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Trip from Bremen, IL to Mackinaw, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 18m

Distance

211 mi

340 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 5m ★
6 AM
4h 18m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 27m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 43m
8 PM
4h 10m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Mackinaw, IL, IL

Mackinaw, IL

Jason Gillman

Trip Overview

Bremen, IL to Mackinaw, IL is 211 miles and takes about 4 hours 18 minutes via I-55, I-155, and IL-159, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Illinois, offering a straightforward journey between two points. It's a drive that primarily utilizes major highways, making it efficient for getting from point A to point B. If you're looking for a simple, direct route with minimal fuss, this 1-day drive should fit the bill. Expect a practical, highway-focused experience for the majority of your travel time.

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

105.5 miles from Bremen, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 111.7 mi 2h
I 155 25.4 mi 27m
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 9 6.5 mi 11m
IL 150 6.1 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 111.7 mi, about 2h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bremen, IL and Mackinaw, 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 left at fork onto I 155

25 mi · 27 min · I 155
Exit 127 Toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward IL 9: Pekin, Bloomington
16

Turn right onto IL 9

6.5 mi · 11 min · IL 9
17

Turn left onto Orchard Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Orchard Street
18

Turn right onto East Fast Avenue

40 ft · 1 sec · East Fast Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

East Fast Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 18-minute duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip, so you can afford to leave mid-morning to avoid early rush hours. You'll want to plan for one stop to break up the 111.7-mile stretch on I-55, ensuring you stay refreshed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $33, and make sure to fill up before hitting longer stretches of highway. The primary roads are I-55, I-155, and IL-159, so ensure your GPS is set to prioritize these for the most direct path.

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 105.5 miles from Bremen, IL, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 46 miles or 1h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.5 miles or 2h 18m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mackinaw, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bremen, IL

This is one driving day of about 211 miles and 4h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Bremen, 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 111.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Maryville, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Maryville, IL

106 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

Freeburg, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hillsboro, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.5 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 111.7 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grandview, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.7

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

1.6 mi

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

3 mi

Taco Bell

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 105.5

Litchfield, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+12173245855

Visit website

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.7

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 150.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12175232817

Wasabi Sushi Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 75.4

Edwardsville, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+16186559880

Visit website

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 75.4

Edwardsville, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16186595060

Visit website

Magic Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12175256975

Visit website

Domino's Pizza

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv mile 75.4

Edwardsville, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+16186921515

Visit website

Universal Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 180.8

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 52.5 and 203.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
52.5 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | IL 159 / North Illinois Street

Enter roundabout onto IL 159 / North Illinois Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

4
66.3 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the ramp toward I 55 North, I 70 East

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 North, I 70 East
6
70.5 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springf...
7
178.4 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in | I 155

Keep slight left at fork onto I 155 toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 127 Toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
5
203.8 mi into trip | ~4h 4m in

Take the exit toward IL 9: Pekin, Bloomington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward IL 9: Pekin, Bloomington

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.99 one way

$65.97 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.22 $72.44
premium $4.89 $40.61 $81.21
diesel $5.61 $46.59 $93.17

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.3 0 $22.15 $10.13
Efficient EV 52.8 0 $18.46 $8.44
EV Truck/SUV 84.4 1 $29.54 $13.50

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Bremen, IL

Morning in Bremen on Sunday

Local time

9:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Mostly Clear

S 5 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Destination

Mackinaw, IL

Morning in Mackinaw on Sunday

Local time

9:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

58°F

Maryville, IL

106 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

6 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

4h 18m 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

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 145.5
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This is a highway-focused drive, with 80% of the journey taking place on major interstates. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 111.7 miles on I-55, which means extended periods of consistent speed and straightforward navigation. The route transitions between I-55 and I-155, eventually incorporating IL-159, so you'll get a feel for different types of highway driving. While largely interstate, the change in highway numbers offers a subtle shift in scenery and road character. Expect a predictable and efficient driving experience for most of the 211 miles.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 155. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 52.5 miles in near IL 159 / North Illinois Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 18m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 52.5 miles (IL 159 / North Illinois Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 66.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Mackinaw, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Hartsburg.

Springfield

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

Kansas City

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

Hartsburg

178.4 mi in | ~3h 37m | via I 155

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

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 4h 18m. Total distance: 211 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (80%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 52.5 miles (IL 159 / North Illinois Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 66.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Mackinaw, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Mackinaw, IL to Bremen, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

211.5 mi 4h 18m

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Chicago, IL 155.7 mi · 3h 8m

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