Lansing MI to Chicago road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Lansing MI to Chicago drive are Kalamazoo MI, Michigan City IN and Indiana Dunes National Park. The distance from Lansing MI to Chicago by car is 218 miles, with a 3h28m driving time.
Planning a Lansing MI to Chicago road trip itinerary
The Lansing MI to Chicago drive takes you from the capital of Michigan to the largest city 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.
Lansing isn’t a huge city, but it does have a handful of worthwhile attractions. The obvious one is the Michigan State Capitol Building, but if you want to learn more about the state, head to the Michigan History Center.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum celebrates Michigan’s car-making heritage and the Impression 5 Science Center has plenty of buttons to push for children.
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.
Lansing MI to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Lansing MI to Chicago is 218 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 28 minutes. The quickest route is largely along the I-94 and I-90.
The best stops to add to a Lansing MI to Chicago road trip itinerary are Kalamazoo MI, Michigan City IN and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Lansing MI to Chicago road trip stops: Kalamazoo MI
Kalamazoo in southern Michigan was the original home of Gibson Guitars, and it has a few attractions to keep passing visitors happy. Petrolheads can enjoy the Gilmore Car Museum and the more aviation-inclined will love the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum.
Meanwhile, Bell’s Eccentric Café puts an interesting twist on the usual microbrewery chic. For walking, tackle the Kalamazoo Valley Trail.
Lansing MI to Chicago drive: Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City in Indiana lies on the shore of Lake Michigan. If you want some beach time, Washington Park Beach will do the trick.
You can also see the fauna at the Washington Park Zoo, or the flora at the Friendship Botanic Gardens.
But the most distinctive attraction in Michigan City is the Old Lighthouse Museum, which covers Lake Michigan’s shipwrecks and maritime heritage.
Attractions between Lansing MI 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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