It’s no surprise that the Windy City is one of the most popular destinations in the USA, considering its delicious local delicacies, rich culture and interesting sights. While it’s true that you’ll never run out of things to see and do in Chicago, it can still be fun to explore other places and embark on a road trip. Fortunately, its location in the middle of the US makes Chicago a great starting point. Whether you’re interested in a day trip to places like South Bend, or a longer drive to destinations such as Mount Rushmore, you’ll have a great time. If you’re ready to plan your itinerary, check out our list of the 10 best road trips from Chicago.
- Starved Rock State Park
- Lake Geneva, WI
- Nashville, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Minneapolis, MN
- St. Louis, MO
- Mount Rushmore
- Philadelphia, PA
- New York City
- Other road trips from Chicago
1. Starved Rock State Park
A perfect destination for a quick day trip, Starved Rock State Park is a great place to go if you want to spend some quality time outdoors. The park is filled with hiking and camping opportunities, plus there are rock formations that are millions of years old.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you’re interested in staying overnight in the park, keep in mind that the campground can be busy, particularly during the summer months. To ensure that you can snag a spot, make sure to book well in advance.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 94 miles; a 1-hour 40-minute drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
2. Lake Geneva, WI
Just a quick drive from Chicago is Lake Geneva, a popular destination that offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including ziplining, kayaking, and boating. There is also a scenic path around the lake if you would like to go on a leisurely walk or bike ride.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you’ll be visiting Lake Geneva during the summer, make sure to stop at the nearby Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, where you can pay to pick your own tasty berries to bring home with you.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 77 miles; a 1-hour 40-minute drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls on the route.
3. Nashville, TN
Considered the home of country music, Nashville is a unique city that is perfect for a long weekend. Enjoy some traditional Southern food and catch a live show during your time in the city, or head to one of the many museums that can be found, like the Country Music Hall of Fame.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you’re a history buff, consider spending a few hours touring one of the presidential landmarks that are located just outside of Nashville, such as the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s former mansion, or the tomb of President James Polk.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 475 miles; a 7.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
4. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee has something for every type of traveler, whether you’re interested in museums, scenic parks or historic buildings. Some favorite destinations for visitors include the Public Museum, Harley Davidson Museum and the Fonzie Statue.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The city has several professional sports teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Milwaukee Brewers. For a unique experience with the local residents, consider fitting a live game into your stay in the area.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 100 miles; a 1.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
5. Indiana Dunes National Park
If you want to spend some time on the waterfront, make sure to drive to Indiana Dunes National Park. The dunes are located on Lake Michigan just over the state line in Indiana and are a great place for swimming, biking and hiking. Plus, you can see the Chicago skyline from here when the skies are clear.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Now that the dunes are officially a national park, they tend to be busier than normal. This can make finding parking a bit more difficult, so try to arrive early in the day to ensure that you can find a spot.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 35 miles; a 45-minute drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
7. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year it is, as it has a large selection of indoor attractions for travelers to enjoy. The Saint Louis Art Museum and Saint Louis Science Center are two popular choices that you will want to spend a few hours enjoying.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you’ll be visiting with children, make sure to spend some time at the City Museum, as it has a large playground that both little ones and adults are sure to love. You’ll find over 30 slides to play on, as well as a treehouse.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 297 miles; a 4.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
8. Mount Rushmore
Seeing Mount Rushmore, one of the most famous monuments in the USA, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make sure not to let this moment pass you by and head out on a scenic road trip to this iconic national memorial.
SIXT Pro Tip:
When visiting Mount Rushmore, you will also want to make sure that you spend some time at nearby Badlands National Park, as it has some of the most unique scenery in the country. You’ll be in awe of the grasslands and rock formations, and if you’re lucky, you may even see an adorable prairie dog or two.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 935 miles; a 13.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on this route while driving along I-90 W leaving Chicago.
9. Philadelphia, PA
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious specialties, such as Philly cheesesteaks, you’ll love every second of your visit to Philadelphia. While in the area, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see the Rocky statue or the Liberty Bell.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Philadelphia is known for having a vibrant art scene, so make sure to explore museums and galleries during your trip. The neighborhood of Fairmount is a great destination, as it is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SIXT CHICAGO: 759 miles; a 12-hour drive.
TOLLS: You will encounter tolls on this route while driving along I-90 E through Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
10. New York City
It’s no surprise that New York, nicknamed the Big Apple, is one of the most popular cities in the USA. There is so much to see and do here, including watching a Broadway show, spending a day getting lost in the Metropolitan Museum of Art or heading to the top of the Empire State Building to enjoy some of the most impressive views of the city.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you want to spend some time outdoors, make sure to pay a visit to the High Line, a unique public park that is built on a converted historic freight rail line elevated above the streets.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO: 795 miles; a 12.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: You will encounter tolls on this route while driving along I-90 and I-80 E through Indiana, Ohio, Pennslyvania and New Jersey.
11. Other road trips from Chicago
