Road trip from Chicago to Fort Collins
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Museums
Outdoor Activities
Sights & Landmarks
Water & Amusement Parks
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Spas & Wellness
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ITINERARY
17h 46m1,006 miles31 stops
1
Museum Of Illusions Chicago
2
The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block, Chicago's premiere recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team building events. Classes at Lincoln Square cover subjects from cooking basics to intensive Boot Camps as well as seasonal, date nights, healthy and kids classes. We have a food-friendly wine selection so students can select beverages to pair with the menu of their class. Sorry, BYOB is not allowed.
3
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
4
Boystown
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
5
Wrigley Field
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
6
Anderson's Bookshop
7
Arista Spa & Salon
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
8
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
This year-round garden, which started as a commercial nursery, includes 155 acres of trees and 300 woody plant species mapped and labeled. The gardens include: a Rhododendron and Azalea dell, Hosta Garden, Nancy Olsen's Children's Garden, Fountain Garden, Demonstration Garden, Peony Garden, Grasses Garden,Woodland Wildflower Garden and Plant-a-Row garden. There are several signature events hosted each year also. Botanica luncheon,Garden Fair, Plant Sale, Woodsong Concert Series, Autumn in the Arboretum and Twilight in the Garden are all popular annual events.
9
1 Hundred West
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
10
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
11
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
12
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
13
Freight House Farmers Market
14
German American Heritage Center
15
Capitol Building
16
Brenton Skating Plaza
17
Fitness Sports
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
18
Hot Shops Art Center
19
Hollywood Candy
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
20
The Backline Comedy Theatre
The best place to see comedy in Omaha, located downtown near the Old Market. We host standup, improv, sketch, and musical acts each week, and when we're not doing shows, we are a training center for the local comedy scene.
21
Joslyn Art Museum
This property is temporary closed
22
Fun Plex
23
Mountain Vista Golf Course
24
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a trampoline park. If you're looking for the best year-round indoor attractions in the Fort Collins area, Urban Air is the perfect place. With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor play
25
St. Pete's Fly Shop
26
The Lyric
The Lyric is a locally owned eclectic community hub that generates, distributes, and exhibits creative arts. We exist to amplify local voices, to foster creativity, and to bring together communities from Fort Collins and beyond. Located at 1209 N College Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado, The Lyric boasts three indoor movie theaters and a towering outdoor movie screen. These theaters are used for movies, music, presentations, weddings, parties, and anything else we can dream up. Our lobby is equipped with a full bar, counter-service restaurant, gift shop, pinball machines, a stage, and is a great spot to grab a bite and a drink! Each of these areas is individually rentable - check out our rentals page for more details.
27
The Cupboard
28
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
29
ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms
ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms is Fort Collins' premier live escape experience. We pride ourselves on Immersive experiences featuring high tech and beautifully designed rooms. We use robotics and industrial automation to build exciting and challenging puzzles that are unlike any other escape room out there. Come find out how we're different!
30
1883 Water Works
The 1883 Water Works was Fort Collins' first public works project. It is located along the foothills west of Fort Collins, where the historic Overland Trail runs through the property. It now boasts 23+ acres, 4 buildings, 2 ditches, vintage apple trees, and more. The property is managed by the local non-profit Poudre Landmarks Foundation in partnership with the City of Fort Collins. It is open seasonally, May - October with open houses on select Saturday's.
31
Mountain' SUP
Stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing at beautiful Curt Gowdy State Park in southern Wyoming. It is only an hour and 15 minutes from Fort Collins and so nice it is will worth the drive. Lots of camping and mountain biking also.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:Museum Of Illusions Chicago
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(97) review
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602-1708
2
Start:The Chopping Block
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
The Chopping Block, Chicago's premiere recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team building events. Classes at Lincoln Square cover subjects from cooking basics to intensive Boot Camps as well as seasonal, date nights, healthy and kids classes. We have a food-friendly wine selection so students can select beverages to pair with the menu of their class. Sorry, BYOB is not allowed.
