Green Creek Rest Area - Southbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Joliet, IL to Mount Pleasant, IL
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
6h 5m
Distance
322.6 mi
519 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 52m
★
6 AM
6h 5m
8 AM
6h 31m
10 AM
6h 14m
12 PM
6h 11m
3 PM
6h 15m
5 PM
6h 29m
8 PM
5h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Joliet, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Mount Pleasant, IL
fish socks
Trip Overview
Joliet, IL to Mount Pleasant, IL is 322.6 miles and takes about 6h 5m via I 57 and other roads, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest and entirely within Illinois, making it a straightforward point-to-point drive. You'll be spending most of your time on major highways, so expect a relatively quick transit. With only one recommended stop and a duration under seven hours, this route is ideal for a single-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
161.3 miles from Joliet, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 226.2 mi | 4h 3m |
| Ken Gray Expressway | 61.7 mi | 1h 6m |
| South La Grange Road | 10.1 mi | 13m |
| Manhattan Road | 5.3 mi | 8m |
| South Cedar Road | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| West North Street | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| South State Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| West Arsenal Road | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 226.2 mi, about 4h 3m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,073 veh/hr typical · worst 1,461
Quietest
2 AM
~180 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 99 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 Joliet, IL and Mount Pleasant, IL.
1
Start on this road
111 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto US 6; IL 53
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Ottawa Street
3
Continue on US 6; IL 53
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Ottawa Street
4
Continue on US 6; IL 53
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Chicago Street
5
Turn left onto US 52
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Doris Avenue
6
Turn right onto US 52
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Gardner Street
7
Continue on US 52
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Manhattan Road
8
Continue on US 52
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Manhattan Road
9
Continue on US 52
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
West North Street
10
Continue on US 52
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South State Street
11
Continue on US 52
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US Route 52
12
Continue on US 52
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
South Cedar Road
13
Continue on US 52
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Arsenal Road
14
Continue on US 52
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West Joliet Road
15
Turn right onto US 45; US 52
10 mi
·
13 min
·
South La Grange Road
16
Turn left onto Bourbonnais Parkway
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bourbonnais Parkway
17
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I-57 South: Kankakee
18
Merge onto I 57
161 mi
·
2 hr 52 min
·
I 57
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
62 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Toward IL 146: Anna, Vienna
22
Turn left onto IL 146
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
770N
23
Continue on IL 146
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
765N
24
Continue on IL 146
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
750N
25
Continue on IL 146
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
745N
26
Continue on IL 146
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
740N
27
Continue on IL 146
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
750N
28
Turn left onto Mt Pleasant Road
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Mt Pleasant Road
29
Arrive at destination
Mt Pleasant Road
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour driving time, leaving Joliet in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Mount Pleasant with plenty of daylight. The longest continuous stretch on I 57 is over 200 miles, so plan for a break before or during that segment. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you approach the end of I 57, as services might be more spread out. With only one recommended stop and a reasonable total duration, you have flexibility to pause when needed, but aim to complete the bulk of your driving on the highway sections for efficiency.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 161.3 miles from Joliet, IL, or about 3h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 226.2 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 71 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 161.3 miles or 3h 7m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mount Pleasant, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Joliet, 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 Joliet, IL
This is one driving day of about 322.6 miles and 6h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Joliet, 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 57 for about 226.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
161 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 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 161.3 miles from Joliet, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 226.2 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.
Post Oak Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Post Oak Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rend Lake Rest Area (I57-SB)
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Rend Lake Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Green Creek Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Trails of Tears Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Truckomat Truck Wash - Effingham
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.5 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.6 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 317.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street
Turn right onto US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street
Navigation decision point
4
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 52 / Doris Avenue
Turn left onto US 52 / Doris Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
1.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 52 / Gardner Street
Turn right onto US 52 / Gardner Street
Navigation decision point
5
190.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 38m in
|
I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
5
317.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 55m in
Take the exit toward IL 146: Anna, Vienna
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IL 146: Anna, Vienna
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.81 one way
$107.63 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
113 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $58.49 | $116.97 |
| premium | $5.26 | $66.79 | $133.59 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $78.48 | $156.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 96.8 | 1 | $33.87 | $15.48 |
| Efficient EV | 80.7 | 0 | $28.23 | $12.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 129 | 1 | $45.16 | $20.65 |
Gas CO2
113 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Joliet, IL
Afternoon in Joliet on Monday
Local time
3:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Clear
S 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Mount Pleasant, IL
Afternoon in Mount Pleasant on Monday
Local time
3:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Clear
0 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
77°F
Shelbyville, IL
161 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 5m 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.
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily highway driving, with 90% of the travel occurring on interstates and major expressways. You'll experience a long stretch of 226.2 miles on I 57, which means consistent cruising with fewer interruptions. Once you exit I 57, expect the remaining 10% of your drive to involve surface roads like Ken Gray Expressway and South La Grange Road, likely with more local traffic and varied speed limits.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 226.2 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 5m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 12 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (US 52 / Doris Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1.6 miles (US 52 / Gardner Street): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
774 ft
438 ft
Total Climb
430 ft
Total Descent
480 ft
Highest Point
774 ft
~92.2 mi in
Elevation Range
336 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Joliet, IL
Full guide →Founded 1833
Joliet is a city in the Chicagoland region of Illinois, a state in the Midwest of the United States of America. It is the largest city and county seat of Will County.
Top landmarks
- • Joliet Union Station — former train station in the United States
- • Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Joliet, Illinois, United States of America
- • Joliet Central High School — public school in Joliet, Illinois
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 6h 5m. Total distance: 322.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 5m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 226.2 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 39 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Mount Pleasant, 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 39 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (US 52 / Doris Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1.6 miles (US 52 / Gardner Street): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Mount Pleasant, 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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