Cedar Rapids to Chicago road trip: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Cedar Rapids to Chicago drive are Iowa City, Davenport and Dixon. The distance from Cedar Rapids to Chicago by car is 246 miles, with a 3h45m driving time.
Finding things to do between Cedar Rapids and Chicago
The Cedar Rapids to Chicago drive takes you from eastern Iowa to the birthplace of the skyscraper 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.
Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa, and it’s a city with surprisingly strong Czech and Slovak feel. Wander around the Czech Village and Little Bohemia neighbourhoods to soak it in, or visit the National Czech and Slovak Museum to understand the migration history.
Head to the Ushers Ferry Historic Village for a quaint open air museum and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for culture.
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.
Cedar Rapids to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Cedar Rapids to Chicago is 246 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 45 minutes. The quickest route is usually along the I-380, then the I-80 and I-88.
The best stops to add to a Cedar Rapids to Chicago road trip itinerary are Iowa City, Davenport and Dixon.
Things to between Cedar Rapids and Chicago: Iowa City
Iowa City is the former capital of Iowa, and is home to several historic attractions.
Highlights of Iowa City include the Old Capitol Building, Iowa’s first capitol now turned into a museum, and the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History.
You can also visit Mormon Handcart Park, which commemorates the early Mormon pioneers who crossed the country with just wooden, hand-pulled carts.
Cedar Rapids to Chicago road trip stops: Davenport, Iowa
On the Mississippi River, Davenport is mostly appealing for the riverside parks. Centennial Park is in the centre, while Credit Island Park occupies an island in the Mississippi. Otherwise, the Family Museum provides wholesome fun for all ages, the Vander Veer Botanical Park makes for pleasant strolling and the Buffalo Bill Museum delves into one of the Wild West’s most famous characters.
Cedar Rapids to Chicago drive: Dixon, Illinois
Two famous American names got started around Dixon, Illinois. One is former president Ronald Reagan, who was born in Illinois. Between 1920 and 1924, he lived at what is now the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home. It’s a simple family house that is now on the National Register of Historic Places and open to visitors.
The other is John Deere, who was a handyman and toolmaker in the village of Grand Detour, just to the north of Chicago. His workshop would eventually morph into a tractor and agricultural machinery empire.
At the John Deere Historic Site, you can now watch blacksmithery demonstrations at a replica of Deere’s workshop and tour the original family home.
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