Salt Kettle Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Marengo, IL to York, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 4m
Distance
297.1 mi
478 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 52m
★
6 AM
6h 5m
8 AM
6h 30m
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.
Marengo, IL
Wikimedia Commons
York, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Marengo, IL to York, IL is 297.1 miles and takes about 6h 4m via I 39 and I 74, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region on a predominantly highway route. Expect a straightforward drive that should be manageable for a single day. The route offers a practical way to cover ground between these two points in the state.
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
148.6 miles from Marengo, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 121.2 mi | 2h 10m |
| I 74 | 80.9 mi | 1h 27m |
| South Main Street | 30.4 mi | 45m |
| Georgetown Road | 29.6 mi | 44m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 13.6 mi | 20m |
| US 51 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| West Grant Highway | 5 mi | 7m |
| East 150th Road | 1.9 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 121.2 mi, about 2h 10m
Traffic on I-39
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~990 veh/hr typical · worst 1,284
Quietest
1 AM
~98 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 50 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 Marengo, IL and York, IL.
1
Start on IL 23
108 ft
·
6 sec
·
South State Street
2
Turn right onto US 20
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
West Grant Highway
3
Continue on US 20
13 mi
·
20 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
4
Continue on US 20
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
5
Continue on Harrison Avenue
412 ft
·
6 sec
·
Harrison Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
7
Merge onto I 39; US 20; US 51
1.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 39; US 20; US 51
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
119 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
I 39; US 51
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
US 51
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74; US 51
81 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 74; US 51
Toward I 74 East, US 51 South, US 55 Business North: Indianapolis, Decatur
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward US 150, IL 1
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
13
Turn straight onto US 150; IL 1
14 mi
·
20 min
·
Georgetown Road
14
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
North State Street
15
Continue on US 150; IL 1
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Georgetown Road
16
Continue on US 150; IL 1
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
1575 E US 36
17
Continue on US 150; IL 1
10 mi
·
14 min
·
Georgetown Road
18
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
IL Route 1
19
Turn right onto US 150; IL 1
512 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Elliot Street
20
Turn left onto US 150; IL 1
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
North Central Avenue
21
Continue on IL 1
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Vandalia Way
22
Turn straight onto IL 1
30 mi
·
45 min
·
South Main Street
23
Turn sharp left onto East 150th Road
1.9 mi
·
7 min
·
East 150th Road
24
Continue on West Broadway Street
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
West Broadway Street
25
Turn left onto North York Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
North York Street
26
Arrive at destination
North York Street
Trip Plan
Since this drive can be completed in about 6 hours, it's ideal for a single-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. With only one recommended stop, plan for that break strategically along I 39, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 121.2-mile stretch on I 39, as services can be more spread out on interstates. Your estimated fuel cost is around $52, so factor that into your budget.
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 148.6 miles from Marengo, IL, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.2 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 65 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.6 miles or 2h 48m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near York, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Marengo, 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 Marengo, IL
This is one driving day of about 297.1 miles and 6h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Marengo, 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 39 for about 121.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
149 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 148.6 miles from Marengo, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 39 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 121.2 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.
Willow Creek Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Farmland Rest Area - Westbound
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Farmland Rest Area - Eastbound
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Willow Creek Rest Area - Southbound
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Belvidere Oasis
0.5 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
2.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 140.2 and 294.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
140.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m in
|
US 51
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51 toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champai...
8
147.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m in
|
I 74; US 51
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74; US 51 toward I 74 East, US 51 South, US 55 Business North: Indianapolis, Decatur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 74 East, US 51 South, US 55 Business N...
5
228.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 150, IL 1
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 150, IL 1
7
228.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
5
294.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 55m in
|
East 150th Road
Turn sharp left onto East 150th Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.87 one way
$87.75 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
104 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $48.44 | $96.87 |
| premium | $4.72 | $55.16 | $110.32 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.10 | $112.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.1 | 1 | $31.20 | $14.26 |
| Efficient EV | 74.3 | 0 | $26.00 | $11.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.8 | 1 | $41.59 | $19.01 |
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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
Marengo, IL
Late night in Marengo on Sunday
Local time
4:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 mph
55% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
York, IL
Late night in York on Sunday
Local time
4:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 7 mph
66% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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 4m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
With 71% of this trip on highways, you'll spend most of your time on I 39 and I 74. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 121.2 miles on I 39, indicating substantial periods of consistent cruising. You'll transition to surface streets like South Main Street as you approach your destination. Expect a mostly highway driving experience with the usual density of exits and merges associated with interstate travel.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.2 mi on I 39.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and I 74. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 140.2 miles in near US 51.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 297.1 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 140.2 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 147.8 miles (I 74; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
863 ft
448 ft
Total Climb
452 ft
Total Descent
834 ft
Highest Point
863 ft
~62.9 mi in
Elevation Range
415 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Marengo, IL and York, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
Champaign
140.2 mi in
|
~2h 39m
|
via US 51
Saint Louis
140.2 mi in
|
~2h 39m
|
via US 51
Decatur
140.2 mi in
|
~2h 39m
|
via US 51
About the Cities
Starting in Marengo, IL
Full guide →Founded 1835
Arriving in York, 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 6h 4m. Total distance: 297.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 4m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 121.2 miles on I 39. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 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 York, 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 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 140.2 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 147.8 miles (I 74; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 York, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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