Rockford IL to Chicago drive: Distance, time & best stops
The distance from Rockford IL to Chicago by car is 89 miles, with a 1h24m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Rockford to Chicago drive are Summerfield Zoo, Santa’s Village and Schaumburg.
Finding things to do between Rockford IL and Chicago
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.
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.
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.
Rockfield IL to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Rockford IL to Chicago is 89 miles. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 24 minutes. The quickest route is largely along the I-90.
The best stops to add to a Rockford IL to Chicago road trip are Summerfield Zoo, Santa’s Village and Schaumburg.
Rockfield IL to Chicago road trip attractions: Summerfield Zoo
Of several zoos within easy reach of Chicago, Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere IL is arguably the best. You can book animal encounters with certain creatures – most notably the sloth.
Summerfield Zoo tends to go all out around Christmas time, with live reindeer ratcheting up the festive spirit.
Rockford IL to Chicago drive: Santa’s Village
Near Elgin IL, Santa’s Village is a small scale theme park that also incorporates a zoo section. There are a couple of rollercoasters, but Santa’s Village is mainly aimed at smaller children.
Come during the warmer months and you can also enjoy the Santa Springs Water Park. But be warned – the water park only opens if the temperature is forecast to reach 72 degrees before noon.
Best stops between Rockford IL and Chicago: Schaumburg
Schaumburg is one of Chicago’s north-western suburbs, and a fair few mid-tier attractions gather here. Most prominent of these is the Volkening Heritage Farm, which transports visitors back to farm life in the 1880s. The Spring Valley Nature Center is next to it.
Also in Schaumburg are a sculpture park and Bison’s Bluff, a seriously impressive children’s playground made from natural materials.
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