Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Washington Park, IL to Waukegan, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 5m

Distance

321 mi

517 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 52m ★
6 AM
6h 5m
8 AM
6h 31m
10 AM
6h 14m
12 PM
6h 12m
3 PM
6h 16m
5 PM
6h 30m
8 PM
5h 57m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Washington Park, IL, IL

Washington Park, IL

Quang Vuong

Trip Overview

This 321-mile drive from Washington Park, Illinois, to Waukegan, Illinois, is a straightforward Midwest journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 6 hours and 5 minutes on the road, with a projected fuel cost of around $50. The route primarily utilizes major highways, including I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway, making it a highway-focused experience. Given its manageable duration, this trip is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll be traversing within the same region, the Midwest, throughout your travel.

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

160.5 miles from Washington Park, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 270.2 mi 4h 56m
Tri-State Tollway 41.8 mi 50m
Belvidere Road 1.9 mi 2m
Kingshighway 1.7 mi 3m
Belvidere Street 1.6 mi 3m
South Jackson Street 0.5 mi 1m
Glen Rock Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
IL 111 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 270.2 mi, about 4h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Washington Park, IL and Waukegan, IL.

1

Start on North Park Drive

62 ft · 4 sec · North Park Drive
2

Turn right onto IL 111

1.7 mi · 3 min · Kingshighway
3

Turn left onto IL 111

373 ft · 12 sec · Collinsville Road
4

Turn slight right onto IL 111

0.2 mi · 35 sec · IL 111
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
6

Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40

12 mi · 13 min · I 55; I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

108 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
8

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.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

121 mi · 2 hr 14 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

1.6 mi · 3 min
Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin Use the right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
12

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 11A Toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn straight onto IL 120

1.9 mi · 2 min · Belvidere Road
16

Continue on IL 120

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
17

Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
18

Turn left onto South Jackson Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Jackson Street
19

Arrive at destination

North Jackson Street

Trip Plan

For this 321-mile trip, starting early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you navigate tollways. With a duration of just over 6 hours, you can complete this in one day without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one main stop to refuel and stretch, as the longest uninterrupted driving segment is over 270 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $50, and it's always wise to be prepared. Given the highway-centric nature, staying alert to changing speed limits and potential construction zones will be key to a smooth journey.

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 160.5 miles from Washington Park, IL, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 270.2 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 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 160.5 miles or 2h 56m 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Washington Park, 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 Washington Park, IL

This is one driving day of about 321 miles and 6h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Washington Park, 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 270.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Normal, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

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

Springfield, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 160.5 miles from Washington Park, 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 270.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 91.7

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

1.7 mi

Taco Bell

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Countryside, Illinois

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Drip and Culture - Socially Minded Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Waukegan, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 321

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 91.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 91.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12175232817

Taco Bell

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 275.1

Countryside, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+17083545535

Visit website

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 91.7

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 275.1

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

Taco Gringo South

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 91.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12176702905

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 45.9

Litchfield, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+12173245855

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 91.7

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12176798844

Visit website

Drip and Culture - Socially Minded Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 321

Waukegan, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 321

Gurnee, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 160.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 137.6

Atlanta, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 275.1

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 14.4 and 316.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
14.4 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springf...
7
122.3 mi into trip | ~2h 15m 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
8
151.6 mi into trip | ~2h 46m 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
7
272.4 mi into trip | ~5h in

Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin

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

Use the right lane. Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
316.2 mi into trip | ~5h 55m in

Take the exit toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 11A Toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.18 one way

$100.37 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 112 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $55.10 $110.20
premium $4.89 $61.77 $123.55
diesel $5.61 $70.87 $141.75

Estimated Tolls: $2.51

Tri-state Tollway (41.8 mi) $2.51

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$50

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 112.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 96.3 1 $33.71 $15.41
Efficient EV 80.3 0 $28.09 $12.84
EV Truck/SUV 128.4 1 $44.94 $20.54

Gas CO2

112 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Washington Park, IL

Night in Washington Park on Saturday

Local time

11:42 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Night in Waukegan on Saturday

Local time

11:42 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

16 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

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.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

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 88.6
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park

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...

18 mi from route ~44 min detour Free near mile 276.7
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with an impressive 84% of the journey taking place on major interstates. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a significant 270.2-mile segment on I-55, which means extended periods of consistent speed. The primary roads guiding you are I-55, the Tri-State Tollway, and Belvidere Road. While largely a high-speed affair, be prepared for potential toll sections. The character remains consistent for most of the trip, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 270.2 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.4 miles in near I 55.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 321 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 14.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.6 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Washington Park, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.

Peoria

151.6 mi in | ~2h 46m | via I 55

About the Cities

Arriving in Waukegan, IL

Full guide →

Waukegan is in the Far North Suburbs of the Chicagoland region of Illinois. It sits on Lake Michigan, has a large harbor, and is the county seat of Lake County, 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: 321 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 5m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 270.2 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.51 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Waukegan, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 14.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.6 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and 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 Waukegan, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Waukegan, IL

Anna, IL 385.3 mi · 7h 15m Edinburg, IL 244.1 mi · 4h 46m Canton, IL 225.4 mi · 4h 27m Athens, IL 225.2 mi · 4h 23m

More from Washington Park, IL

Peoria, IL 162.6 mi · 3h Springfield, IL 92.1 mi · 1h 47m

More trips to Waukegan, IL

Cairo, IL 411.7 mi Metropolis, IL 403.6 mi Cambria, IL 363.1 mi Herrin, IL 356.4 mi Quincy, IL 341.6 mi Aviston, IL 326.5 mi
Escape planner: Washington Park, IL Scenic drives in IL

Explore more options from Washington Park, IL or browse trips ending in Waukegan, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.