long-haul territory. Most routes stretch past the 250-mile mark, so pack snacks and plan fuel stops. The longest mapped route runs 342 miles (6h 23m), while the shortest is just 297 miles.
Popular Destinations
The most popular drives from Marion, IL include Arlington Heights, IL (341.7 mi, 6h 23m), Des Plaines, IL (335 mi, 6h 14m), Chicago, IL (317.6 mi, 5h 53m), Bolingbrook, IL (310.8 mi, 5h 54m), and Joliet, IL (296.8 mi, 5h 35m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.
Planning & Costs
Regular gas in IL currently averages around $3.77 per gallon. For the typical 320-mile trip from Marion, IL, budget about $48 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.
Most trips take a half-day, so a morning start gets you there in time for lunch or an afternoon of exploring. Routes mostly head north. Summer trips benefit from long daylight hours, while winter departures should start early to maximize visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 5 mapped routes leaving Marion, IL and 1 routes heading into Marion, IL, covering 6 total connections. Distances range from 297 to 342 miles.
The longest mapped route from Marion, IL covers 342 miles and takes approximately 6h 23m. Shorter options start at just 297 miles.
The average route from Marion, IL runs about 320 miles with a drive time of roughly 6h. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.
At current gas prices (about $3.77/gallon for regular), the average 320-mile trip from Marion, IL costs roughly $48 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.
The most popular road trip destinations from Marion, IL include Arlington Heights, IL, Des Plaines, IL, Chicago, IL and Bolingbrook, IL. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.
Marion, IL by the Numbers
Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Population
16,796
Median Income
$57,281
Median Home Value
$145,300
Median Age
40.4
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.
Marion, IL at a Glance
Founded
1839
Elevation
518 ft
Area
16 mi²
Notable People from Marion, IL
A sampling of people born in Marion, IL.
Edward E. Denison
1873–1953
American politician (1873-1953)
George Evan Howell
1905–1980
American politician
Ray Fosse
1947–2021
American baseball player (1947–2021)
Robert L. Butler
1927–2019
American mayor (1927–2019)
Landmarks & Historic Sites
Attractions and heritage-registered places located in Marion, IL.
Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center
hospital in Marion, Illinois, United States
Williamson County Jail
former county jail in Marion, Illinois
City data from Wikidata (Q575399), available under CC0. Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses. See our methodology for details.
Traveler Guide to Marion, IL
Marion is a city in Southern Illinois. Named in honor of Francis Marion and settled in 1839, Marion isn't exactly replete with places to see but has forests and recreational areas nearby.
Rent One Park (Southern Illinois Miners Baseball), 1000 Miners Drive. Rent One Park is home to the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League. Constructed prior to the Miners inaugural 2007 season. With the exception of a dirt mound, Rent One Park features a playing surface covered entirely with artificial grass. The team has led the league in attendance in each of its three seasons of existence. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8588 IL-148. Wildlife area on Crab Orchard Lake west of town where you can hike, boat, and see deer, mushrooms, etc. $5 per vehicle. Marion Clock Tower, in downtown Marion Clock Tower Square.
Lake Of Egypt, south of Marion. Boating and swimming.
Quality Inn 2600 W. Main St. (618) 993-6221. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, the hotel is near many of the region's major employers including, Ameren CIPS, GTE North, Pennzoil Products, etc. Secure Online Reservations. Baymont by Wyndham Marion 2608 W. Main St. (618) 997-9133. This Gold Hospitality Award winning hotel features 64 beautifully decorated double and king suites each with distinct sleeping and work/leisure areas.
1 Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA IATA formally known as the Williamson County Regional Airport), 10400 Terminal Dr, ☏ +1 618-993-3353. Cape Air from St. Louis
Travel tips adapted from Marion (Illinois) on Wikivoyage, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Content summarized; visit the source for the full article. See our methodology for how we use it.
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