Niagara Falls To Chicago Road Trip: Top 21 Tips

Traveling from Niagara Falls to Chicago is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 521 miles of road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago takes around 8 hours and 14 mins of driving without stops.

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

7 Best Hotels On The Way From Niagara Falls To Chicago

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

1. Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls: Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago. Driving from Niagara Falls to Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls might take around 7 mins. The hotel was situated conveniently, the staff was friendly, and the room was comfortable and clean. The breakfast buffet had a good variety of food. Check the Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls, one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Chicago from Niagara Falls is Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown. Located in Buffalo, New York, the hotel is 21.9 miles away from Niagara Falls, and it would take 32 mins to drive. Buffalo’s only hotel on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown. The newly renovated hotel offers all of the comforts of home, including 100% smoke-free accommodations. The staff exceeded expectations by being helpful and friendly, making this an excellent choice for travelers in town for various sightseeing opportunities.
3. Additionally, the valet and shuttle service are both excellent and clean rooms make it easy to relax after a busy day sightseeing. Overall, Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown is an excellent value for price and would be recommended to anyone looking for a clean, friendly place to stay in town. If you want to learn more about the Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
4. Hampton Inn Erie – South: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Hampton Inn Erie – South. Hampton Inn Erie – South is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, and it’s 112 miles away from Niagara Falls. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 6 mins of non-stop driving. The Hampton Inn Erie-South hotel is an excellent option for overnight stays when traveling to Erie, Pennsylvania. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the location was great; it is near many restaurants. It’s also in the middle of where the Pizza Bomber event happened if you’re following that story. The price was not bad for the rooms, which were nicer than I expected. Overall, this is a great spot to stay if you’re in Erie! Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hampton Inn Erie – South for more information.
5. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown: If you are taking the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago, 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, 208 miles from Niagara Falls, and it would take 3 hours and 42 mins to drive. We truly enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The beds were comfortable, the room was clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel is close to Progressive Stadium and the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, even using a cane. The motel had “kickback” hours from 5:30 to 7:30 with light buffet-style fare that was good and simple. If you wanted different food options, there were restaurants close by. We highly recommend this hotel! If you need more info about the price and availability of Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
6. Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North: Our next hotel is Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North, Toledo, Ohio. It will take 4 hours, and 40 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Niagara Falls. This hotel feels like it just opened. The room is excellent, and the bathroom has a unique and friendly design. The bed is comfortable, and the pillows are good. The lobby, bar sitting area, and staff were all very modern. Check the Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North for reviews, prices, and availability.
7. Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago is Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Elkhart, Indiana, within 7 hours and 32 mins drive from Niagara Falls. The Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart hotel is located in beautiful Indiana City. It is home to one of the nation’s most prestigious Jazz Festivals and one of the Nation’s largest County Fairs. The accommodations include spacious King and Double Queen Rooms and one and 2-room suites, perfect for business trips or leisurely family getaways. The facility was spotless and well-lit, with each room being spotless. The bed was super comfortable, with the towels being adorable. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
8. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City. It’s located in Michigan City, Indiana, 466 miles from Niagara Falls. You can arrive there within 7 hours and 13 mins of car drive. The hotel is located near several attractions, including the Washington Park Zoo, the Old Lighthouse Museum, and Blue Chip Casino. The room was clean and in good condition. The staff was friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good and served on time. Overall it was a positive experience. You can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City if you need further information.

In this part, we explained seven different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago. 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 Niagara Falls to Chicago route.

