How far is Des Plaines, IL from Tower Lake, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Tower Lake, IL is about 21.4 miles (34.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 19.4 miles (31.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 35m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Tower Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Tower Lake.
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1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 31 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Turn left onto Rand Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · Rand Road
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4
Continue on East Rand Road
13.1 mi · 20 min · East Rand Road
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5
Turn left onto West Main Street
2018 ft · 53 sec · West Main Street
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6
Continue on State Route 22
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Route 22
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7
Turn right
3.3 mi · 5 min
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8
Turn left onto Essex Drive
23 m · 9 sec · Essex Drive
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9
Turn left onto North Gateway Drive
93 m · 13 sec · North Gateway Drive
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10
Turn slight right onto East Tower Drive
1308 ft · 58 sec · East Tower Drive
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Tower Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Tower Lake.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
East Rand Road
Continue on East Rand Road
13.1 mi · 00h 20m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Tower Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Tower Lake?
The road trip is about 21.4 miles (34.5 km) and usually takes 00h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Palatine is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.7 miles from Des Plaines and 10.7 miles from Tower Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 19.4 miles (31.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.87 one way or $5.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Tower Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Palatine
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 Palatine.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Tower Lake. Straight-line distance: 19.44 mi (31.28 km).
#1 Des Plaines
The most populous city in Cook County, Illinois.
| Population | 58,179 |
| Coordinates | 42.0333600, -87.8834000 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tower Lake
Lake in Marquette County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 1,283 |
| Coordinates | 42.2319700, -88.1520200 |
| Altitude | 238 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tower Lake (-88.15202, 42.23197)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 34 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.87 | $5.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.23 | $6.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.54 | $7.07 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.03 | $8.06 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.