Toledo to Chicago road trip guide: Distance, drive time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Toledo to Chicago drive are Elkhart, South Bend and Indiana Dunes National Park. The distance from Toledo to Chicago by car is 244 miles, with a 3h55m driving time.
Planning a Toledo to Chicago road trip itinerary
The drive from Toledo to Chicago connects an Ohio city on the banks of Lake Erie to arguably the greatest city in the US.
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.
Good Toledo experiences include Toledo Zoo and the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
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.
Toledo to Chicago distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Toledo to Chicago is 244 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 55 minutes. The quickest route largely follows the I-90.
The best stops to add to a Toledo to Chicago road trip itinerary are Elkhart, South Bend and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Toledo to Chicago drive: Elkhart
Elkhart, Indiana, is something of a dreamworld for transport geeks. If it’s trains you’re into, then head for the National New York Central Railroad Museum.
But roadtrippers will likely gravitate towards the RV/ MH Hall of Fame and Museum. It plays host to recreational vehicles going back 100 years, and the museum breaks the key innovations in the evolution of the RV down into sections.
Toledo to Chicago road trip stops: South Bend, Indiana
South Bend is one of those towns that’s just fun to hang out in. It’s a university city, and the student life gives it the bulk of its energy. Notre Dame University tours take in the campus and key buildings such as the hugely impressive Basilica of Notre Dame.
For car-lovers, however, the key attraction in South Bend is the Studebaker National Museum. Studebaker Cars were made here until 1963. The museum tells their story and has plenty of classics on display.
Attractions between Toledo 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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