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Trip from Bremen, IL to Grandwood Park, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 4, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 28m

Distance

378.2 mi

609 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$59

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
7h 19m ★
6 AM
7h 29m
8 AM
7h 49m
10 AM
7h 36m
12 PM
7h 34m
3 PM
7h 37m
5 PM
7h 48m
8 PM
7h 23m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Bremen, IL, IL

Bremen, IL

Sela Hatting

Downtown Grandwood Park, IL, IL

Grandwood Park, IL

Colwyn Davis

Trip Overview

Bremen to Grandwood Park is 378.2 miles and takes about 7h 28m via I 55 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, moving through the Midwest region. Expect a route that is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. With only two recommended stops, it's designed for efficiency, getting you to your destination without extensive detours.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

189.1 miles from Bremen, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 261.9 mi 4h 46m
Tri-State Tollway 44.1 mi 53m
IL 159 20.1 mi 30m
South State Street 17.7 mi 22m
North Illinois Street 9.8 mi 15m
Lehmen Drive 7.8 mi 8m
IL 150 6.1 mi 10m
Vandalia Street 2.8 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 261.9 mi, about 4h 46m

Traffic on I-55

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

4 PM

~1,681 veh/hr typical · worst 2,233

Quietest

2 AM

~156 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

10.8×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

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 Bremen, IL and Grandwood Park, IL.

1

Start on Chester Road

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Chester Road
2

Turn slight right onto IL 150

6.1 mi · 10 min · IL 150
3

Turn right onto IL 3

0.5 mi · 32 sec · East Holmes Street
4

Continue on IL 3

7.8 mi · 8 min · Lehmen Drive
5

Continue on IL 3

18 mi · 22 min · South State Street
6

Continue on IL 159

20 mi · 30 min · IL 159
7

Enter roundabout onto IL 159

177 ft · 4 sec · North Illinois Street
8

Continue on IL 159

9.8 mi · 15 min · North Illinois Street
9

Continue on IL 159

1.3 mi · 1 min · South Morrison Avenue
10

Continue on IL 159

2.8 mi · 4 min · Vandalia Street
11

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 70 East
12

Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 55; I 70; US 40
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

108 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
14

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

29 mi · 31 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

121 mi · 2 hr 14 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

1.6 mi · 3 min
Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin Use the right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
18

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

39 mi · 47 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Exit 8B-A Toward IL 132: Grand Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward IL 132 West: Grand Avenue Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 19 sec · this road
Exit 8 Toward IL 132: Grand Avenue
23

Keep slight right at fork

289 ft · 7 sec
Exit 8A Toward IL 132 West: Grand Avenue Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 25 sec · this road
Exit 8A Toward IL 132 West: Grand Avenue
25

Turn straight onto IL 132

2.0 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
26

Turn right onto North Hutchins Road

520 ft · 19 sec · North Hutchins Road
Use the right lane.
27

Turn left onto West Woodland Terrace

260 ft · 12 sec · West Woodland Terrace
28

Turn right onto North Douglas Terrace

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Douglas Terrace
29

Turn right onto Douglas Court

64 ft · 2 sec · Douglas Court
30

Arrive at destination

Douglas Court

Trip Plan

Given the 7h 28m duration, departing in the morning is your best bet to complete this drive comfortably in one day. Plan for your two stops to break up the longer stretches, especially the 261.9-mile segment on I 55. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $56, and it's wise to refuel before hitting the longest stretch if you're starting with less than half a tank. The fact that this route is primarily highway means you'll have fewer decisions about turns, allowing you to focus on maintaining your pace.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 189.1 miles from Bremen, IL, or about 3h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 261.9 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 83 miles or 1h 54m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 189.1 miles or 3h 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Grandwood Park, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bremen, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bremen, IL

This is one driving day of about 378.2 miles and 7h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Bremen, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 261.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Menard County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Athens, IL

189 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Highland, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shelbyville, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 189.1 miles from Bremen, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 261.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 178.4 and 375.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
178.4 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
207.8 mi into trip | ~4h 9m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria

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 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
328.6 mi into trip | ~6h 23m in

Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
374.6 mi into trip | ~7h 21m in

Take the exit toward IL 132: Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 8B-A Toward IL 132: Grand Avenue
9
375.4 mi into trip | ~7h 22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward IL 132 West: Grand Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 8A Toward IL 132 West: Grand Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$58.64 one way

$117.27 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 132 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.32 $64.29 $128.59
premium $4.93 $73.38 $146.75
diesel $5.60 $83.37 $166.74

Estimated Tolls: $2.65

Tri-state Tollway (44.1 mi) $2.65

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$59

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$86–$111

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 132.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 113.5 1 $39.71 $18.15
Efficient EV 94.6 1 $33.09 $15.13
EV Truck/SUV 151.3 1 $52.95 $24.20

Gas CO2

132 kg

EV CO2

44 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 Sep 3, 2026

Origin

Bremen, IL

Late night in Bremen on Friday

Local time

5:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

95°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Grandwood Park, IL

Late night in Grandwood Park on Friday

Local time

5:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

83°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

94°F

Athens, IL

189 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

12 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

7h 28m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 143.5
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park

Pullman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...

18 mi from route ~45 min detour Free near mile 326.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is mostly highway, with 76% of the 378.2 miles on major roads like I 55 and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll experience a long stretch of 261.9 miles on I 55, which means extended periods of consistent speed. The transition to surface roads will occur later in the trip, likely around mile 262, offering a change of pace from the high-speed cruising.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 261.9 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 178.4 miles in near I 55.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 378.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 178.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 328.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

847 ft 424 ft

Total Climb

754 ft

Total Descent

572 ft

Highest Point

847 ft

~216.1 mi in

Elevation Range

423 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Bremen, IL and Grandwood Park, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.

Springfield

70.5 mi in | ~1h 41m | via I 55

Kansas City

70.5 mi in | ~1h 41m | via I 55

Peoria

207.8 mi in | ~4h 9m | via I 55

About the Cities

Starting in Bremen, IL

Full guide →

Top landmarks

  • Übersee-Museum Bremen — natural history and ethnographic museum in Bremen, Germany
  • Friedhofskapelle
  • Kaisen monument — Monument in Bremen

Arriving in Grandwood Park, IL

Full guide →

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 28m. Total distance: 378.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 28m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 261.9 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.65 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Grandwood 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 178.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 328.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Grandwood Park, IL before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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