Indianapolis to Chicago drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best stops on the Indianapolis to Chicago drive are Prophetstown State Park, Wolf Park and Fair Oaks Farms. By car, the distance from Indianapolis to Chicago is 183 miles, with a 2h56m driving time.

Planning an Indianapolis to Chicago road trip

An Indianapolis to Chicago road trip takes you from the home of America’s most famous motor race 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.

Book mobile-friendly tickets here.

Worthwhile Indianapolis experiences include a Fountain Square food tour and a walking tour around the city’s highlights.

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.

Indianapolis to Chicago distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Indianapolis to Chicago is 183 miles. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 56 minutes.

The drive is mainly along the I-65 then the I-90.

The best stops to add to an Indianapolis to Chicago road trip itinerary are Prophetstown State Park, Wolf Park and Fair Oaks Farms.

Indianapolis to Chicago road trip stops: 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.

Indianapolis to Chicago drive: Wolf Park

Near Lafayette IN, Wolf Park is a conservation and education facility that aims to change public attitudes towards wolves and learn more about them.

General admission allows visitors to see the animal exhibits, but there’s no guarantee you’ll actually see wolves. For that, book on to a guided tour – they run both in the day time and at night.

Attractions between Indianapolis and Chicago: Fair Oaks Farms

On the shameless fun side of things, kids will love the outdoor playground, jumping pillow and ropes course at Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana.

But there’s more to it than that. The Crop Adventure uses interactive displays to show how the world’s farmers manage to feed a seven billion population. And the Dairy Adventure shows how milk gets to the shelves, focusing on the role of robotics in milking cows.

Skyscrapers around the Chicago River in Chicago. Photo by David Whitley/ Best3Stops.

More Indianapolis road trips

More Chicago road trips

Indianapolis to Chicago drive: Distance, time & best stops

Planning an Indianapolis to Chicago road trip

Our favourite thing to do in Chicago

Indianapolis to Chicago distance and driving time

Indianapolis to Chicago road trip stops: Prophetstown State Park

Indianapolis to Chicago drive: Wolf Park

Attractions between Indianapolis and Chicago: Fair Oaks Farms

More Indianapolis road trips

More Chicago road trips

Popular US road trips

Road trips from US cities

Archives

Categories

Contact Best3Stops