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

7 Best Restaurants On The Way To Chicago From Niagara Falls

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

1. Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago with Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls. Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls is located in Niagara Falls and is 2.5 miles from Niagara Falls. It would take 11 mins of driving. The steaks are great, but you should also try their cocktails. The service is fast and excellent. For more information about Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls.
2. Mulberry Italian Ristorante: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Chicago from Niagara Falls is Mulberry Italian Ristorante. Located in Buffalo, New York, Mulberry Italian Ristorante is 25.0 miles from Niagara Falls and would take 33 mins of driving. The portion sizes at this restaurant are large, and the food is delicious. Our favorites were homemade pasta, lasagna, and meatballs. If you want to learn more about Mulberry Italian Ristorante, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Lawrence Park Dinor: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Lawrence Park Dinor. It will take 2 hours of car drive to take 105 miles from Niagara Falls to Lawrence Park Dinor, Erie, Pennsylvania. The restaurant offers delicious home-cooked food and local coffee. The breakfast and pancakes were excellent. You can check Lawrence Park Dinor 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 terrific! The portions are enormous; you should try the corned beef, pastrami chees burger, and Ruben sandwich. The service was quick. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli is 207 miles from Niagara Falls, and it would take 3 hours and 39 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. Maumee Bay Brewing Co: If you enjoy dining, Maumee Bay Brewing Co would be an excellent choice in Toledo, Ohio. It’s 296 miles from Niagara Falls and would take 4 hours and 50 mins of car driving. The Maumee Bay Brewing Company was founded in 1995 and is located in the historic Oliver House. They produce a variety of beers, including ales, lagers, porters, stouts, and the like. Their most well-known product is Buckeye Beer, made in Toledo but distributed throughout Ohio. The brewery also offers excellent food and service! We enjoyed our meals immensely and were particularly impressed by the Bavarian pretzel pizza and burger. If you want to learn more about the Maumee Bay Brewing Co, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Chubby Trout: Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago is Chubby Trout, Elkhart, Indiana. It will take 7 hours and 31 mins of driving to reach Chubby Trout from Niagara Falls. The upscale food and casual atmosphere of this restaurant in the middle of motels off 80/90 toll road make it a great place to enjoy a meal. The hand-patted burgers and black Angus sirloin are top-rated items on the menu but don’t forget about their filet mignon. It’s worth trying. In addition to its delicious food, the bar here is perfect for socializing with friends or co-workers and sampling some of their great wine selections.
   For more information about Chubby Trout, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant: Ranked seventh on our list, Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant appeals to those who want to turn their Chicago vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Michigan City, Indiana, 462 miles away from Niagara Falls, and it’ll take 7 hours and 15 mins to drive. The food was great, and the beer selection was excellent. The outdoor area was beautiful, and we enjoyed our meal of smoked whitefish and shoreline poutine. If you want to learn more about Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant, 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 Niagara Falls to Chicago. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 521 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 Chicago 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 Niagara Falls to Chicago. Keep reading.

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

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

• Niagara Falls State Park: Niagara Falls State Park will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Niagara Falls to Chicago road trip. Located in Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls State Park is 2.0 miles away from Niagara Falls, and it would take 8 mins to drive. This park is home to a vast natural beauty, with biking, fishing, and cross-country skiing opportunities. There are also plenty of hiking and walking trails, including the Niagara Gorge Trail System. The park is impeccably clean and staffed by friendly personnel who were excited to share their knowledge of the park. The highlight of our visit was witnessing the majesty of the falls firsthand – they were even more impressive than we had imagined! This excellent park shows off what New York State has to offer visitors.
  If you want to learn more about Niagara Falls State Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, Buffalo, New York, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Niagara Falls to Chicago route. It’s 19.4 miles from Niagara Falls, and it’ll take about 31 mins of driving. The stained glass windows are beautiful, and the tour is worth taking. The history of the church is fascinating, and the details are unique. If you want to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Presque Isle State Park: Erie, Pennsylvania, is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago. And if you visit Erie, Pennsylvania, we suggest you visit Presque Isle State Park. You can arrive at Presque Isle State Park after 2 hours and 18 mins of driving. Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre peninsula that juts into Lake Erie. Pennsylvania’s only “seashore” offers visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and inline skating. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Presque Isle State Park 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 Niagara Falls to Chicago. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is 207 miles from Niagara Falls, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 39 mins of drive. The museum features seven floors with four theaters for films and an ever-changing exhibit. It is a great place to explore 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.
• Toledo Zoo: Located in Toledo, Ohio, Toledo Zoo ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Chicago road trip. You must take 4 hours and 53 mins of driving to arrive at Toledo Zoo. The Zoo features over 10,000 individual animals representing over 720 species. There is plenty of room to explore the indoor attractions, museum, and aquarium. If you want to learn more about Toledo Zoo, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago is the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, Elkhart, Indiana. RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum is 442 miles from Niagara Falls, and it would take 7 hours and 30 mins to drive. This museum is fabulous! I had a lot of fun touring RVs through the decades, and the layout and display of the museum were incredible. It’s fantastic how RVing has been around for so long and how the organizers have collected such an extensive collection of RVs. For more information about RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
• Washington Park: You can visit many destinations on your Niagara Falls to Chicago journey. One of these destinations is Washington Park, located in Michigan City, Indiana. You can arrive at Washington Park after 22 hours and 26 mins of driving. The beach is located in a beautiful location, and it is spotless. We went to the Zoo first, and then the experience was even better because of how friendly everyone was there. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Washington Park, you can visit Washington Park’s TripAdvisor page or their website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Niagara Falls to Chicago

