Chicago to Colorado Springs drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Chicago to Colorado Springs drive are Des Moines IA, North Platte NE and Denver CO. The distance from Chicago to Colorado Springs by car is 1,073 miles, with a 15h25m driving time.

Planning a Chicago to Colorado Springs road trip itinerary

The Chicago to Colorado Springs drive takes you from Lake Michigan in Illinois to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Chicago’s skyscrapers, music scene and massive collection of cultural attractions make it arguably the most exciting city in the US to visit.

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.

Recommended Chicago hotels include the Club Quarters Central Loop for astonishingly good value. Also consider the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile for its amazing, historic pool, and the entertainingly science-themed Hotel EMC2.

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.

Book mobile-friendly tickets here.

Colorado Springs is at the foot of the Rockies – most notably the 14,114ft-high Pikes Peak. You can take a Jeep tour to the top, or go via the cog railway. The other natural highlight is the Garden of the Gods, a park with giant red sandstone formations jutting out towards the sky. Ways of exploring include Jeep tours, ebike adventures and Segway tours.

Other interesting Colorado Springs experiences include falconry classes, food tours, hot air balloon flights and ziplining.

For memorable Colorado Springs accommodation with character, go for the Great Wolf Lodge or the Mining Exchange.

Chicago to Colorado Springs distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Chicago to Colorado Springs is 1,073 miles. That makes for a driving time of around 15 hours and 25 minutes. The quickest route is usually via the I-88, I-80, I-76 and I-25.

The best stops to add to a Chicago to Colorado Springs road trip itinerary are Des Moines IA, North Platte NE and Denver CO.

Chicago to Colorado Springs drive: Des Moines, Iowa

Good things to do in Des Moines include the Adventureland Resort theme park, the Science Center of Iowa and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Also worth a look are the Iowa State Capital, Des Moines Art Center and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

For Des Moines accommodation with great reviews, try the Hotel Fort and the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel.

Best stops between Chicago and Colorado Springs: North Platte, Nebraska

North Platte NE is officially home to the largest railroad yard in the world. You can get a panoramic view over the Bailey Yard from the Golden Spike Tower. Exhibits within the tower celebrate the Union Pacific Railroad, which operates across 23 states.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bill Ranch was the former home of William Cody. Better known as Buffalo Bill, Cody was one of the great characters of the Wild West. He was a buffalo hunter, a Pony Express rider and a shameless showman.