How far is Chicago, IL from Lake of the Woods, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Lake of the Woods, IL is about 138.6 miles (223 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.6 miles (192.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chicago and Lake of the Woods.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Lake of the Woods.
-
1
Start on the route
943 ft · 1 min
-
2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
947 ft · 26 sec · West Cermak Road
-
3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 17 sec · South Halsted Street
-
4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
87 m · 6 sec · South Canalport Avenue
-
5
Turn slight right
34 m · 5 sec
-
6
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 East, I 94 East
139 m · 11 sec
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
929 ft · 23 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Dan Ryan Expressway
1.2 km · 48 sec · Dan Ryan Expressway
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
8.8 mi · 12 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
120.9 mi · 2 hr 15 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward I 74 West: Peoria
2125 ft · 1 min
-
12
Merge slight left
4.8 mi · 5 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Prairieview Road
1777 ft · 43 sec
-
14
Turn right onto South Prairieview Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Prairieview Road
-
15
Turn left onto County Road 50
1318 ft · 1 min · County Road 50
-
16
Turn left onto North Lake of the Woods Road
138 m · 14 sec · North Lake of the Woods Road
-
17
Turn left
92 m · 24 sec
-
18
Turn left
42 m · 10 sec
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Lake of the Woods.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 57 South
Keep slight right to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
121 mi · 02h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Partly Sunny leaving Chicago and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lake of the Woods.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Lake of the Woods?
The road trip is about 138.6 miles (223 km) and usually takes 02h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Chebanse is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.3 miles from Chicago and 69.2 miles from Lake of the Woods.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.6 miles (192.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 19 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.44 one way or $36.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Chicago and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lake of the Woods.
Stop Ideas Near Chebanse
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Chebanse.
Kankakee
Gilman
Dwight station
Joliet Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Lake of the Woods. Straight-line distance: 119.58 mi (192.44 km).
#1 Chicago
The third most populous city in the United States and the center of the Chicago metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,677,643 |
| Coordinates | 41.850033, -87.6500523 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake of the Woods
Census designated place in Illinois, United States
| Population | 2,912 |
| Coordinates | 40.2064200, -88.3686700 |
| Altitude | 228 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake of the Woods (-88.36867, 40.20642)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 223 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.44 | $36.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.80 | $41.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.76 | $45.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.94 | $51.87 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.