I-65 Rest Stop (northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Gary, IN to Fort Branch, IN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 22m
Distance
253.9 mi
409 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 9m
★
6 AM
5h 23m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 32m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 48m
8 PM
5h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gary, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Fort Branch, IN
Esteban Carriazo
Trip Overview
Gary, IN to Fort Branch, IN is 253.9 miles and takes about 5h 22m via US 41 and SR 63, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Indiana, traversing the Midwest region from start to finish. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on highways, making it a good option if you're looking for a direct route without too many detours. Plan for a single day of driving, with the bulk of your time spent on the open road.
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
127 miles from Gary, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 41 | 138.1 mi | 2h 55m |
| SR 63 | 63.4 mi | 1h 20m |
| Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway | 37.2 mi | 40m |
| State Road 14 | 9.2 mi | 12m |
| Martin Luther King Drive | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| West 15th Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
| East Park Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Madison Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 41
— 138.1 mi, about 2h 55m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,963 veh/hr typical · worst 2,344
Quietest
1 AM
~264 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 55 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 Gary, IN and Fort Branch, IN.
1
Start on 10th Place
55 ft
·
4 sec
·
10th Place
2
Turn right onto Harrison Street
480 ft
·
28 sec
·
Harrison Street
3
Turn left onto West 11th Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
West 11th Avenue
4
Turn right onto Madison Street
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
Madison Street
5
Turn left onto West 15th Avenue
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West 15th Avenue
6
Continue on Central Avenue
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Central Avenue
7
Turn right onto Martin Luther King Drive
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Martin Luther King Drive
8
Turn left onto US 6 Business
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
East Ridge Road
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
10
Merge onto I 65
37 mi
·
40 min
·
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 220
Toward SR 14: Winamac
Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn right onto SR 14
9.2 mi
·
12 min
·
State Road 14
13
Turn left onto US 41
26 mi
·
32 min
·
US 41
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
22 mi
·
26 min
·
US 41
15
Continue on SR 63
63 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
SR 63
16
Continue on US 41
58 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
US 41
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit onto US 41; US 150
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
US 41; US 150
18
Merge onto US 41; US 50; US 150
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 41; US 50; US 150
19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 41
32 mi
·
36 min
·
US 41
20
Take the exit
213 ft
·
5 sec
21
Turn straight onto SR 168
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
State Road 168
22
Continue on SR 168
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
East Park Street
23
Turn left onto North West Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
North West Street
24
Arrive at destination
North West Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 22m estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning is ideal to ensure you arrive with daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 138.1-mile stretch on US 41, as services might be less frequent in certain areas. The estimated fuel cost of $40 should help you budget accordingly for your trip.
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 127 miles from Gary, IN, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.1 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 56 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127 miles or 2h 40m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Branch, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gary, IN 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 Gary, IN
This is one driving day of about 253.9 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Gary, IN.
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 US 41 for about 138.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 127 miles from Gary, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
I-65 Rest Stop (southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.8 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
1.8 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 41.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Harrison Street
Turn right onto Harrison Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West 11th Avenue
Turn left onto West 11th Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Madison Street
Turn right onto Madison Street
Navigation decision point
5
4.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
41.9 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Take the exit toward SR 14: Winamac
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 220
Toward SR 14: Winamac
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.49 one way
$68.97 round trip
$3.45/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.85 | $38.48 | $76.97 |
| premium | $4.15 | $41.48 | $82.97 |
| diesel | $3.75 | $37.49 | $74.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.8 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.2 | 0 | $26.66 | $12.19 |
| Efficient EV | 63.5 | 0 | $22.22 | $10.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.6 | 1 | $35.55 | $16.25 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Gary, IN
Night in Gary on Sunday
Local time
9:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
SSW 10 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 4:25AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:57AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Destination
Fort Branch, IN
Night in Fort Branch on Sunday
Local time
9:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
SE 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 4:25AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:57AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
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
5 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 22m 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.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 218.9
View on nps.gov
Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$20
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 79% of this 253.9-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 138.1 miles along US 41. After this significant highway portion, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of your trip. Expect a relatively consistent driving experience with a good amount of cruising.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.1 mi on US 41.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 41 and SR 63. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Harrison Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 253.9 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: near the start (Harrison Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (West 11th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (Madison Street): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
771 ft
438 ft
Total Climb
254 ft
Total Descent
404 ft
Highest Point
771 ft
~90.7 mi in
Elevation Range
333 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Gary, IN
Full guide →Founded 1906
Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the legendary pop star Michael Jackson. Founded in 1906 as a company town for U.S. Steel, it thrived in the 1950s and early 60s and earned the nickname "The Magic City". In 2007, it was described by writer Jessica Hopper as "the Pompeii of the Midwest, a city of ruins where life can seem to have just suddenly stopped".
Top landmarks
- • Van Buren Terrace Historic District — historic district in Indiana, United States
- • Gary City Center Historic District — historic district in Gary, Indiana
- • Union Station — former railroad station in Gary, Indiana, United States
Arriving in Fort Branch, IN
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 5h 22m. Total distance: 253.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 138.1 miles on US 41. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Fort Branch, IN 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Harrison Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (West 11th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (Madison Street): Navigation decision point.
Yes — George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Branch, IN 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, 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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