Grand Rapids to Chicago road trip: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops between Grand Rapids and Chicago are the Saugatuck dune rides, the Michigan Maritime Museum and Indiana Dunes National Park. By car, the distance from Grand Rapids to Chicago is 179 miles, with a driving time of 2h46m.
Planning a Grand Rapids to Chicago road trip
The drive from Grand Rapids to Chicago takes you from an art-heavy Michigan city to the birthplace of the skyscraper.
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.
Amongst the Grand Rapids experiences on offer are a ghost tour, an African cooking experience and scavenger hunts.
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. Or the 360 Chicago observation deck at the Hancock Tower. Or the Chicago Architecture Center.
Grand Rapids to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Grand Rapids to Chicago is 179 miles. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 46 minutes.
The quickest route from Grand Rapids to Chicago mainly sticks to the I-96, I-94 and I-90.
The best stops on a Grand Rapids and Chicago road trip are the Saugatuck dune rides, the Michigan Maritime Museum and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Grand Rapids to Chicago road trip attractions: Saugatuck dune rides
The Saugatuck sand dunes are a beautiful landscape, and the Saugatuck dune rides are partly about the natural environment you see along the way.
Mostly, though, it’s great fun, conquering the dunes in a supersized four wheel drive vehicle. It’s advisable to book the Saugatuck Dune Rides in advance.
Grand Rapids to Chicago drive: Michigan Maritime Museum
Spread over several buildings by the Lake Michigan waterfront, the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven looks at the proud heritage of the Great Lakes. Steamships, commercial fishing, the US Coast Guard service and knot-tying are among the topics covered.
The Michigan Maritime Museum also offers tours and cruises on board a series of historic ships. Pick between an 1810 sloop, an electric-powered river launch and a lifeboat that has starred in a Disney movie.
Attractions between Grand Rapids 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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