Road Trip
Chicago, IL to Denver, CO Road Trip — Best Stops Along the Way
The best attractions, restaurants, and scenic stops between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO. 1,002 mi, approximately 14 hours 34 mins of driving. Real drive times, real ratings, real photos.
1,002 mi · 14 hours 34 mins drive · 12 stops found
12 stops along the way
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ironwood Park
Altoona, IA 50009
Sargent Park
Des Moines, IA 50317
Des Moines LookOut
Des Moines, IA 50314
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
Birdland Park
Des Moines, IA 50313
Union Park
Des Moines, IA 50313
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Des Moines, IA 50309
Riverview Park
710 Corning Ave, Des Moines
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines, IA 50309
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Des Moines, IA 50309
Science Center of Iowa
Des Moines, IA 50309
Where to stay:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO?
The drive from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO is 1,002 mi, taking approximately 14 hours 34 mins without stops. With stops for food, gas, and sightseeing, plan for a full day.
What are the best stops between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO?
The best stops include scenic overlooks, state parks, historic towns, and local restaurants along the route. Check the stop cards above for top-rated options with real drive times and ratings from Google.
Is the Chicago to Denver drive scenic?
Yes. The route between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO passes through several interesting areas. The stops listed above highlight the best scenic, cultural, and food destinations along the way.
Should I make the Chicago to Denver trip a road trip or just drive straight through?
We recommend making it a road trip. The stops between Chicago, IL and Denver, CO are worth the detour. Most add less than 30 minutes to your total drive and offer experiences you won't find at highway rest stops.
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