Minneapolis To Chicago Drive Time

This scenic trip from Minneapolis to Chicago volition accept you from the city and through stunning natural parks, beautiful lakes and alongside the iconic Mississippi River before arriving at the fascinating city nestled on Lake Michigan.

The 400-mile road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago will take six hours to drive. The route passes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Rockford and Illinois, as well every bit Mirror Lake Country Park, Chippewa Falls, Devil'southward Lake State Park, Milwaukee and Lake Michigan.

Despite its relatively short length, there is still and then much to come across on this trip from Minneapolis to Chicago, from stunning waterfalls and wildlife spotting in state parks, to small villages and bustling cities. To make the about of the journey, nosotros've fix our the best routes, times to visit and places to finish along the way. And then please read until the end to larn nearly them all.

How far is Chicago from Minneapolis, and how long volition the road trip accept?

Comparison of road trip routes between Minneapolis and Chicago
Route	Distance	Driving Time
The Southern Road	400 miles	6 hours 10 minutes
The Northern Route	450 miles	7 hours 30 minutes

The road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago isn't particularly long. Spanning a distance of just over 400 miles, information technology can be completed in equally trivial as half-dozen hours and ten minutes if you drive without stopping.

A Northern Route can be followed which takes y'all through some bottom known areas of Wisconsin. Despite the unlike roads, it doesn't add together much to the overall fourth dimension and distance and instead can be completed in vii hours and 30 minutes, spanning a distance of 450 miles.

Both routes could be completed in a single day, though yous would miss much of the pretty scenery effectually y'all. A better option would be to spread your trip out over 2 to three days.

Past including at least one overnight finish, you can however complete the trip over a weekend if yous are pressed for time, while making the most of the attractions you lot'll pass en route.

Chicago, Illinois, USA with the downtown city and Chicago River with bridges during sunset. — The road trip from Minneapolis finishes at Chicago, known for its impressive buildings, great museums and jazz.
Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock.com

Best road trip route from Minneapolis to Chicago

At that place are a few different ways you could travel from Minneapolis to Chicago, but the ii obvious options would be is to follow either the Southern or Northern route to cross Minnesota into the land of Illinois.

Our Southern Route will offer the quickest journey to your destination. Following the Mississippi River, this road takes you lot through several cities, some epic land parks and across beautiful farmland.

Alternatively, heading north, the second route option for yous will accept you further away from the crowds of the bigger cities and experience the delights of smaller towns and beautiful natural spaces as you travel through the states.

With little difference in both time and distance, the option of the best route will inevitably be upwardly to yous and what you'd like to see along the mode. Because either tin can be completed in a twenty-four hours or ii, you lot could always follow the culling route back to Minneapolis.

The Southern Route

Leave Minneapolis past heading due east on Interstate 94 and follow the Mississippi River along the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. This early stretch offers cracking views and many scenic viewpoints of the river.

Laissez passer Lake Metropolis, making certain to terminate at the Stunning riverside bluffs along the way, including Peachy River Bluffs State Park, simply by Donehower until you arrive at La Crosse, a fascinating historical town and a smashing point for an overnight cease.

Merge onto I-90, still heading east, every bit you pass wide open farmland that characterises this area. At New Lisbon you could take a curt detour to George Westward. Mead Country Wildlife Area or head farther south and visit Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.

Acquit on post-obit I-90 every bit you lot laissez passer past Madison, Wisconsin earlier passing by Rockford where you can stop before post-obit the interstate all the mode to your destination of Chicago.

Rockford Town, Illinois, USA with an old watermill in Midway Village of Rockford Town, with water in the foreground and trees in the background taken on a sunny day. — A beautiful old watermill found in the boondocks of Rockford, a great place to cease when following the Southern Road.
Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock.com

The Northern Route

The slightly slower Northern Route takes you out of Minneapolis via Interstate 94 equally you caput east, passing some smaller towns including Elk Mound before taking exit 88 at Osseo and following The states-ten through Fairchild, Neillsville where you lot'll alter to follow WI-73 to Pittsvile.

