Driving Time between Bolingbrook, Illinois and North Platte, Nebraska

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Exploring the Midwest: Traveling Between Bolingbrook, IL and North Platte, NE

Looking for a Midwest adventure? Start your journey in Bolingbrook, IL and head west to North Platte, NE. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer road trip, there are several route options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore the different routes and travel times, as well as places to stop and explore along the way.

Taking the Interstate: I-80 West

The quickest route between Bolingbrook, IL and North Platte, NE is taking the interstate. Hop on I-80 West and you'll cover the distance of 743 miles in 11 and a half hours, assuming good traffic conditions. This route takes you through the cornfields of Iowa and parts of Nebraska, but there aren't many notable stops along this way. However, if you're looking to make the journey in one day, this is the route for you.

A Scenic Route: US-30 West

If you're looking for a scenic route, consider taking US-30 West. While this route is longer at 908 miles, it takes you through charming small towns, rolling hills, and wide-open plains. You'll pass through historic Lincoln, NE and cross the Oregon Trail. With stops along the way at the Homestead National Monument, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, and the Market Street Gallery, this route provides plenty of opportunities to explore. The total travel time for this route is approximately 14 hours, but you'll have plenty of photo-worthy moments and can take your time enjoying the scenery.

A Northern Route: I-90 West

For those who want to add some Great Lakes scenery to their road trip, consider taking I-90 West. This route takes approximately 14 hours and covers 925 miles. You'll go through Madison, WI, Sioux Falls, SD, and into the Badlands of South Dakota. Along the way, you can explore the House on the Rock, the Sculpture Walk in Sioux Falls, or even take a detour to visit Mt. Rushmore. For those looking for outdoor adventure, the Badlands National Park and Custer State Park offer hiking and wildlife viewing.

Taking the Southern Route: I-70 West

Another option for travelers is I-70 West, which takes you through Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado before reaching North Platte, NE. This route covers 1,047 miles and can take up to 16 hours of driving time. Along the way, you can visit Kansas City, stop at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, and even make a detour to Rocky Mountain National Park. For those looking for a taste of the Old West, consider visiting Dodge City, KS, where you can see a re-creation of a Wild West gunfight.

No matter which route you take, there are plenty of stops along the way to break up the long drive. Consider visiting some of these recommended sights and activities:

  • The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL
  • The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway in Madison County, IA
  • The Strang Carpet House in Seward, NE
  • The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in Hot Springs, SD
  • The Oz Museum in Wamego, KS

No matter what route you take, the journey between Bolingbrook, IL, and North Platte, NE offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you only have a few days or a few weeks, there's something for everyone along the way. So, pack up the car and hit the open road for an unforgettable Midwest road trip.