Best Road Trips from Illinois: National Parks and Scenic Escapes
Illinois is a great place to start a road trip. You can visit beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, explore canyons and forests, or drive to national parks in nearby states. Some places are perfect for a day trip, while others are better for a weekend getaway.
There are plenty of great places to explore, depending on your interests and how much time you have. In this guide, we’ll share five of the best road trips from Illinois, including what to see, how to get there, and tips for planning your trip.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip
Before your road trip, make sure your car is in good condition. A quick check can help you avoid problems on the road.
Check your tires, engine oil, coolant, and lights. If your car needs regular maintenance, it’s better to take care of it before leaving.
Don’t forget to check your brakes. Strange noises, vibrations, or a soft brake pedal may be signs of a problem. If you notice any of these issues, consider getting brake service at Old Orchard Nissan before your trip.
Pack a first-aid kit, flashlight, water, phone charger, and jumper cables. It’s also a good idea to download offline maps, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas.
Check the weather and road conditions before you leave. Some park trails may be closed due to bad weather, so be ready to change your plans.
Once your car is ready, it’s time to hit the road. Here are some great places to visit from Illinois.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the easiest road trips from Chicago. Located along Lake Michigan, the park has sandy beaches, dunes, forests, and hiking trails. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.
The drive from Chicago takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You can take I-90 east toward Indiana and follow the signs to your chosen park entrance.
West Beach is a good place to start. You can relax by the lake or explore the nearby trails. One popular option is the Dune Succession Trail, a 0.9-mile loop with more than 270 stairs. The climb takes some effort, but you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lake Michigan. On clear days, you may even see the Chicago skyline.
If you have more time, visit the Paul H. Douglas Trail through Miller Woods. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and see a different side of the park.
After hiking, you can stop for lunch in Chesterton or visit nearby Michigan City for more restaurants and attractions.
Summer is the best time for beach activities, while spring and fall are great for hiking. Before visiting, check the park’s website for trail updates and beach conditions.
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
You don’t have to leave Illinois to enjoy beautiful nature. Starved Rock State Park is a great place for hiking, exploring canyons, and enjoying river views.
The park is near Oglesby, about a two-hour drive from Chicago. Take I-80 west toward the Illinois Valley and follow the signs to the park.
Start your visit at the visitor center. Get a trail map, ask about current conditions, and find out which trails are open.
One of the most popular spots is the Starved Rock overlook, where you can enjoy views of the Illinois River. French Canyon is another beautiful spot, especially after rain, when you may see a waterfall between the sandstone walls.
Some trails may be temporarily closed for maintenance, so check the latest park updates before your visit.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, the nearby town of Utica has restaurants and places to stay. You can also visit Matthiessen State Park, which is known for its canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Spring is a great time to see waterfalls, while fall brings beautiful colors to the forests. Wear comfortable hiking shoes because some trails have stairs, rocks, and muddy areas.
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
If you enjoy history and city attractions, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis is a great choice for a weekend road trip.
St. Louis is about a five-hour drive from Chicago. The easiest route is I-55 south through central Illinois. If you have extra time, you can stop in Springfield to visit places connected to Abraham Lincoln.
The main attraction is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument beside the Mississippi River. You can visit the museum beneath the Arch to learn about American history and the country’s westward expansion.
For a special experience, take the tram to the top of the Arch. From there, you’ll get great views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
You can easily spend two days in St. Louis. On your first day, visit the Gateway Arch, explore the museum, and walk along the riverfront. On the second day, head to Forest Park or the Missouri Botanical Garden.
There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the city. Staying downtown makes it easier to explore the main attractions on foot, but remember to check parking fees when booking your hotel.
Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois
Shawnee National Forest is one of the best places in Illinois for a longer outdoor adventure. Located in the southern part of the state, it has beautiful forests, rocky cliffs, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
The drive from Chicago takes about five to six hours, depending on which part of the forest you want to visit. It’s best to plan at least two or three days for this trip.
One of the most popular attractions is Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Its Observation Trail is only about a quarter-mile long, but it offers amazing views of the surrounding hills and sandstone formations. You can also see Camel Rock, one of the area’s most famous natural landmarks.
Be careful while walking because some parts of the trail have uneven rocks and steep drop-offs.
If you enjoy hiking, you can also visit Rim Rock Recreation Trail or Bell Smith Springs. Both areas offer beautiful scenery and a chance to spend time away from busy tourist spots.
For a weekend trip, consider staying near Harrisburg. Spend your first day driving and exploring the area, then visit Garden of the Gods and nearby trails the next day.
You can find camping areas in the forest, as well as hotels in nearby towns. However, some attractions are far from restaurants and stores, so bring water, snacks, and offline maps.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit because of the colorful leaves, but spring is also great for hiking and enjoying nature.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is another great option if you have a few days for a road trip. Located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, the park has forests, waterfalls, rivers, and trails.
The drive from Chicago takes about six to seven hours. You can follow I-80 east and the Ohio Turnpike to reach the area. Since it’s a longer drive, plan to stay at least two nights.
Start your visit at Brandywine Falls, one of the park’s most popular attractions. You can enjoy views of the waterfall from designated viewing areas or take a walk on nearby trails.
Another great place to explore is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This historic trail is perfect for walking or biking. It follows an old canal route and passes through peaceful natural areas.
For a three-day trip, spend the first day driving to Ohio. On the second day, explore Brandywine Falls and the Towpath Trail. You can also visit Cleveland if you have extra time. On the third day, enjoy breakfast or a short walk before heading home.
There are hotels in nearby towns and cities, making it easy to find a place to stay.
Fall is especially beautiful when the leaves change color. Spring is also a good time to visit, as waterfalls often have more water after rain.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to travel far from Illinois to find beautiful places for a road trip. Indiana Dunes and Starved Rock are great for short getaways, while Gateway Arch, Shawnee National Forest, and Cuyahoga Valley are perfect for longer trips.
Choose a destination that fits your schedule, plan your stops, and check park conditions before leaving. Whether you enjoy beaches, hiking, waterfalls, or historic attractions, there are plenty of great places to explore just a few hours from home.
