Dayton OH to Chicago road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
The distance from Dayton OH to Chicago by car is 300 miles, with a 4h32m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Dayton OH to Chicago drive are the Lewisburg Haunted Cave, Indianapolis and Prophetstown State Park.
Planning a Dayton OH to Chicago road trip itinerary
A Dayton OH to Chicago road trip takes you from the home of the Wright Brothers in Ohio to one of America’s greatest cities 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.
Dayton, Ohio, isn’t a massive city, but it has more than played its part in history. It was here that Orville and Wilbur Wright created the first plane capable of manned, sustained flight. The original Wright Cycle Company Shop that still stands is not where the Wright Flyer was made – that was a future incarnation of the company HQ – but it was home to their bicycle business.
In Dayton, you can also visit the SunWatch Indian Village, a recreated Native American village, and the National Museum of the US Air Force.
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.
Dayton OH to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Dayton OH to Chicago is 300 miles. That makes for a driving time of four hours and 32 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-70 and I-65.
The best stops to add to a Dayton to Chicago road trip itinerary are the Lewisburg Haunted Cave, Indianapolis and Prophetstown State Park. For more attractions, check out the individual guides to the Dayton to Indianapolis drive and Indianapolis to Chicago drive.
Dayton OH to Chicago road trip attractions: Lewisburg Haunted Cave
The Lewisburg Haunted Cave bills itself as the world’s longest haunted house. Located 80ft below ground, this cave is supposedly home to more than 30,000 bats.
Tours of the Lewisburg Haunted Cave take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, and are hokey affairs with costumed actors. As long as you’re signing up for the schlock factor rather than wanting to admire cave decorations, it’s fun.
Best stops between Dayton OH and Chicago: Indianapolis
The capital of Indiana marries big city energy with country charm.
Top attractions in Indianapolis include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Worthwhile Indianapolis experiences include a Fountain Square food tour and a walking tour around the city’s highlights.
Dayton OH to Chicago drive: Prophetstown State Park
At the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers in Lafayette, Indiana, Prophetstown State Park offers a series of walking trails and picnic areas.
But there are two major points of difference, first of which is the Farm at Prophetstown. This shows visitors how farming was done in the 1920s.
Secondly, there’s the Aquatic Center which comes with a body flume, tube slide and lazy river.
More Dayton road trips
Dayton to Cleveland | Dayton to Columbus | Dayton to Detroit | Dayton to Indianapolis.
More Chicago road trips
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