Trip from Gillespie, IL to Markham, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 24m

Distance

235.8 mi

379 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 11m ★

6 AM

4h 24m

8 AM

4h 51m

10 AM

4h 34m

12 PM

4h 31m

3 PM

4h 35m

5 PM

4h 50m

8 PM

4h 16m

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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city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States

Gillespie, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Markham, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Trip Overview

This 236.1-mile journey from Gillespie, IL to Markham, IL is a manageable 3-hour and 40-minute drive, making it an ideal one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate on East Elm Street, County Road 1200 N, and I-55 North. With a projected fuel cost of around $36, this route is an economical option for exploring within Illinois. The drive offers a turn-heavy local feel for much of its length, so plan for a more engaging, less monotonous experience. Given the relatively short duration, you can easily complete this trip without needing an overnight stay, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

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

117.9 miles from Gillespie, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	197.1 mi	3h 32m
I 80	27.6 mi	34m
East Elm Street	8.8 mi	13m
Kedzie Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
County Road 1200 N	<0.1 mi	<1m
163rd Street	<0.1 mi	<1m
Macoupin Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 197.1 mi, about 3h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gillespie, IL and Markham, IL.

Start on IL 4

18 ft · 2 sec · Macoupin Street

Turn right onto IL 4; IL 16

8.8 mi · 13 min · East Elm Street

Continue on IL 16

376 ft · 23 sec · County Road 1200 N

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Toward I 55 North: Springfield

Merge onto I 55

74 mi · 1 hr 20 min · I 55

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.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

94 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 250A Toward I 80 East: Indiana Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 80

28 mi · 34 min · I 80

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Exit 154 Toward Kedzie Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · Kedzie Avenue

Turn left onto 163rd Street

64 ft · 2 sec · 163rd Street

Arrive at destination

163rd Street

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 40-minute drive, consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you approach Markham. With only one stop recommended and no extremely long stretches on the interstate, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $36, and plan your refueling stops accordingly, particularly before transitioning to I-55 North. The turn-heavy nature of this route means staying alert to road signs and local traffic patterns is crucial for a smooth 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 117.9 miles from Gillespie, IL, or about 2h 11m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 197.1 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 52 miles or 1h in

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

Halfway reset

Around 117.9 miles or 2h 11m 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 32m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Gillespie, 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 Gillespie, IL

This is one driving day of about 235.8 miles and 4h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Gillespie, 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 197.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

118 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

Grandview, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 117.9 miles from Gillespie, 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 197.1 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.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Cherry Hill Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Joliet, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 19min to go 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18157260881

Visit website

3 Rivers Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Channahon, Illinois

2.1 mi

DW Diner Express & Liquor Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Channahon, Illinois

1.8 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Crepe N Brew

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

New Lenox, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 19min to go 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv

Hours: 2–9 pm

+18157178097

La Bodega Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Posen, Illinois

2.4 mi

Cherry Hill Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18157260881

Visit website

3 Rivers Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18158285110

Visit website

DW Diner Express & Liquor Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18153354448

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12176798844

Visit website

Glo Jean's Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hazel Crest, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17089917264

Visit website

Waffles Kafé

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

New Lenox, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18157178135

Visit website

Cafe Fontana

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Pontiac, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+18154192011

Visit website

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13094526774

Visit website

Crepe N Brew

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv

New Lenox, Illinois

Hours: 2–9 pm

+18157178097

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18157400048

Social Butterfly Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 5 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18152009829

Visit website

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route

Dock Rotz Tavern

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Minooka, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18154672200

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 83.2 and 234.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

83.2 mi into trip | ~1h 34m 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

112.5 mi into trip | ~2h 5m 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

206.4 mi into trip | ~3h 46m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Indiana

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 250A Toward I 80 East: Indiana

207.1 mi into trip | ~3h 47m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

234.7 mi into trip | ~4h 22m in

Take the exit toward Kedzie Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 154 Toward Kedzie Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.86 one way

$73.73 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 83 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$40.48	$80.95
premium	$4.89	$45.38	$90.76
diesel	$5.61	$52.06	$104.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 82.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	70.7	0	$24.76	$11.32
Efficient EV	59	0	$20.63	$9.43
EV Truck/SUV	94.3	1	$33.01	$15.09

Gas CO2

83 kg

EV CO2

28 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.

Forecast as of Apr 21, 2026

Origin

Gillespie, IL

Late night in Gillespie on Tuesday

Local time

4:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Markham, IL

Late night in Markham on Tuesday

Local time

4:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 10 to 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 20 at 4:39PM CDT until April 29 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 20 at 4:38PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

68°F

Bloomington, IL

118 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

21 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 24m 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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 56.9

View on nps.gov

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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 235.8

View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 236.1-mile route, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be spending most of your time on surface streets and county roads, offering a more intimate connection with the landscape. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch specified, the emphasis on local roads suggests frequent intersections and potential for varied scenery. The transition between East Elm Street, County Road 1200 N, and I-55 North will likely involve navigating through towns and rural areas rather than long, straight highway stretches. Prepare for a driving experience that requires more attention to navigation and speed adjustments.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 197.1 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 80. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 83.2 miles in near I 55.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 235.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 83.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Gillespie, IL to Markham, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.

Peoria

112.5 mi in | ~2h 5m | via I 55

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 24m. Total distance: 235.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 197.1 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 24 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 Markham, 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 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Markham, 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

Explore more options from Gillespie, IL or browse trips ending in Markham, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Trip from Gillespie, IL to Markham, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Cherry Hill Cafe

Crepe N Brew

Cherry Hill Cafe

3 Rivers Café

DW Diner Express & Liquor Store

Pizza Ranch

Glo Jean's Kitchen

Waffles Kafé

Cafe Fontana

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

Crepe N Brew

La Bodega Cafe

Gost Coffee Roasters

Grounded Coffee Bar

Brick & Ivy Coffee Co.

Jitters

Social Butterfly Coffee

The Happy Crab Mobile Coffee Bar

Electrify America Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Rivian Waypoints

Rivian Adventure Network

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Rail Splitter Rest Area - Northbound

Rail Splitter Rest Area - Southbound

TA

Dixie Trucker's Home

Coalfield Rest Area

Funks Grove Rest Area

Limestone Rest Area (Southbound)

Limestone Rest Area (Northbound)

Service Plaza

Love's Travel Stop

Pilot Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Pilot Travel Center

Road Ranger

Petro Stopping Centers

Love's Travel Stop

Service Plaza

Service Plaza

Road Ranger

Pilot Travel Center

Service Plaza

Pilot Travel Center

Service Plaza

Dock Rotz Tavern

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Gillespie, IL

Markham, IL

Same local time

21 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 24m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Pullman National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?