Chicago To Niagara Falls Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Chicago to Niagara Falls is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 524 miles of road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls takes around 9 hours and 5 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 21 top tips that turn your Niagara Falls trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls, take your coffee and keep reading!

7 Best Hotels On The Way From Chicago To Niagara Falls

On the way from Chicago to Niagara Falls, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top seven hotels on the Chicago – Niagara Falls route!

1. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. Driving from Chicago to Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City might take around 1 hour and 4 mins. The hotel is near Lake Michigan, making it an excellent location for attractions like the Washington Park Zoo, the Old Lighthouse Museum, and Blue Chip Casino. The room was in good condition, was clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good and served on time. Overall I had a positive experience at this hotel. Check the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City, one of the best hotels in Michigan City, Indiana, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Niagara Falls from Chicago is Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart. Located in Elkhart, Indiana, the hotel is 109 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 1 hour and 57 mins to drive. The Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart hotel is located in the beautiful Indiana City of Elkhart, home to one of the Nation’s most prestigious Jazz Festivals and one of the Nation’s largest County Fairs. The accommodations at the hotel include spacious King and Double Queen Rooms and one and 2-room suites ideal for business trips or leisurely family getaways. In addition, the facility was spotless and well-lit. If you want to learn more about the Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North. Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North is located in Toledo, Ohio, and it’s 253 miles away from Chicago. You can arrive there with 4 hours 16 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel exterior and interior feel brand new. The room is large and comfortable, without feeling too small or too big. The bathroom has a lovely and unique design, as are the bed pillows. The lobby and bar area is modern and well-designed, with friendly staff. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North for more information.
4. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown: If you are taking the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Ohio, it is must have a place you should visit. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown is one of the best hotels in town. It is Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, 345 miles from Chicago, and it would take 5 hours 46 mins to drive. We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The beds were comfortable, the room was clean, and the staff was amiable and helpful. The hotel is close to Progressive Stadium and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, even using a cane. There’s “kickback” from 5:30 to 7:30 with light buffet-style fare at the motel, which is excellent and straightforward. If you want something more unique, there are restaurants close by. We highly recommend it! If you need more info about the price and availability of Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Hampton Inn Erie – South: Our next hotel is Hampton Inn Erie – South, Erie, Pennsylvania. It will take 7 hours 19 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Chicago. The Hampton Inn Erie-South hotel is an excellent option for overnight accommodations for leisure travel to Erie, Pennsylvania. I was very pleased with the Hampton Inn, as the staff was friendly and helpful, the location was great – it is near many restaurants – and it is right in the middle of where Pizza Bomber happened. Also, the price was not bad for the rooms, which were nicer than I expected. Overall, this hotel is an excellent choice if you’re in Erie! Check the Hampton Inn Erie – South on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hampton Inn Erie – South for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls is Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel, located in Buffalo, New York, within 8 hours and 58 mins drive from Chicago. Buffalo’s only hotel, Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown, is located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and has just been renovated with new furnishings and technology. It is 100% smoke-free and offers all of the comforts of home. The staff went above and beyond to be helpful and friendly, making this a great place to stay if you’re looking for excellent value for your money. The valet service and shuttle service are also excellent. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls. It’s located in Niagara Falls, 521 miles from Chicago. You can arrive there within 8 hours 13 mins of car drive. The hotel was in a convenient location, the staff was friendly, and the rooms were comfortable and clean. The breakfast buffet had a variety of foods to choose from. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls.

In this part, we explained seven different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who take the same Chicago to Niagara Falls route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Chicago to Niagara Falls. We have seven restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