At this stretch on the trip you can leave the main road and drive a brusk distance to take in George Mead State Wildlife Area or visit Lake Arrowhead for water sports or to only have in the pretty scenery.

Continue on US-10 eastward and laissez passer several more towns before arriving as Oshkosh, attack Lake Winnebago. This beautiful metropolis is a groovy base of operations for exploring nearby White River Marsh State Wildlife Area, Light-green Lake or Grand River State Wildlife Area.

When y'all exit the city, you lot'll follow I-41, taking you alongside Horicon National Wild fauna Refuse and Kettle Moraine Land Forest Northern Unit. You tin either follow this road to I-43, or take a short stop to explore the city of Milwaukee.

The next stretch will follow I-94 which will take you south all the style to but before Chicago, where you'll follow I-xc for the concluding curt leg of your trip.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA downtown city skyline on Lake Michigan at twilight, with a soft light in the sky. — If yous decide to follow the Northern Route, you lot could spend some fourth dimension in the metropolis of Milwaukee.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

All-time places to finish between Minneapolis and Chicago

Despite its relatively short distance, there are still plenty of options when it comes to overnight stops on this breathtaking trip from Minneapolis to Chicago.

Your choice will depend upon which route you have opted to follow, and whether you're more of a city-lover to prefer a quieter and more than peaceful location. Here are a few of our favorite places to end en route which you lot might desire to consider:

A riverside retreat at La Crosse, Wisconsin

A perfect overnight cease if you're post-obit the Southern Route is the celebrated boondocks of La Crosse in Wisconsin. Merely 3 hours from Minneapolis, it's ideally placed after a day's driving to spend some time resting and exploring more than of the beautiful countryside.

Mississippi River, Minnesota, USA with trees in fall colors along the river and Minneapolis skyline in the distance. — The Southern Road takes you lot alongside the pretty Mississippi River, offering enough of opportunities for stops en road.
Photo Image/Shutterstock.com

Located on the Mississippi River, La Crosse is a town with its own historic grapheme and plenty of outdoor activities right on its doorstep, and so if you're planning a longer trip then it'due south a great place to base yourself for a couple of nights while yous explore the surrounding area.

For those looking for a bit of an chance, this area of Wisconsin offers kayaking opportunities amidst its creeks and inlets. Yous can likewise hire a boat, explore the nearby Gramps Barefaced or enjoy the popular Coulee Region Craft Beverage Trail (ideal for craft beer and wine lovers).

Featuring views of the Mississippi River and Riverside Park, The Charmant Hotel is a wonderful resort and an platonic stop for this trip. It'due south carefully designed rooms are the perfect antidote to a long drive, while the onsite parking offers a stressful stay.

The beautifully renovated celebrated building (a quondam candy factory) has a characterful rooftop terrace where you can enjoy forest-fired pizza or cocktails looking out over the river and the town. The 4-star Charmant Hotel will be sure to get out a sweet sense of taste in your oral cavity.

Wild animals hunting at Wisconsin Rapids

Midway along the Northern Route and just over 4 hours to Chicago sits Wisconsin Rapids, a city known best for cranberries and cheese! Simply if you're after a slower pace and a run a risk to explore the dorsum roads of Wisconsin, then this is a bang-up overnight terminate option.

Lake Winnebago, USA with a sunset on the waters, rocks in the distance leading out towards the lake and a moody sky above. — The road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago, passes lots of rivers and lakes, including Lake Winnebago - perfect if you like swimming or kayaking.
BlueBarronPhoto/Shutterstock.com

Just a brusk bulldoze from Sand Loma Wildlife Surface area, Wisconsin Rapids offers yous the chance to explore the Wisconsin River either past human foot along its designated trails or by kayak or canoe.

Discover wonderful wild fauna including Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes and Red Shouldered Hawks, plus the rare Greater Prairie Craven, which tin all be constitute in this area. You can fifty-fifty enjoy pond and paddle boarding at the beaches at Lake Arrowhead, Wazeecha and Nepco.

