You can make Minneapolis to Chicago in about 6 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 410 miles on I-94 and I-90, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Minneapolis
Aim to clear Minneapolis before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 223 miles to Wisconsin Dells.
The headline stop on this route is Wisconsin Dells waterparks. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells sits about 223 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Nearby, Madison's capitol square is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Madison, the last stretch
Madison sits about 271 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Rolling into Chicago
The final 139 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Mississippi bluffs near La Crosse; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Wisconsin Dells waterparks, Madison's capitol square and Mississippi bluffs near La Crosse, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Wisconsin Dells or Madison, WI is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-94 and I-90 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