7 Best Restaurants On The Way To Niagara Falls From Chicago

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Chicago to Niagara Falls road trip. In this section, we list the seven different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls with Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant. Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant is located in Michigan City, Indiana, and is 58.0 miles from Chicago. It would take 1 hour and 9 mins of driving. The food was excellent, and the beer selection was top-notch. The outdoor area was gorgeous, and we enjoyed our smoked whitefish and shoreline poutine dish. For more information about Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant.
2. Chubby Trout: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Niagara Falls from Chicago is Chubby Trout. Located in Elkhart, Indiana, Chubby Trout is 109 miles from Chicago and would take 1 hour and 56 mins of driving. The restaurant has an upscale food menu, but it is casual in the atmosphere. The wine list is good, and the bar area is popular with locals. We recommend trying their burgers or salmon salad. If you want to learn more about Chubby Trout, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Maumee Bay Brewing Co: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Maumee Bay Brewing Co. It will take 4 hours 7 mins of car drive to take 244 miles from Chicago to Maumee Bay Brewing Co, Toledo, Ohio. Maumee Bay Brewing Co. was founded in 1995 and is based out of the Historic Oliver House. The brewery’s beers are known for their delightful taste, with a range that includes ales, lagers, porters, stouts, and the like. While Buckeye Beer is perhaps the brewery’s best-known product, Maumee Bay always has new surprises up its sleeve in its brew house across from the main complex. The food here is also top-notch! You can check Maumee Bay Brewing Co on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli: Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio. The food at Amazing Food is extensive and delicious. You should try the corned beef, pastrami chees burger, and Ruben sandwich. The service was quick. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli is 346 miles from Chicago, and it would take 5 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Lawrence Park Dinor: If you enjoy dining, Lawrence Park Dinor would be an excellent choice in Erie, Pennsylvania. It’s 452 miles from Chicago and would take 7 hours and 33 mins of car driving. The restaurant offers delicious home-cooked food and local coffee. Their breakfast and pancakes were excellent. If you want to learn more about the Lawrence Park Dinor, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Mulberry Italian Ristorante: Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls is Mulberry Italian Ristorante, Buffalo, New York. It will take 8 hours and 47 mins of driving to reach Mulberry Italian Ristorante from Chicago. I’ve never had such delicious Italian food anywhere else. The portions were generous, and the pasta, lasagna, and meatball dishes were my favorites. For more information about Mulberry Italian Ristorante, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls: Ranked seventh on our list, Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls appeals to those who want to turn their Niagara Falls vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Niagara Falls, 519 miles from Chicago, it’ll take 8 hours and 6 mins to drive. The steakhouse’s steaks are worth trying, but their cocktails are also fantastic. The service is incredibly fast, and it’s clear that the staff takes great pride in their work.
   If you want to learn more about Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 524 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Niagara Falls road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Chicago to Niagara Falls. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The Way From Chicago To Niagara Falls

A unique experience awaits you in Niagara Falls. However, some unique destinations, like Michigan City, Indiana, are on your road trip. We want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the Niagara Falls route.

• Washington Park: Washington Park will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Chicago to Niagara Falls road trip. Located in Michigan City, Indiana, Washington Park is 8.0 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 15 mins to drive. The beach is located in a beautiful location and is very clean. We went to the Zoo first and then enjoyed the beach. The people around us were friendly, which made our stay here even better. If you want to learn more about Washington Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum: RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, Elkhart, Indiana, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Chicago to Niagara Falls route. It’s 114 miles from Chicago, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 3 mins of driving. The museum is excellent! I enjoyed touring RVs through the decades. The arrangement and display of the museum were charming. It’s incredible how RVing has been around for so long and how the organizers have collected such an extensive collection of units. If you want to learn more about the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Toledo Zoo: Toledo, Ohio, is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. And if you visit Toledo, Ohio, we suggest you visit Toledo Zoo. You can arrive at Toledo Zoo after 4 hours and 7 mins of driving. The Zoo features more than 10,000 individual animals representing over 720 species. It is possible to experience the Zoo in a full day by visiting the indoor attractions first and then moving on to the museum and aquarium. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Toledo Zoo for more information.
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio, on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is 348 miles from Chicago, and you can arrive there after the 5 hours 47 mins of drive. The 150,000-square-foot museum features seven floors of exhibits with four theaters for films and an ever-changing selection of exhibits. There is plenty to see here, including music, photos, and information about the 1960s-1970s stars. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before going there.
• Presque Isle State Park: Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Niagara Falls road trip. You must take 7 hours 28 mins of driving to arrive at Presque Isle State Park. Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle State Park, offers visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. If you want to learn more about Presque Isle State Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, Buffalo, New York. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House is 542 miles from Chicago, and it would take 9 hours and 2 mins to drive. The stained glass windows are stunning, and the tour is well worth taking if you have time. The church’s history is fascinating and a great place to pray or reflect. For more information about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
• Niagara Falls State Park: You can visit many destinations on your Chicago to Niagara Falls journey. One of these destinations is Niagara Falls State Park, located in Niagara Falls. You can arrive at Niagara Falls State Park after 8 hours and 12 mins of driving. The oldest state park in the United States, New York’s Niagara Falls State Park offers biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and walking trails. The park is spotless, and the staff is excellent and friendly. The main event, the falls, is exceptional with its incredible views of the falls and the gorge. All that natural energy is fantastic! If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Niagara Falls State Park, you can visit Niagara Falls State Park’s TripAdvisor page or their website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Chicago to Niagara Falls

