Origin
Lake Summerset, IL
Morning in Lake Summerset on Friday
Local time
10:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lake Summerset, IL to Des Plaines, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 2m
Distance
95.7 mi
154 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 54m
★
6 AM
2h 3m
8 AM
2h 20m
10 AM
2h 9m
12 PM
2h 7m
3 PM
2h 10m
5 PM
2h 20m
8 PM
1h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Summerset, IL
Sean Ewing
Des Plaines, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 95.7-mile drive from Lake Summerset, IL to Des Plaines, IL is a straightforward, single-day adventure. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 2 minutes on the road, making it an easy day trip. The route primarily utilizes the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, with some segments on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway and Trask Bridge Road, suggesting a mix of highway and local driving. With a fuel cost estimated around $15, this trip is budget-friendly for a weekend getaway or a quick visit. Since you'll be staying within the Midwest region and the state of Illinois, no significant regional transitions are expected. This drive is ideal for those looking for a short, uncomplicated journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
47.8 miles from Lake Summerset, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 2m. Total distance: 95.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
This route offers a turn-heavy local drive experience, despite a significant portion being on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. While 100% of the drive involves highway travel, the character shifts from faster tollway sections to more involved local roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch will be 55.4 miles on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, providing a good opportunity to make steady progress. Be prepared for more frequent turns and changes in speed as you transition between these different road types, making it a drive that requires your attention.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 55.4 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
931 ft
632 ft
Total Climb
230 ft
Total Descent
456 ft
Highest Point
931 ft
~61.5 mi in
Elevation Range
299 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near Lake Summerset Road.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 95.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (Lake Summerset Road): Navigation decision point; at 55.6 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
Lake Summerset Road
At end of road, turn left onto Lake Summerset Road
Navigation decision point
6
55.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
|
I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
91.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward Elmhurst Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 73
Toward Elmhurst Road
7
91.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Elmhurst Road North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Elmhurst Road North
6
92.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
|
West Oakton Street
Turn right onto West Oakton Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Addams Memorial Tollway | 55.4 mi | 59m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 12.5 mi | 14m |
| Trask Bridge Road | 9 mi | 12m |
| North Meridian Road | 4.6 mi | 8m |
| Center Road | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| Freeport Road | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Best Road | 1.8 mi | 4m |
| East Oakton Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
— 55.4 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Summerset, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on Pier Drive
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Pier Drive
2
At end of road, turn left onto Lake Summerset Road
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Lake Summerset Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Best Road
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Best Road
4
Turn left onto IL 75
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Freeport Road
5
Turn right onto IL 70
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Center Road
6
Continue on IL 70
9.0 mi
·
12 min
·
Trask Bridge Road
7
Turn right onto CH 24
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
North Meridian Road
8
Enter roundabout onto North Meridian Road
156 ft
·
8 sec
·
North Meridian Road
9
Continue on North Meridian Road
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
North Meridian Road
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
11
Merge onto US 20
13 mi
·
14 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
Toward US 20 East: Chicago
12
Continue on I 39; US 51
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
I 39; US 51
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90 East: Chicago
14
Merge onto I 90
20 mi
·
21 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
36 mi
·
38 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 73
Toward Elmhurst Road
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
288 ft
·
9 sec
Toward Elmhurst Road North
Use the slight left lane.
18
Turn straight onto South Elmhurst Road
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
South Elmhurst Road
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Turn right onto West Oakton Street
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
West Oakton Street
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on West Oakton Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Oakton Street
21
Continue on East Oakton Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
East Oakton Street
22
Turn left onto US 12; US 45
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
Lee Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto East Algonquin Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Algonquin Road
24
Turn left onto White Street
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
White Street
25
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
262 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henry Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 2-hour duration, this drive from Lake Summerset to Des Plaines is best tackled in one go, offering flexibility for your departure time. Consider leaving early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Des Plaines. With no specific stops recommended, you can decide on your pace and when to take breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $15, and plan your refueling accordingly. A specific tip for this route: familiarize yourself with the upcoming turns, particularly on Trask Bridge Road, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests it's not a simple point-and-shoot journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 47.8 miles from Lake Summerset, IL, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.4 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 21 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 47.8 miles or 1h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Des Plaines, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lake Summerset, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lake Summerset, IL
This is one driving day of about 95.7 miles and 2h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Lake Summerset, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway for about 55.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 47.8 mi from Lake Summerset, IL · 1h 6m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 47.8 miles from Lake Summerset, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Des Plaines, IL
The final approach into Des Plaines, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Des Plaines, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.96 one way
$29.92 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.43 | $32.85 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.42 | $36.83 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.13 | $42.26 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.88
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(55.4 mi)
$3.88
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.7 | 0 | $10.05 | $4.59 |
| Efficient EV | 23.9 | 0 | $8.37 | $3.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.3 | 0 | $13.40 | $6.12 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Morning in Des Plaines on Friday
Local time
10:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SSW 15 mph
82% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
49°F
Cherry Valley, IL
48 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
12 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 2m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Lake Summerset, IL to Des Plaines, IL covers 95.7 miles and takes about 2h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, U.S. Grant Memorial Highway, Trask Bridge Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 47.8 miles from Lake Summerset, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.96 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 95.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (Lake Summerset Road): Navigation decision point; at 55.6 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Lake Summerset, IL to Des Plaines, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 632 ft to 931 ft elevation with about 230 ft of total climbing.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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