Rail Splitter Rest Area - Southbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Rockford, IL to Winchester, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 36m
Distance
250.5 mi
403 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
4h 23m
★
6 AM
4h 36m
8 AM
5h 3m
10 AM
4h 46m
12 PM
4h 43m
3 PM
4h 47m
5 PM
5h 2m
8 PM
4h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rockford, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Winchester, IL
Stéphane Tendon
Trip Overview
Rockford to Winchester is 250.5 miles and takes about 4h 36m via I-39, I-55, and I-72, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward trip connecting two points within the Midwest, specifically within Illinois. Most of your travel will be on major interstates, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. Given the relatively short duration and high highway percentage, it's well-suited for a single-day trip.
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
125.3 miles from Rockford, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 118.2 mi | 2h 6m |
| I 55 | 64.8 mi | 1h 10m |
| I 72 | 45.4 mi | 48m |
| US 51 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 4.3 mi | 4m |
| South Main Street | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| Old Route 36 | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| West Cherry Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 118.2 mi, about 2h 6m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,843 veh/hr typical · worst 2,285
Quietest
2 AM
~153 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Winchester, 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 right at fork onto I 55
65 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36
45 mi
·
48 min
·
I 72; US 36
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward IL 106: Winchester
13
Turn straight onto Old US Route 36
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
Old US Route 36
14
Turn straight onto Old Route 36
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Old Route 36
15
Turn left onto IL 106
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Illinois Route 106
16
Continue on IL 106
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Cherry Street
17
Arrive at destination
IL 106
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4.5-hour drive, consider leaving Rockford in the morning to ensure you have ample daylight for the entire trip. With only one recommended stop and a high highway share, you can easily complete this in a single day. The fuel cost is estimated at $44, so plan accordingly. Watch for the transition from I-72 to local roads as you approach Winchester, as this is where the driving pace will change most significantly.
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 125.3 miles from Rockford, IL, or about 2h 18m 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 55 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.3 miles or 2h 18m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Winchester, 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 250.5 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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
125 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 125.3 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.
Rail Splitter Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Dixie Trucker's Home
0.1 mi from route
Willow Creek Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Funks Grove Rest Area
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.3 mi from route
Willow Creek Rest Area - Southbound
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
Road Ranger
0.5 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Road Ranger
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
Road Ranger
2.1 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 0.1 and 200 — 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
4
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
IL 2 / Cedar Street
Turn left onto IL 2 / Cedar 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 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
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 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
6
200 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
|
I 72; US 36
Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36 toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.99 one way
$73.99 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $40.84 | $81.68 |
| premium | $4.72 | $46.51 | $93.02 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $47.30 | $94.60 |
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: 87.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.2 | 0 | $26.30 | $12.02 |
| Efficient EV | 62.6 | 0 | $21.92 | $10.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.2 | 1 | $35.07 | $16.03 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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
Evening in Rockford on Monday
Local time
7:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 mph
45% 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
Winchester, IL
Evening in Winchester on Monday
Local time
7:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 8 mph
26% 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
85°F
Bloomington, IL
125 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
1 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 36m 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
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 198.7
View on nps.gov
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 96% of the 250.5 miles on interstates. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 118.2 miles on I-39 before transitioning to I-55 and then I-72. Expect frequent exits and merges typical of interstate travel through the Midwest. The transition from highway to surface roads will occur very late in the trip, near Winchester.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 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 55. You will hit about 10 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 250.5 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 0.1 miles (IL 2 / South Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (IL 2 / Cedar Street): Navigation decision point; at 127.6 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
861 ft
529 ft
Total Climb
522 ft
Total Descent
694 ft
Highest Point
861 ft
~35.8 mi in
Elevation Range
333 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 Winchester, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur and Springfield.
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
Springfield
135.2 mi in
|
~2h 29m
|
via I 55
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 Winchester, 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 4h 36m. Total distance: 250.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). 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 28 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 Winchester, 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 28 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 0.4 miles (IL 2 / Cedar Street): Navigation decision point; at 127.6 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Winchester, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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