Near a City

National Parks Near Chicago, IL

4 national parks within driving distance of Chicago, IL -- from quick day trips to extended road-trip destinations.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Indiana Dunes

IN

Very Crowded

42 mi -- about 48 min drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

Arch and clouds

Gateway Arch

MO

Busy

341 mi -- about 6.2 hr drive
Two people stand at the edge of a gray rock cliff; in the distance, sunset and trees in fall colors.

Cuyahoga Valley

OH

Moderate Crowds

411 mi -- about 7.5 hr drive
A long staircase travels down a slope into the dark cave opening.

Mammoth Cave

KY

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

433 mi -- about 7.9 hr drive