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Trip from Willow Springs, IL to Rockford, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 53m

Distance

91.7 mi

148 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 45m ★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 10m
10 AM
1h 59m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
2h 0m
5 PM
2h 9m
8 PM
1h 48m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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village in Illinois, United States of America

Willow Springs, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Rockford, IL, IL

Rockford, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 91.7-mile drive from Willow Springs, IL, to Rockford, IL, is a manageable 1-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes. You'll primarily navigate using the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the Tri-State Tollway, with East State Street marking the final approach. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $14, making it an economical option. Given its relatively short duration and the absence of recommended overnight stops, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. This drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward transit between two Illinois points.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

45.8 miles from Willow Springs, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway 61.8 mi 1h 6m
Tri-State Tollway 15.2 mi 19m
East State Street 6 mi 10m
La Grange Road 1.6 mi 2m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 1.1 mi 1m
East Jefferson Street 0.7 mi 1m
Archer Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
North Wyman Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Jane Addams Memorial Tollway — 61.8 mi, about 1h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Willow Springs, IL and Rockford, IL.

1

Start on Hilton Street

63 ft · 4 sec · Hilton Street
2

Turn right onto IL 171

0.4 mi · 57 sec · Archer Avenue
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 1 min
Toward US 12 North, US 20 North, US 45 North: La Grange Road
4

Merge onto US 12; US 20; US 45

1.6 mi · 2 min · La Grange Road
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 55 South
7

Merge onto I 55

1.1 mi · 1 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
8

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 277A Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
10

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

10 mi · 13 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 40 Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 90

0.2 mi · 12 sec · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

62 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward US 20 Business, State Street
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec
19

Turn straight onto US 20 Business

6.0 mi · 10 min · East State Street
20

Turn right onto US 20 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
21

Turn left onto North Wyman Street

0.2 mi · 24 sec · North Wyman Street
22

Turn right onto West State Street

75 ft · 2 sec · West State Street
23

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

With a total drive time under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility in planning your departure. Leaving Willow Springs in the morning should allow you to reach Rockford with plenty of daylight remaining. There are no designated stops suggested, so you can choose to refuel and rest as needed, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel it's necessary. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 61.8-mile stretch on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. This is a straightforward drive, so focus on enjoying the journey and arriving in Rockford ready for your activities.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.8 miles from Willow Springs, IL, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.8 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 20 miles or 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 45.8 miles or 58m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 29m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Willow Springs, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Willow Springs, IL

This is one driving day of about 91.7 miles and 1h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Willow Springs, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway for about 61.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

village in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Schaumburg, IL

46 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.

Popular next leg

Schaumburg, IL to Rockford, IL

60 mi · 1h 13m

Pacing Suggestions

Oak Park, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Elgin, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 45.8 miles from Willow Springs, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Jane Addams Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.8 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.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Cafe Mirage

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Schiller Park, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 24min in 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18476782614

Visit website

The Blossom Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Norridge, Illinois

2.2 mi

Taco Bell

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Countryside, Illinois

2 mi

Cafe Mirage

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Schiller Park, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18476782614

Visit website

The Blossom Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Norridge, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17084535300

Visit website

Taco Bell

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Countryside, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+17083545535

Visit website

Topaz Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Expensive

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306541616

Visit website

Kids Art & Play Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv

Schaumburg, Illinois

Hours: Closed

+16305231101

Visit website

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

J. Alexander's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Expensive

Oak Brook, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16305738180

Visit website

Village Gourmet - Cafe & Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Clarendon Hills, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16303236885

Visit website

Midway Village Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Rockford, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18153979112

Visit website

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.2 and 21.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.2 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the exit toward I 294 North: Wisconsin

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 277A Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
6
10.7 mi into trip | ~17m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
21.1 mi into trip | ~30m in

Take the exit toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 40 Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International A...
7
21.3 mi into trip | ~30m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago

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

Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chi...
7
21.6 mi into trip | ~31m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.34 one way

$28.67 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $15.74 $31.48
premium $4.89 $17.65 $35.29
diesel $5.61 $20.25 $40.49

Estimated Tolls: $5.22

Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (61.6 mi) $4.31
Tri-state Tollway (15.2 mi) $0.91

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

$14

Tolls

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 32.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 27.5 0 $9.63 $4.40
Efficient EV 22.9 0 $8.02 $3.67
EV Truck/SUV 36.7 0 $12.84 $5.87

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 16, 2026

Origin

Willow Springs, IL

Morning in Willow Springs on Tuesday

Local time

10:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Rockford, IL

Morning in Rockford on Tuesday

Local time

10:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 5 to 10 mph 31% chance 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

6 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 53m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

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...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that's primarily on major highways, with 100% of the route involving high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.8 miles on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, offering a good opportunity to maintain a steady pace. While largely an interstate experience, the mention of East State Street suggests the latter part of the journey might involve more turns and local traffic as you near Rockford. This profile indicates a predominantly fast-paced drive with a potential for increased complexity in the final miles.

Only 1% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.8 mi on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 91.7 miles you will encounter 20 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 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.7 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Willow Springs, IL to Rockford, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Chicago along the way.

Chicago

21.1 mi in | ~30m

About the Cities

Starting in Willow Springs, IL

Full guide →

Arriving in Rockford, IL

Full guide →

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.

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 1h 53m. Total distance: 91.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.8 miles on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $5.22 in tolls one way, starting with Jane Addams Memorial 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.

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 Rockford, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.7 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Rockford, IL before heading back.

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.

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