How far is Lake of the Woods, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance from Lake of the Woods, IL to Springfield, IL is about 83.7 miles (134.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 73.1 miles (117.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 46m 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 01h 23m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake of the Woods and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake of the Woods and Springfield.
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1
Start on the route
42 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn right
92 m · 28 sec
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3
Turn left onto North Lake of the Woods Road
1.8 mi · 4 min · North Lake of the Woods Road
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4
Turn right onto East Oak Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Oak Street
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5
Turn left onto South Division Street
1.5 km · 2 min · South Division Street
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6
Continue on County Road 300 E
3.9 mi · 6 min · County Road 300 E
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7
Take the ramp right toward I-72 West: Decatur
1678 ft · 41 sec
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8
Merge slight left
73 mi · 1 hr 18 min
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9
Continue on Clear Lake Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
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10
Continue on East Jefferson Street
2261 ft · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
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11
Turn left onto North 7th Street
124 m · 19 sec · North 7th Street
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12
Turn left onto East Washington Street
768 ft · 24 sec · East Washington Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake of the Woods and Springfield.
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-72 West
Merge slight left
73 mi · 01h 18m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Lake of the Woods and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake of the Woods to Springfield?
The road trip is about 83.7 miles (134.7 km) and usually takes 01h 23m 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?
Forsyth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.8 miles from Lake of the Woods and 41.9 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73.1 miles (117.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.6 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 3:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.12 one way or $22.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Lake of the Woods and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near Forsyth
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 Forsyth.
Lincoln
Springfield station
Uptown Station
Illinois Terminal
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake of the Woods and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 73.04 mi (117.55 km).
#1 Lake of the Woods
Census designated place in Illinois, United States
| Population | 2,912 |
| Coordinates | 40.2064200, -88.3686700 |
| Altitude | 228 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Springfield
The capital of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County.
| Population | 113,671 |
| Coordinates | 39.8017200, -89.6437100 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Washington Street (-89.643712, 39.801639)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 135 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.12 | $22.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.55 | $25.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.73 | $27.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.65 | $31.29 |
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.