Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive: Best stops, distance & time
The best road trip stops on the Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive are Rockford IL, Madison WI and Cascade Mountain. The distance from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells by car is 196 miles, with a 3h driving time.
Planning a Chicago to Wisconsin Dells road trip itinerary
The Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive takes you from the biggest city in Illinois to the most fun-packed destination in Wisconsin.
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.
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.
Wisconsin Dells is home to several theme parks, the most notable of which is the Noah’s Ark Water Park. This is the biggest water park in the United States. Kids – and big kids – can spend hours learning to surf and tackling rollercoaster-esque water slides.
When not tackling slides and rides, you can try a haunted history trolley tour through the city.
Chicago to Wisconsin Dells distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells is 196 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours. The quickest route is largely along the I-90.
The best stops to add to a Chicago to Wisconsin Dells road trip itinerary are Rockford IL, Madison WI and Cascade Mountain.
Best stops between Chicago and Wisconsin Dells: Rockford IL
Rockford IL is the biggest city in Illinois, if you discount those within the Chicago metropolitan area. There are plenty of things to do in Rockford IL, too. The Discovery Center Museum covers interactive science, while architecture lovers can visit Frank Lloyd-Wright’s Laurent House.
Rockford’s real strength, however, is a series of gardens by the Rock River. Of these, the sizable Anderson Japanese Gardens is the most strikingly impressive.
Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive: Madison WI
Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin, and it hosts several decent attractions. Top of the list should be the State Capitol Building, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Pedestrianised State Street is the spot for shopping, drinking and dining.
Other good Madison experiences include downtown e-bike tours, self-guided smartphone walks and ghost tours.
Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive: Cascade Mountain
Cascade Mountain near Portage is arguably Wisconsin’s top ski resort, and it has some of the longest runs in the Mid West. This Wisconsin ski resort tends to be more popular with snowboarders than skiers, but there are a plenty of unusual winter activities available as well. Kids are more likely to enjoy the snow tubing. Grab a big rubber ring, then whizz down the 900ft ice chute.
For more attractions, check out the guides for the Chicago to Rockford IL drive, Rockford IL to Madison drive and Madison to Wisconsin Dells drive.
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More Wisconsin Dells road trips
Madison WI to Wisconsin Dells | Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells.