National Parks Near Chicago, Illinois

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our complete guide to 65 national parks near Chicago. The closest park is just 12.7 miles away—perfect for a quick day trip.

65
Parks Within Range
2
Within 100 Miles
12.7
Miles to Closest

Closest Parks (Within 100 Miles)

Perfect for day trips from Chicago

⭐ Closest
Pullman National Historical Park
12.7 mi (~15 min)

Pullman National Historical Park

Chicago, Illinois
National Historical Park
Indiana Dunes National Park
32.1 mi (~39 min)

Indiana Dunes National Park

Porter, Indiana
National Park

Weekend Getaways (100-200 Miles)

Great for weekend trips from Chicago

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
175.6 mi (~3 hr 31 min)

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Cross Plains, Wisconsin
National Scenic Trail
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
177.8 mi (~3 hr 33 min)

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Springfield, Illinois
National Monument
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
178.2 mi (~3 hr 34 min)

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield, Illinois
National Historic Site
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
192.4 mi (~3 hr 51 min)

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

West Branch, Iowa
National Historic Site
Effigy Mounds National Monument
199.9 mi (~3 hr 60 min)

Effigy Mounds National Monument

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
National Monument

Extended Adventures (200-300 Miles)

Perfect for long weekend adventures from Chicago

River Raisin National Battlefield Park
218.8 mi (~4 hr 23 min)

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

Michigan
National Battlefield Park
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
221.1 mi (~4 hr 25 min)

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

Indiana
National Historical Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
225.6 mi (~4 hr 31 min)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Michigan
National Lakeshore
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
230.3 mi (~4 hr 36 min)

New Philadelphia National Historic Site

Illinois
National Historic Site
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
234.1 mi (~4 hr 41 min)

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Ohio
National Historical Park
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
246.3 mi (~4 hr 56 min)

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

Ohio
National Monument
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
248.8 mi (~4 hr 59 min)

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

Ohio
Memorial
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
251.4 mi (~5 hr 2 min)

William Howard Taft National Historic Site

Ohio
National Historic Site
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
262 mi (~5 hr 14 min)

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Indiana
National Memorial
Gateway Arch National Park
262.1 mi (~5 hr 15 min)

Gateway Arch National Park

Missouri
National Park
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
271 mi (~5 hr 25 min)

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Missouri
National Historic Site
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
297.1 mi (~5 hr 57 min)

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Ohio
National Historical Park

Planning Your Visit from Chicago

Chicago is perfectly positioned for exploring national parks across the region. With 2 parks within 100 miles, you can enjoy incredible outdoor adventures without extensive travel. Pullman National Historical Park is your closest option at just 12.7 miles—approximately 15 min by car.

Best practices: Check individual park pages for current conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements. Many parks offer America the Beautiful passes for frequent visitors. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect all park regulations during your visit.

Guided Tours Near Chicago

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