Aurora, IL to Washington Park, IL is 264.5 miles and takes about 5h via South Lake Street/Orchard Road/Minkler Road, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region. Since this route is almost entirely on surface roads, expect a more leisurely pace compared to highway travel. It's a straightforward drive that's ideal for a single-day excursion, offering a direct path between these two Illinois locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
132.3 miles from Aurora, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
213.1 mi
3h 50m
IL 47
22.1 mi
25m
South Lake Street
5.9 mi
9m
Minkler Road
4.3 mi
6m
Ashley Road
3.8 mi
5m
Kingshighway
1.7 mi
3m
Caton Farm Road
1.5 mi
2m
North Bridge Street
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 213.1 mi, about 3h 50m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,899 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,481
Quietest
2 AM
~168 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aurora, IL and Washington Park, IL.
1
Start on West Galena Boulevard
0.1 mi·15 sec·West Galena Boulevard
2
Turn right onto IL 31
5.9 mi·9 min·South Lake Street
Use the right lane.
3
Continue on US 34
1.2 mi·2 min·US 34
4
Turn left onto Orchard Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Orchard Road
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on Minkler Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Minkler Road
6
Enter roundabout onto Minkler Road
128 ft·3 sec·Minkler Road
7
Continue on Minkler Road
3.4 mi·5 min·Minkler Road
8
At end of road, turn right onto IL 126
0.5 mi·47 sec·East Schoolhouse Road
9
Turn left onto Ashley Road
3.8 mi·5 min·Ashley Road
10
Turn right onto Caton Farm Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Caton Farm Road
11
Turn left
7.2 mi·9 min
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on North Bridge Street
1.3 mi·1 min·North Bridge Street
13
Continue on IL 47
22 mi·25 min·IL 47
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
15
Merge onto I 55
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
86 mi·1 hr 33 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 6Toward IL 111: Wood River, Washington Park, Great River Road NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto IL 111
0.4 mi·38 sec·IL 111
20
Turn left onto IL 111
0.2 mi·18 sec·Collinsville Road
21
Turn right onto IL 111
1.7 mi·3 min·Kingshighway
22
Turn left onto North Park Drive
62 ft·2 sec·North Park Drive
23
Arrive at destination
North Park Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour drive time and 0% highway share, starting early in the morning is a good idea to maximize daylight. You'll want to plan for your single stop strategically, as the route relies on surface roads which can be slower. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially since the estimated cost is around $42. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility; however, the consistent need to navigate local roads means paying attention to your route and speed limits is key. The longest stretch without a stop isn't specified, so be prepared to make one when needed.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 132.3 miles from Aurora, IL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 213.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 58 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.3 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington Park, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Aurora, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Aurora, IL
This is one driving day of about 264.5 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Aurora, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 213.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 262.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|IL 31 / South Lake Street
Turn right onto IL 31 / South Lake Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
48.6 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Bloomington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
8
111.4 mi into trip|~2h 12m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
7
176.2 mi into trip|~3h 23m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
262.1 mi into trip|~4h 56m in
Take the exit toward IL 111: Wood River, Washington Park, Great River Road North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6
Toward IL 111: Wood River, Washington Park, Gre...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.12 one way
$88.24 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$47.95
$95.91
premium
$5.26
$54.76
$109.53
diesel
$6.18
$64.34
$128.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.4
0
$27.77
$12.70
Efficient EV
66.1
0
$23.14
$10.58
EV Truck/SUV
105.8
1
$37.03
$16.93
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Oct 15, 2026
Origin
Aurora, IL
Morning
in Aurora on Friday
Local time
6:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Isolated Rain Showers
E 5 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Dense Fog Advisory
Dense Fog Advisory issued October 14 at 11:34PM CDT until October 15 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Washington Park, IL
Morning
in Washington Park on Friday
Local time
6:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
E 2 mph30% chanceLive forecast
Dense Fog Advisory
Dense Fog Advisory issued October 14 at 11:34PM CDT until October 15 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
50°F
Bloomington, IL
132 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
11 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 173.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With a 0% highway share, you'll be navigating surface roads for the entire 264.5-mile trip. This means you'll be operating on South Lake Street, Orchard Road, and Minkler Road for the full duration. Expect to encounter frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you move through towns and rural areas. The drive will be characterized by consistent engagement with local traffic and infrastructure, rather than high-speed cruising.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 213.1 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 47. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near IL 31 / South Lake Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 264.5 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 31 / South Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 111.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
769 ft412 ft
Total Climb
299 ft
Total Descent
562 ft
Highest Point
769 ft
~94.5 mi in
Elevation Range
356 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Aurora, IL to Washington Park, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.
Top landmarks
•Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
•Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
•Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 264.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 213.1 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Washington Park, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 31 / South Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 111.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Washington Park, IL before the return drive.
