Fourth of July road trip

Chicago to St. Louis for Fourth of July

Distance

300 mi

Driving

4.5 hrs + traffic

Halfway

Bloomington

The next Fourth of July lands on Sunday, July 4, 2027. On I-55 (old Route 66), the heaviest traffic usually hits the two days before the Fourth and the day after. Fireworks nights fill small-town rooms first, so lock your overnight early.

Book the halfway night early

Bloomington sits about 136 miles from Chicago and 164 miles from St. Louis. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.

• Stays in Bloomington
• Stays in St. Louis

Along the way

• Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac
• Lincoln Home in Springfield
• Gateway Arch

Full drive guide for this route