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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Chicago to Grand Rapids

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ITINERARY

3h 26m177 miles18 stops
1
Corby's Irish Pub
441 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617-2723
2
Museum Of Illusions Chicago
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602-1708
3
The Chopping Block
4747 N Lincoln Ave Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL 60625-2026
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.
4
Michigan Avenue Bridge
333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
5
Boystown
Chicago, IL
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
6
Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613-4566
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.
7
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
114 Coleman Morse Ctr University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46556-4617
8
O'Rourke's Public House
1044 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617-1374
9
Gene the Pumpkin Man
22637 W M 43, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-9208
10
O'Duffy's Pub
804 W Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1157
11
Confections with Convictions
116 W Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001-2732
Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
12
New Vic Theatre
134 E Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001-2602
Kalamazoo's New Vic Theatre was founded in 1966 by Kalamazoo residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler. For over 45 years, The New Vic Theatre has entertained Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana audiences carving a unique place for itself in the economy and theatrical tradition of the area.The New Vic's original production of "A Christmas Carol" (recipient of a "Special Tribute" from The State of Michigan in 1999) and the annual Christmas Concerts featuring The New Vic Theatre Chorus are among Kalamazoo's oldest on-going holiday presentations and have become an integral part of the holiday season for thousands of Southwest Michigan theatergoers.Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre's comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere.The New Vic's flexible modular auditorium allows for innovative staging ranging from the complete round to conventional proscenium format. Efficient central heating and air conditioning allows for comfortable year-round operation.Of The New Vic's more than 325 productions to date, over 80% have been plays introduced to Kalamazoo audiences for the first time. Several plays ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Green Julia" by Paul Abelman, "Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been" and "The Memoirs Of Pontius Pilate" both by Eric Bentley) were presented to New Vic audiences prior to their Broadway premieres.The New Vic Theatre's season of productions begins in early February and runs through December 29 each year. January dates are normally reserved for the New Vic's popular January Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical groups or individual performers.Playing primarily weekends only -- except during the holidays when the performance schedule is greatly expanded -- and with only 100 available seats for each performance, The New Vic plays to over 10,000 theatre patrons annually bringing thousands of dollars to the downtown Kalamazoo area.The New Vic is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation (New Vic Theatricals, Inc) and owns its own facility at 134 E. Vine St. in Kalamazoo.
13
Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-2499
Blandford Nature Center is a non-profit that features 143 acres of land and wildlife. There is a Wildlife Center and Interpretive Center that is open M-F 9 to 5 and Sat. Noon to 5, as well as 4 miles of trails that are open from dawn until dusk.
14
Putt Putt's Bar
1148 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6117
15
20 Monroe Live
11 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4620
16
The Great Escape Room
233 Fulton St E Suite 211, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3200
The Great Escape Room is a real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape games are the newest craze sweeping the nation - a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience! After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to escape the room. Perfect for: DATE NIGHT FAMILY FUN CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING SPORTS & YOUTH GROUPS *OPEN BY APPOINTMENT for private party groups of 10 or more during our closed hours
17
LaFontsee Galleries
833 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1421
LaFontsee Galleries is a local art gallery in Grand Rapids, MI. We represent over 60 local and national artists specializing in a huge variety of fine art, including: painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, drawing, and glass and ceramics. We are handicap accessible, and free and open to the public. We also offer: fully customizable giclee art printing, installation and delivery services, custom framing & matting, art consulting, as well as posters and prints.
18
Riverside Park
2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Customize this Trip

OVERVIEW

Get ready for an exciting adventure from the bustling streets of Chicago to the charming city of Grand Rapids! Our journey will take us through a diverse landscape of rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and vibrant cities. Along the way, we'll discover hidden gems, explore cultural treasures, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As we leave the towering skyscrapers of Chicago behind, we'll embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside. The rolling green hills and lush forests will provide a serene backdrop for our journey. We'll make stops at charming towns, where we can stretch our legs and soak in the local atmosphere. As we approach Grand Rapids, the landscape will transform into a vibrant urban hub.

Grand Rapids welcomes us with open arms, offering a blend of modern attractions and historic charm. We'll explore the city's thriving arts and culture scene, visit fascinating museums, and stroll through beautiful parks. As we wander through the streets, we'll uncover the rich history and heritage that make Grand Rapids a truly unique destination.

