Ann Arbor to Chicago road trip: Drive time, distance & best stops
The distance from Ann Arbor to Chicago by car is 241 miles, with a 3h44m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Ann Arbor to Chicago drive are the American Museum of Magic, Michigan City and the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Planning an Ann Arbor to Chicago road trip itinerary
The Ann Arbor to Chicago drive connects a Michigan university city to one of America’s greatest destinations in Illinois.
Our favourite thing to do in Chicago
The Chicago architecture cruise has a phenomenal wow factor, with the boat gliding between some of the world’s most legendary skyscrapers.
We found the commentary matches the views, too. Expect a fascinating run-down of the city’s history – and plenty of surprising detail about the buildings you’re seeing.
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and most of the city’s key highlights have university links. The Museum of Art and Museum of Natural History are the two big museums – expect crowd-pleasing mammoth skeletons and a planetarium in the latter.
On a sunny day, you’ll probably be more content strolling through the Nichols Arboretum or Matthaei Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, try paddleboarding or kayaking on the Huron River.
Highly recommended Chicago experiences include an architecture river cruise, a gangsters and ghosts tour of famous Mob sites and a bike tour of the lakefront neighbourhoods. It’s also worth paying a visit to the Field Museum, the 360 Chicago observation deck at the Hancock Tower and the Chicago Architecture Center.
Ann Arbor to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Ann Arbor to Chicago is 241 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 44 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-94.
The best stops to add to an Ann Arbor to Chicago road trip itinerary are the American Museum of Magic, Michigan City and the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Ann Arbor MI to Chicago drive: American Museum of Magic
The American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan, is the biggest magic museum in the US that is open to the public. Inside a 19th century building, the American Museum of Magic has an enormous collection of paraphernalia and memorabilia. But it’s at its best when it explores the lives and innovations of individual magicians.
Guided tours, which add a little flair and showmanship, are also available.
Ann Arbor MI to Chicago road trip attractions: Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City in Indiana lies on the shore of Lake Michigan. If you want some beach time, Washington Park Beach will do the trick.
You can also see the fauna at the Washington Park Zoo, or the flora at the Friendship Botanic Gardens.
But the most distinctive attraction in Michigan City is the Old Lighthouse Museum, which covers Lake Michigan’s shipwrecks and maritime heritage.
Attractions between Ann Arbor and Chicago: Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park stretches for 15 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. While it is primarily adored for its beaches, the mixture of ecosystems is fascinating for those who want to do more than just lie on the sand.
The dunes take the attention, but the hiking trails take in woodland too, and are surrounded by wildflowers in spring. Come in winter, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available.
Fishing for steelhead in the Little Calumet River is also immensely popular, while the birdwatching amongst the quiet dunes is highly productive.
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