Closest first
Straight-line miles from the city center; drive times are rough estimates. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.
- 1 Indiana Dunes · Indiana · 50+ trails · Free34 mi · ~0.5 hr drive
- 2 Gateway Arch · Missouri · 3+ trails · Free262 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 3 Cuyahoga Valley · Ohio · 125+ trails · Free317 mi · ~6.5 hr drive
- 4 Mammoth Cave · Kentucky · 85+ trails · Free334 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 5 Isle Royale · Michigan · 165+ trails · $7 / person / day432 mi · ferry or flight required
- 6 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free444 mi · ~9.5 hr drive
- 7 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free486 mi · ~10 hr drive
Planning a trip from Chicago
Indiana Dunes, Gateway Arch are realistic for a long weekend. Leave early Friday, and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.
Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.
Common questions
What is the closest national park to Chicago?
Indiana Dunes National Park, about 34 miles away (~0.5 hr drive).
Which national parks near Chicago work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Indiana Dunes, Gateway Arch.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Chicago?
7 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Chicago.