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Chicago to Niagara Falls drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Chicago To Niagara Falls?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 15 mins to drive. The distance between Chicago to Niagara Falls is 524 miles.
• If you want to make the Chicago to Niagara Falls road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be two days and 1 hour.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Chicago-Niagara Falls route, you will have to walk for six days and 22 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Chicago To Niagara Falls?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Niagara Falls. Here we list seven of them. For more information about the best places on the Chicago to Niagara Falls journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Chicago To Niagara Falls part.

1. Washington Park: 8.0 miles / 15 mins to drive from Chicago | 518 miles / 8 hours 7 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
2. RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum: 114 miles / 2 hours 3 mins to drive from Chicago | 443 miles / 7 hours 28 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
3. Toledo Zoo: 238 miles / 4 hours 7 mins to drive from Chicago | 304 miles / 4 hours 57 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
4. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 348 miles / 5 hours 47 mins to drive from Chicago | 208 miles / 3 hours 37 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
5. Presque Isle State Park: 442 miles / 7 hours 28 mins to drive from Chicago | 124 miles / 2 hours 17 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
6. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House: 542 miles / 9 hours 2 mins to drive from Chicago | 19.3 miles / 30 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
7. Niagara Falls State Park: 520 miles / 8 hours 12 mins to drive from Chicago | 2.0 miles / 9 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Chicago To Niagara Falls?

There are many excellent hotels during your Chicago to Niagara Falls road trip. We have selected seven hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 7 Best Hotels On The Way To Niagara Falls From Chicago section.

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City: 57.1 miles / 1 hour 4 mins to drive from Chicago | 469 miles / 7 hours 16 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
• Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart: 109 miles / 1 hour 57 mins to drive from Chicago | 446 miles / 7 hours 30 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
• Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North: 253 miles / 4 hours 16 mins to drive from Chicago | 293 miles / 4 hours 44 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
• Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown: 345 miles / 5 hours 46 mins to drive from Chicago | 208 miles / 3 hours 38 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
• Hampton Inn Erie – South: 440 miles / 7 hours 19 mins to drive from Chicago | 113 miles / 2 hours 4 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
• Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown: 535 miles / 8 hours 58 mins to drive from Chicago | 21.8 miles / 33 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls: 521 miles / 8 hours 13 mins to drive from Chicago | 1.9 miles / 6 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.

Where To Eat Between Chicago to Niagara Falls?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Chicago to Niagara Falls journey, you can consider the seven restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 7 Best Restaurants On The Way From Chicago To Niagara Falls.

1. Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant: 58.0 miles / 1 hour 9 mins to drive from Chicago | 466 miles / 7 hours 18 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
2. Chubby Trout: 109 miles / 1 hour 56 mins to drive from Chicago | 446 miles / 7 hours 30 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
3. Maumee Bay Brewing Co: 244 miles / 4 hours 7 mins to drive from Chicago | 320 miles / 5 hours 33 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
4. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli: 346 miles / 5 hours 45 mins to drive from Chicago | 208 miles / 3 hours 37 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
5. Lawrence Park Dinor: 452 miles / 7 hours 33 mins to drive from Chicago | 106 miles / 2 hours 2 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
6. Mulberry Italian Ristorante: 528 miles / 8 hours 47 mins to drive from Chicago | 25.3 miles / 35 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.
7. Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls: 519 miles / 8 hours 6 mins to drive from Chicago | 2.2 miles / 11 mins of driving to Niagara Falls.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. We have listed seven hotels, seven restaurants, and seven places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.