1
Start:Corby's Irish Pub
South Bend, Indiana·
3.5
(9) review
441 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617-2723
2
Museum Of Illusions Chicago
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(97) review
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602-1708
3
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.
4747 N Lincoln Ave Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL 60625-2026
4
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.
333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
5
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
Chicago, IL
6
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.
1060 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613-4566
7
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
South Bend, Indiana·
5.0
(700) review
114 Coleman Morse Ctr University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46556-4617
8
O'Rourke's Public House
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(9) review
1044 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617-1374
9
Gene the Pumpkin Man
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
4.5
(81) review
22637 W M 43, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-9208
10
O'Duffy's Pub
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
804 W Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1157
11
Confections with Convictions
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
5.0
(92) review
Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
116 W Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001-2732
12
New Vic Theatre
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
Kalamazoo's New Vic Theatre was founded in 1966 by Kalamazoo residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler. For over 45 years, The New Vic Theatre has entertained Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana audiences carving a unique place for itself in the economy and theatrical tradition of the area.The New Vic's original production of "A Christmas Carol" (recipient of a "Special Tribute" from The State of Michigan in 1999) and the annual Christmas Concerts featuring The New Vic Theatre Chorus are among Kalamazoo's oldest on-going holiday presentations and have become an integral part of the holiday season for thousands of Southwest Michigan theatergoers.Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre's comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere.The New Vic's flexible modular auditorium allows for innovative staging ranging from the complete round to conventional proscenium format. Efficient central heating and air conditioning allows for comfortable year-round operation.Of The New Vic's more than 325 productions to date, over 80% have been plays introduced to Kalamazoo audiences for the first time. Several plays ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Green Julia" by Paul Abelman, "Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been" and "The Memoirs Of Pontius Pilate" both by Eric Bentley) were presented to New Vic audiences prior to their Broadway premieres.The New Vic Theatre's season of productions begins in early February and runs through December 29 each year. January dates are normally reserved for the New Vic's popular January Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical groups or individual performers.Playing primarily weekends only -- except during the holidays when the performance schedule is greatly expanded -- and with only 100 available seats for each performance, The New Vic plays to over 10,000 theatre patrons annually bringing thousands of dollars to the downtown Kalamazoo area.The New Vic is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation (New Vic Theatricals, Inc) and owns its own facility at 134 E. Vine St. in Kalamazoo.
134 E Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001-2602
13
Blandford Nature Center
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(76) review
Blandford Nature Center is a non-profit that features 143 acres of land and wildlife. There is a Wildlife Center and Interpretive Center that is open M-F 9 to 5 and Sat. Noon to 5, as well as 4 miles of trails that are open from dawn until dusk.
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-2499
14
Putt Putt's Bar
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(8) review
1148 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6117
15
20 Monroe Live
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(82) review
11 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4620
16
The Great Escape Room
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
5.0
(845) review
The Great Escape Room is a real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape games are the newest craze sweeping the nation - a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience! After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to escape the room. Perfect for: DATE NIGHT FAMILY FUN CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING SPORTS & YOUTH GROUPS *OPEN BY APPOINTMENT for private party groups of 10 or more during our closed hours
233 Fulton St E Suite 211, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3200
17
LaFontsee Galleries
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
5.0
(8) review
LaFontsee Galleries is a local art gallery in Grand Rapids, MI. We represent over 60 local and national artists specializing in a huge variety of fine art, including: painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, drawing, and glass and ceramics. We are handicap accessible, and free and open to the public. We also offer: fully customizable giclee art printing, installation and delivery services, custom framing & matting, art consulting, as well as posters and prints.
833 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1421
18
Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Chicago and Grand Rapids?
The distance is 177 miles
What's the travel time between Chicago and Grand Rapids?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 3h 26m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Chicago and Grand Rapids?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Grand Rapids?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Grand Rapids
What’s the weather like in Grand Rapids?
The weather in Grand Rapids is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Grand Rapids in January
Weather in Grand Rapids in February
Weather in Grand Rapids in March
Weather in Grand Rapids in April
Weather in Grand Rapids in May
Weather in Grand Rapids in June
Weather in Grand Rapids in July
Weather in Grand Rapids in August
Weather in Grand Rapids in September
Weather in Grand Rapids in October
Weather in Grand Rapids in November
Weather in Grand Rapids in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Grand Rapids?
Plan your dream Grand Rapids trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Grand Rapids
A 2-day itinerary in Grand Rapids
A 3-day itinerary in Grand Rapids
A 4-day itinerary in Grand Rapids
A 5-day itinerary in Grand Rapids
A 6-day itinerary in Grand Rapids
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