After all that exploring and walking, yous'll desire a resort that gives you the opportunity to unwind and relax. Despite a limited choice of adaptation along this route, the Sleep Inn & Suites hotel offers plenty of civilities to continue the seasoned traveler happy.

With plenty of parking and an indoor pool, the Sleep Inn & Suites is also within like shooting fish in a barrel reach of the best attractions of the surface area, including Wisconsin Dairy Country Cheese and Glacial Lake Cranberries. Afterward a refreshing cease, you'll be ready to complete your drive to Chicago.

Stay in the heart of Chicago

Chicago, known for its famous hot-dogs, great pizza, jazz music and stunning compages is Illinois jewel. Located on Lake Michigan, Chicago is famed for its bold compages, superb museums and world-famous art galleries.

Chicago Downtown, Illinois, USA taken in summer at sunset with the downtown district in the background reflecting in the water in the foreground and taken against a clear blue sky. — Downtown Chicago is a great identify to explore the stunning compages and bold skyscrapers that this city is famed for.
Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock.com

Discover the John Hancock Center, the 1,451-ft. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. Immerse yourself in nature and take a walk at the city's famous park, or visit Shedd Aquarium and Lincoln Park Zoo. There's something for everyone in this city.

A great hotel to base your exploration of this world-class city is the Pendry Chicago. Fix right at the centre of the city, between the Chicago River and Millennium Park, this historic hotel offers an idyllic and peaceful stay, despite its setting and being inside walking distance of the best attractions.

The 4-star Pendry has incredible views of the urban center, a striking and modernistic interior and an onsite restaurant, a bar and shared lounge. This is a grownup hotel which offers luxury accommodation and volition guarantee y'all a memorable stay. The simply problem is that you might not want to leave...

Things to see on a road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago

There are and so many great places to visit on this road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago, including small-scale towns and bigger cities, great natural wonders and state parks total of wild animals.

Here'due south some of our top picks of attractions that you'll laissez passer en route:

Willow River Falls, USA taken on a late afternoon day during fall with small waterfalls leading down to the water in the fore ground and rocky terrain in the distance. — Discover cute waterfalls at Willow River Country Park which is constitute but a few miles north of Hudson.
Ken Wolter/Shutterstock.com

The Southern Route

Science Museum of Minnesota, St Paul - This extremely pop museum and riverside allure is located in St Paul, the twin metropolis of Minneapolis.
Minnesota History Center, St Paul - As well equally learning about the history of the region at this varied and interactive museum, which is set in a cute building, yous can also catch alive performances and other special events.
Willow River State Park - Hike out to the stunning Willow Falls, or take to the water on Little Falls Lake, at this beautiful State Park a few miles north of I-94 past Hudson.
Great River Bluffs Land Park, Winona - Watch eagles and hawks take flight forth the river valley from the elevation of the bluffs, which are particularly stunning during the fall.
Granddad Bluff - Towering over the boondocks of La Crosse, this barefaced offers fantastic views beyond the surrounding area. It'due south also accessible past car.
Dahl Machine Museum, La Crosse - A Beautiful collection of fully restored classic autos, mostly Ford. Meet 100 years of automobile evolution in ane place.
Wisconsin Dells - Take a boat ride down the Wisconsin River to enjoy the stunning sandstone scenery, or simply take a stroll down the Riverwalk to stretch your legs before yous get back on the road.
Noah's Ark Water Park - Wisconsin Dells prides itself as the Waterpark Capital of America, so information technology makes sense to take a trip to the largest of them all at Noah's Ark.
Devil's Lake State Park - Explore this country park which houses a beautiful spot to swim, with peaceful lakeside beaches alongside hiking trails.
Mirror Lake Country Park - This state park centered effectually the beautifully calm Mirror Lake, includes wood, lake and wetland habitats and has a number of hiking trails to explore.
Wisconsin Historical Museum, Madison - Visit the capital letter city of Wisconsin to become to know the story of the state's agricultural roots and the people who travelled hither.
Rockford - Take a break from driving to relax by the waterfront in this urban center known for its rivers and lakes, or head to the Burpee Museum of Natural History if you want to spend longer in town.
Blackness Point Estate and Gardens, Lake Geneva - Travel to this elegant mansion past boat and spend some time exploring its rooms and gardens to go a season of the grandeur of the Guilded Age.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio - Visit this National Celebrated Landmark, designed by Lloyd Wright himself. Information technology's styled as it would have been before he left the house in 1909, including effects designed by the architect.
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford - These tranquil landscaped gardens will brand you feel like you've traveled much farther than Illinois, with maples, waterfalls and koi ponds. The gardens besides host live performances from time to time.

Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin, USA with an areal view on the South shore beach and lake from rocky ice age hiking trail during sunset. — The stunning viewpoint overlooking a cute lake found at Devil's Lake State Park.
MarynaG/Shutterstock.com

The Northern Route

Chippewa Falls - Take a walk downward historic Primary Street in this charming small boondocks, so explore the beautiful riverfront or Chippewa Canton Forest.
Wisconsin Dairy Country Cheese - Alongside cranberries, dairy is one of the major industries in rural Wisconsin. Here, yous can see cheesemakers at work and cull from 200 types of local cheese.
Cranberry Highway, Wisconsin Rapids -A fifty-mile driving road out of Wisconsin Rapids that takes y'all correct through cranberry country. This road is spectacular during the fall.
Historic Bespeak Basse, Nekoosa - A living history museum where you tin go a feel for the lives of the people who originally came to farm in Wisconsin.
Oshkosh - Stroll along the Riverwalk, accept to the water on a canoe or boat trip, or but watch the sun go down over Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh.
Paine Fine art Center & Gardens, Oshkosh - A 1920s estate that at present showcases a fascinating drove of fine art, with beautiful gardens and advisedly designed outdoors spaces.
EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh - A fascinating and all-encompassing collection of historic planes, where you can fifty-fifty take a short trip in a vintage model.
Six Flags Great America Amusement Park - Ride the 15 roller coasters at this popular park just outside Chicago, which is known for its lavish Halloween celebrations.
Chicago Botanic Garden - Situated on islands within Cook County Forest Preserves, the beautifully-landscaped Botanic Garden makes for a peaceful stop before you get in in Chicago.
Lake Arrowhead - A short drive from Wisconsin Rapids, Lake Arrowhead offers the chance to swim, take a boat or enjoy paddle boarding every bit well equally relish the cute scenery that surround information technology.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois, USA taken at the Japanese Garden Bridge with greenery in the foreground and a river, trees in the distance and taken on a sunny day. — Take a stroll in the peaceful grounds at Chicago's Botanical Gardens.
Ariana Trinidad/Shutterstock.com

Best time to go on a route trip from Minneapolis to Chicago

Whichever road you take, you lot can't avoid the fact that winters are common cold in Minnesota and Wisconsin, making this trip from Minneapolis to Chicago one that is best taken between April and October.

Summertime is a popular time to visit, with temperatures warm but not uncomfortably hot in the loftier 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout July and August, meaning you tin certainly enjoy the many smashing outdoor attractions along the manner including swimming and various water sports.

In stark pity, winters are specially cold with much of this region staying below freezing (32 degrees) from December to Feb, and ofttimes experiencing heavy snowfall and icy roads.

For quieter cities and less crowded hotels, endeavour timing your visit in bound or at fall. Y'all will withal bask warm temperatures in the low 60s in May and September, and around 50 in April and Oct (though this volition vary between the start and the finish of the month).

While leap and autumn can both see some rain, but in contrast to the summer storms, information technology tends to be lighter and more persistent. Meanwhile y'all volition exist rewarded with stunning fall colors combined with the sight of ripe red cranberry marshes - making this a great time for the Northern Route in detail.

For a trip with a bang, y'all could always time your stay in Chicago with its hugely popular St Patrick's Day in March or relish watching one of the largest Pride Parade'southward in June.

Along the manner, you could fifty-fifty visit the Cranberry Blossom Festival at Wisconsin Rapids in June for a fruity twist on your trip!