Road Trip Itinerary From Madison Wisconsin To Chicago Illinois

While driving straight from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois will likely take just under three hours depending on traffic, there are a lot of interesting places around the Madison area or along the way that are worth a stop. If you’ve got some extra time, be sure to check out these five spots on your way to the Windy City.

Overview

Total distance (approximate): 285 miles (459 km)

Total driving time (approximate): 5 hours 56 minutes

Recommended number of traveling days: 3

Stop 1: Madison – Devil’s Lake State Park

Distance: 40 miles (64 km)

Travel time: 55 minutes

Devil’s Lake State Park is a natural oasis just under an hour’s drive away from the state’s bustling capital. Wisconsin’s biggest state park, visitors can enjoy sitting along the glacier carved lakeshore, admiring the stunning quartzite bluffs, or the more adventurous can rock climb or go for a hike around the park’s 9,000 acres. It’s best to head there early in the morning because the park may close early depending on the season.

Stop 2: Devil’s Lake State Park – House on the Rock

Distance: 42 miles (67 km)

Travel time: 53 minutes

The House on the Rock in Spring Green is one of Wisconsin’s most unique tourist attractions. The goal of its creator Alex Jordan was to create a house as awe-inspiring as the view from where it sits. The location now also includes additional buildings and exhibits, including the world’s largest carousel. After a long day of traveling, turn in for the night at the House on the Rock Inn or Resort.

Stop 3: House on the Rock – New Glarus

Distance: 41 miles (66 km)

Travel time: 52 minutes

New Glarus, Wisconsin is a small village with a lot going on. Founded by a community of Swiss immigrants in 1845, New Glarus has held on to its heritage and is now the best known Swiss settlement in the USA. Charm from the old country can be found in the traditional meat markets, bakery, and restaurants in the downtown area. The city’s craft brewery is one of the best in the state so be sure to enjoy a pint of Spotted Cow before you go.

Stop 4: New Glarus – Lake Geneva

Distance: 73 miles (117 km)

Travel time: 1 hour 33 minutes

Lake Geneva is a small resort town in southern Wisconsin where you can relax in one of the local spas, take part in a zip-line adventure, or enjoy a romantic stroll along the lakeshore. Enjoy a tasting from the local winery and take in your beautiful surroundings.

Stop 5: Lake Geneva – Mars Cheese Castle

Distance: 28 miles (45 km)

Travel time: 36 minutes

Located along Interstate 94 on the way to Chicago, the Mars Cheese Castle is a Wisconsin landmark. While this famous store specializes in cheese, you’ll also be able to pick up sausages and Wisconsin souvenirs here. Don’t be surprised if you bump into any famous faces here – the likes of John F. Kennedy, Johnny Cash, and Joe Biden have all made pitstops at the cheese castle.

Stop 6: Mars Cheese Castle – Chicago

Distance: 62 miles (99km)

Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes

While the drive from the Mars Cheese Castle to Chicago might not be the most interesting stretch of highway, there are plenty of places to stop if you want to move around or grab a bite to eat. The Illinois Tollway Oases offers a large selection of restaurants and free public restrooms. Those hoping to get a little shopping in before their trip is through should visit the Gurnee Mills shopping center, and while in Gurnee, Illinois, thrill-seekers may want to catch a ride on one of the many roller coasters at Six Flags Great America.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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