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Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL Road Trip — Best Stops Along the Way

The best attractions, restaurants, and scenic stops between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL. 283 mi, approximately 4 hours 17 mins of driving. Real drive times, real ratings, real photos.

Detroit, MI→Chicago, IL

283 mi · 4 hours 17 mins drive · 12 stops found

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12 stops along the way

Indiana Dunes National Park Chellberg Farm, Porter, IN 46304
1

Indiana Dunes National Park Chellberg Farm

Porter, IN 46304

3 hrs 31 min from Detroit4.7 (181)Attraction
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Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion, Portage, IN 46368
2

Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion

Portage, IN 46368

3 hrs 37 min from Detroit4.6 (1,121)Attraction
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Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk, Portage, IN 46368
3

Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk

Portage, IN 46368

3 hrs 37 min from Detroit4.6 (768)NatureAttraction
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Sparkle House, Gary, IN 46403
4

Sparkle House

Gary, IN 46403

3 hrs 41 min from Detroit4.9 (26)Attraction
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Diana Dunes Dare, Gary, IN 46403
5

Diana Dunes Dare

Gary, IN 46403

3 hrs 43 min from Detroit4.8 (54)Attraction
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Deep River County Park, Hobart, IN 46342
6

Deep River County Park

Hobart, IN 46342

3 hrs 52 min from Detroit4.7 (903)NatureAttraction
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Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, Valparaiso, IN 46385
7

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Valparaiso, IN 46385

3 hrs 53 min from Detroit4.7 (461)Attraction
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Northerly Island Park, Chicago, IL 60605
8

Northerly Island Park

Chicago, IL 60605

4 hrs 13 min from Detroit4.7 (2,076)NatureAttraction
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Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Chicago, IL 60605
9

Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain

Chicago, IL 60605

4 hrs 14 min from Detroit4.7 (16,690)Attraction
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Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL 60605
10

Adler Planetarium

Chicago, IL 60605

4 hrs 14 min from Detroit4.2 (2,758)Attraction
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Skydeck Chicago, Chicago, IL 60606
11

Skydeck Chicago

Chicago, IL 60606

4 hrs 14 min from Detroit4.6 (36,186)Attraction
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Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk, Chicago, IL 60605
12

Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk

Chicago, IL 60605

4 hrs 14 min from Detroit4.8 (1,166)Attraction
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL?

The drive from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL is 283 mi, taking approximately 4 hours 17 mins without stops. With stops for food, gas, and sightseeing, plan for a full day.

What are the best stops between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL?

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 Detroit to Chicago drive scenic?

Yes. The route between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL passes through several interesting areas. The stops listed above highlight the best scenic, cultural, and food destinations along the way.

Should I make the Detroit to Chicago trip a road trip or just drive straight through?

We recommend making it a road trip. The stops between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL 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.

Related Pages

Chicago to DetroitDay trips from DetroitDay trips from Chicago

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