How far is Waukegan, IL from Poplar Grove, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Poplar Grove, IL is about 59.7 miles (96.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.9 miles (80.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 54m 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 27m.
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.
Place in Illinois United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukegan and Poplar Grove.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Poplar Grove.
-
1
Start on North Jackson Street
1375 ft · 45 sec · North Jackson Street
-
2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2.8 mi · 6 min · Grand Avenue
-
3
Take the ramp right toward US 41 North: Milwaukee
152 m · 14 sec
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on US 41 North
806 ft · 22 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto Skokie Highway
7.4 mi · 9 min · Skokie Highway
-
6
Turn left onto Rosecrans Road
13.9 mi · 21 min · Rosecrans Road
-
7
Continue on Kenosha Road
3.7 mi · 5 min · Kenosha Road
-
8
Continue on Kenosha Street
18.8 mi · 27 min · Kenosha Street
-
9
Turn left onto North Division Street
2662 ft · 49 sec · North Division Street
-
10
Turn right onto West Brink Street
11.9 mi · 17 min · West Brink Street
-
11
Turn left onto North State Street
1147 ft · 39 sec · North State Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Poplar Grove.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Kenosha Street
Continue on Kenosha 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 Waukegan and Partly Sunny near Poplar Grove.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Poplar Grove?
The road trip is about 59.7 miles (96.1 km) and usually takes 01h 27m 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?
Richmond is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.8 miles from Waukegan and 29.9 miles from Poplar Grove.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.9 miles (80.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.8 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 3:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.96 one way or $15.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waukegan and Partly Sunny near Poplar Grove.
Stop Ideas Near Richmond
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 Richmond.
Sturtevant station
South Beloit, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Poplar Grove. Straight-line distance: 49.89 mi (80.29 km).
#1 Waukegan
The second most populous city in Lake County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,453 |
| Coordinates | 42.3636300, -87.8447900 |
| Altitude | 199 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Poplar Grove
Human settlement
| Population | 5,075 |
| Coordinates | 42.3683500, -88.8220500 |
| Altitude | 274 |
| Country | United States |
End: Poplar Grove (-88.82205, 42.36835)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.96 | $15.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.97 | $17.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.82 | $19.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.19 | $22.38 |
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 · May 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.