Salt Kettle Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Rockford, IL to Westville, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 4m
Distance
220.7 mi
355 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 51m
★
6 AM
4h 5m
8 AM
4h 31m
10 AM
4h 14m
12 PM
4h 11m
3 PM
4h 15m
5 PM
4h 29m
8 PM
3h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rockford, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Westville, IL
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Rockford to Westville is 220.7 miles and takes about 4h 4m via I 39 and I 74, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, moving through the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major interstates, making it a convenient option for a single day. Consider this if you need a direct route with minimal fuss across 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
110.4 miles from Rockford, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 118.2 mi | 2h 6m |
| I 74 | 80.9 mi | 1h 27m |
| US 51 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 4.3 mi | 4m |
| Georgetown Road | 4.2 mi | 6m |
| South Main Street | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| South Church Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| West State Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 118.2 mi, about 2h 6m
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 Rockford, IL and Westville, IL.
1
Start on West State Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
West State Street
2
Turn left onto IL 2
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
South Church Street
3
Turn left onto IL 2
275 ft
·
4 sec
·
Cedar Street
4
Turn right onto IL 2
3.6 mi
·
6 min
·
South Main Street
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
6
Merge onto US 20
4.3 mi
·
4 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
7
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
8
Merge onto I 39; US 51
118 mi
·
2 hr 6 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
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Georgetown Road
14
Arrive at destination
US 150; IL 1
Trip Plan
This 4-hour drive is easily manageable in one day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will allow for a comfortable pace, and you'll only need one planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 118.2-mile stretch on I 39, as services can be spread out. Your estimated fuel cost is around $39, so factor that into your budget. The route is primarily highway, so focus on maintaining your speed and being aware of traffic merging.
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 110.4 miles from Rockford, IL, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.2 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 49 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.4 miles or 2h 2m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Westville, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL
This is one driving day of about 220.7 miles and 4h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Rockford, 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 118.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 110.4 miles from Rockford, 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 118.2 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
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
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
Pilot Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.6 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.7 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 95 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 216.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
IL 2 / South Church Street
Turn left onto IL 2 / South Church Street
Navigation decision point
6
127.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m 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
135.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m 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
216.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m 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
216.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.69 one way
$73.39 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $39.97 | $79.94 |
| premium | $5.18 | $45.03 | $90.07 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $46.49 | $92.97 |
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: 77.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.2 | 0 | $23.17 | $10.59 |
| Efficient EV | 55.2 | 0 | $19.31 | $8.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 88.3 | 1 | $30.90 | $14.12 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 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
Rockford, IL
Afternoon in Rockford on Wednesday
Local time
2:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Mostly Clear
ESE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Westville, IL
Afternoon in Westville on Wednesday
Local time
2:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Clear
ENE 6 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
89°F
Toluca, IL
110 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
4h 4m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend 94% of this 220.7-mile drive on highways, with the longest continuous stretch being 118.2 miles on I 39. The transition to surface roads will occur near the end of your drive, as you approach Westville. Expect a consistent highway experience for the majority of the trip, with the potential for many exits and interchanges as you navigate I 74 and US 51.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.2 mi on I 39.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and I 74. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near IL 2 / South Church Street.
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 220.7 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.1 miles (IL 2 / South Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 127.6 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.2 miles (I 74; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
920 ft
654 ft
Total Climb
374 ft
Total Descent
421 ft
Highest Point
920 ft
~47.3 mi in
Elevation Range
266 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 Rockford, IL and Westville, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
Champaign
127.6 mi in
|
~2h 21m
|
via US 51
Saint Louis
127.6 mi in
|
~2h 21m
|
via US 51
Decatur
127.6 mi in
|
~2h 21m
|
via US 51
About the Cities
Starting in Rockford, IL
Full guide →Founded 1852
Rockford is a city in the Rock River Valley in Northern Illinois. With a population of over 145,000 (2019), it is the third largest city in the state.
Top landmarks
- • Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House — Usonian house
- • Herrick Cobblestone — house in Rockford, Illinois, USA
- • Haight Village Historic District — park in the United States of America
Arriving in Westville, IL
Full guide →Founded 1873
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 4m. Total distance: 220.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.2 miles on I 39. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Westville, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 2 / South Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 127.6 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.2 miles (I 74; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Westville, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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