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

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

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 14 mins to drive. The distance between Niagara Falls to Chicago is 521 miles.
• If you want to make the Niagara Falls to Chicago road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be one day and 23 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Niagara Falls-Chicago route, you will have to walk for six days and 22 hours.

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

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

1. Niagara Falls State Park: 2.0 miles / 8 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 520 miles / 8 hours and 12 mins of driving to Chicago.
2. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House: 19.4 miles / 31 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 542 miles / 9 hours and 5 mins of driving to Chicago.
3. Presque Isle State Park: 116 miles / 2 hours and 18 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 440 miles / 7 hours and 28 mins of driving to Chicago.
4. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 207 miles / 3 hours and 39 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 347 miles / 5 hours and 46 mins of driving to Chicago.
5. Toledo Zoo: 301 miles / 4 hours and 53 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 238 miles / 4 hours and 8 mins of driving to Chicago.
6. RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum: 442 miles / 7 hours and 30 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 114 miles / 2 hours and 2 mins of driving to Chicago.
7. Washington Park: 1,512 miles / 22 hours and 26 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 1,008 miles / 14 hours and 36 mins of driving to Chicago.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your Niagara Falls to Chicago 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 Chicago From Niagara Falls section.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls: 1.8 miles / 7 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 520 miles / 8 hours and 13 mins of driving to Chicago.
• Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown: 21.9 miles / 32 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 538 miles / 9 hours and 2 mins of driving to Chicago.
• Hampton Inn Erie – South: 112 miles / 2 hours and 6 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 440 miles / 7 hours and 22 mins of driving to Chicago.
• Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown: 208 miles / 3 hours and 42 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 345 miles / 5 hours and 46 mins of driving to Chicago.
• Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North: 290 miles / 4 hours and 40 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 253 miles / 4 hours and 17 mins of driving to Chicago.
• Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart: 445 miles / 7 hours and 32 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 108 miles / 1 hour and 57 mins of driving to Chicago.
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City: 466 miles / 7 hours and 13 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 56.5 miles / 1 hour and 5 mins of driving to Chicago.

Where To Eat Between Niagara Falls to Chicago?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Niagara Falls to Chicago 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 Niagara Falls To Chicago.

1. Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls: 2.5 miles / 11 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 519 miles / 8 hours and 5 mins of driving to Chicago.
2. Mulberry Italian Ristorante: 25.0 miles / 33 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 528 miles / 8 hours and 52 mins of driving to Chicago.
3. Lawrence Park Dinor: 105 miles / 2 hours and 0 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 450 miles / 7 hours and 35 mins of driving to Chicago.
4. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli: 207 miles / 3 hours and 39 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 346 miles / 5 hours and 46 mins of driving to Chicago.
5. Maumee Bay Brewing Co: 296 miles / 4 hours and 50 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 244 miles / 4 hours and 8 mins of driving to Chicago.
6. Chubby Trout: 445 miles / 7 hours and 31 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 108 miles / 1 hour and 56 mins of driving to Chicago.
7. Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant: 462 miles / 7 hours and 15 mins to drive from Niagara Falls | 57.5 miles / 1 hour and 10 mins of driving to Chicago.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago. 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 Niagara Falls to Chicago as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Niagara Falls to Chicago? 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 Niagara Falls to Chicago and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.