How long is the drive from Minneapolis to Chicago?

About 6 hr 36 min and 409 mi of road driving, before any detours.

What are the best stops between Minneapolis and Chicago?

Top ranked stops include Trappers Turn, Wild Rock Golf Club, Lula Cafe. Each stop shows an honest +N min detour estimate from the main drive.

Can I plan this drive in Roamward?

Yes — open the pre-filled From→To planner for Minneapolis to Chicago, pick a detour budget, and save the trip.

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Drive corridor

Minneapolis to Chicago drive: 24 ranked stops, break in Black River Falls

Minneapolis, MN → Chicago, IL. See the drive, choose stops that fit your time, and save a trip you can edit later.

Plan this drive Sleep halfway in Black River Falls

From and To are already filled in. Free on the web; no download or account needed to preview.

409 miRoad miles

6 hr 36 minDrive time

3States crossed

24Detour stops

Worth the detour

Stops along the drive

6 stops · 18 hidden

All24 Dining6 Golf5 Nature Stops4 Hikes3 Roadside Americana1 Mountain biking1 Waterfalls1 Other3

Recovery route

Waterfall recovery run with easy walks

Waterfall recovery run with easy walks — this corridor’s shelf includes Minnehaha Falls, Willow Falls, Gibraltar Rock, and Pewits Nest. Pace the drive with soaks and gentle walks, then browse more recovery-friendly stops on the wellness hub.

More recovery-friendly stops →

Corridor graph

Keep going from Chicago

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State hubs & places

Minnesota atlas Illinois atlas Wisconsin atlas Trappers Turn Wild Rock Golf Club Lula Cafe Rock Cut State Park

Plan your night

No reliable beds on a long stretch

As of October 2026, no reliable overnight lodging operates between Wisconsin Dells and Chicago — plan to push through or anchor your night at either end.

Stay & experience

Where to break the drive

Long drive — book a night near Black River Falls, then compare stays in Chicago.

Sleep halfway in Black River Falls →

At the destination: Chicago →

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Things to do near Chicago

Browse guided tours and bookable activities that fit this stop.

See tours and experiences →

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FAQ

Before you go

How long is the drive from Minneapolis to Chicago?
About 6 hr 36 min and 409 mi of road driving, before any detours.
What are the best stops between Minneapolis and Chicago?
Top ranked stops include Trappers Turn, Wild Rock Golf Club, Lula Cafe. Each stop shows an honest +N min detour estimate from the main drive.
Can I plan this drive in Roamward?
Yes — open the pre-filled From→To planner for Minneapolis to Chicago, pick a detour budget, and save the trip.

Paper backup

Glovebox note

Dead zones happen. Plan this corridor, then use Print glovebox sheet on the trip page for a paper itinerary with coordinates — no signal required. Start here: plan and save this drive.