3
Start:Michigan Avenue Bridge
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(985) review
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
4
Start:Boystown
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
5
Start:Wrigley Field
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(9953) review
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
6
Start:Anderson's Bookshop
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
5.0
(9) review
123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540-5310
7
Start:Arista Spa & Salon
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
4.0
(9) review
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
8
Start:Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(83) review
This year-round garden, which started as a commercial nursery, includes 155 acres of trees and 300 woody plant species mapped and labeled. The gardens include: a Rhododendron and Azalea dell, Hosta Garden, Nancy Olsen's Children's Garden, Fountain Garden, Demonstration Garden, Peony Garden, Grasses Garden,Woodland Wildflower Garden and Plant-a-Row garden. There are several signature events hosted each year also. Botanica luncheon,Garden Fair, Plant Sale, Woodsong Concert Series, Autumn in the Arboretum and Twilight in the Garden are all popular annual events.
9
Start:1 Hundred West
Davenport, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
10
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
11
Start:Endless Brews
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
12
Start:Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(8) review
129 N Main St Red Stone Building, Corner of Main and Second Streets, Davenport, IA 52801
13
Start:Freight House Farmers Market
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(75) review
421 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801-1136
14
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
15
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
16
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
17
Start:Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
18
Start:Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
19
Start:Hollywood Candy
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
20
Start:The Backline Comedy Theatre
Omaha, Nebraska·
5.0
(9) review
The best place to see comedy in Omaha, located downtown near the Old Market. We host standup, improv, sketch, and musical acts each week, and when we're not doing shows, we are a training center for the local comedy scene.
21
Start:Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(901) review
This property is temporary closed
22
Start:Fun Plex
Omaha, Nebraska·
3.5
(92) review
7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117-1649
23
Start:Mountain Vista Golf Course
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.0
(7) review
2808 NE Frontage Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524-9356
24
Start:Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.0
(9) review
Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a trampoline park. If you're looking for the best year-round indoor attractions in the Fort Collins area, Urban Air is the perfect place. With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor play
25
Start:St. Pete's Fly Shop
Fort Collins, Colorado·
5.0
(9) review
2008 E Harmony Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80528-3447
26
Start:The Lyric
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.5
(6) review
The Lyric is a locally owned eclectic community hub that generates, distributes, and exhibits creative arts. We exist to amplify local voices, to foster creativity, and to bring together communities from Fort Collins and beyond. Located at 1209 N College Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado, The Lyric boasts three indoor movie theaters and a towering outdoor movie screen. These theaters are used for movies, music, presentations, weddings, parties, and anything else we can dream up. Our lobby is equipped with a full bar, counter-service restaurant, gift shop, pinball machines, a stage, and is a great spot to grab a bite and a drink! Each of these areas is individually rentable - check out our rentals page for more details.
27
Start:The Cupboard
Fort Collins, Colorado·
5.0
(87) review
152 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2809
28
Start:The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.5
(93) review
600 N Sherwood St, Fort Collins, CO 80521-2061
29
Start:ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms
Fort Collins, Colorado·
5.0
(83) review
ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms is Fort Collins' premier live escape experience. We pride ourselves on Immersive experiences featuring high tech and beautifully designed rooms. We use robotics and industrial automation to build exciting and challenging puzzles that are unlike any other escape room out there. Come find out how we're different!
30
Start:1883 Water Works
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.5
(6) review
The 1883 Water Works was Fort Collins' first public works project. It is located along the foothills west of Fort Collins, where the historic Overland Trail runs through the property. It now boasts 23+ acres, 4 buildings, 2 ditches, vintage apple trees, and more. The property is managed by the local non-profit Poudre Landmarks Foundation in partnership with the City of Fort Collins. It is open seasonally, May - October with open houses on select Saturday's.
31
Start:Mountain' SUP
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.5
(8) review
Stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing at beautiful Curt Gowdy State Park in southern Wyoming. It is only an hour and 15 minutes from Fort Collins and so nice it is will worth the drive. Lots of camping and mountain biking also.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Chicago and Fort Collins?
The distance is 1,006 miles
What's the travel time between Chicago and Fort Collins?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 17h 46m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Chicago and Fort Collins?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Fort Collins?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Fort Collins
What’s the weather like in Fort Collins?
The weather in Fort Collins is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Fort Collins in January
Weather in Fort Collins in February
Weather in Fort Collins in March
Weather in Fort Collins in April
Weather in Fort Collins in May
Weather in Fort Collins in June
Weather in Fort Collins in July
Weather in Fort Collins in August
Weather in Fort Collins in September
Weather in Fort Collins in October
Weather in Fort Collins in November
Weather in Fort Collins in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Fort Collins?
Plan your dream Fort Collins trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Fort Collins
A 2-day itinerary in Fort Collins
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Chicago?
We have a lot of great trip options for Chicago! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you