How far is Rockford, IL from Lake Catherine, IL?
The driving distance from Rockford, IL to Lake Catherine, IL is about 58 miles (93.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 51m 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 25m.
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.
Township in McHenry County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rockford and Lake Catherine.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockford and Lake Catherine.
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1
Start on West State Street
2549 ft · 1 min · West State Street
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2
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
1759 ft · 41 sec · North 3rd Street
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3
Continue on North 2nd Street
7.3 mi · 11 min · North 2nd Street
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4
Turn right onto West Lane Road
4.9 mi · 8 min · West Lane Road
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5
Continue on State Route 173
5.6 mi · 8 min · State Route 173
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6
Continue on West Grove Street
12.4 mi · 18 min · West Grove Street
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7
Turn left onto South Division Street
2662 ft · 49 sec · South Division Street
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8
Turn right onto East Diggins Street
18.8 mi · 27 min · East Diggins Street
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9
Continue on Kenosha Road
3.7 mi · 5 min · Kenosha Road
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10
Continue on West IL Route 173
4 mi · 6 min · West IL Route 173
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West IL Route 173
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rockford and Lake Catherine.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Diggins Street
Turn right onto East Diggins Street
18.8 mi · 00h 27m
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 leaving Rockford and Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Lake Catherine.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rockford to Lake Catherine?
The road trip is about 58 miles (93.4 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Chemung is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29 miles from Rockford and 29.1 miles from Lake Catherine.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 3:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.73 one way or $15.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Rockford and Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Lake Catherine.
Stop Ideas Near Chemung
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 Chemung.
South Beloit, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Janesville, Wisconsin
Sturtevant station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rockford and Lake Catherine. Straight-line distance: 51.1 mi (82.23 km).
#1 Rockford
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 144,835 |
| Coordinates | 42.2711300, -89.0940000 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Catherine
Census-designated place in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,379 |
| Coordinates | 42.4791900, -88.1334200 |
| Altitude | 228 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Catherine (-88.13342, 42.47919)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 93 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.73 | $15.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.72 | $17.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.54 | $19.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.87 | $21.75 |
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.