cafe
Lou Mitchell's
Serving double-yolk eggs and free Milk Duds since 1923, this Chicago diner beside the start of Route 66 is the traditional first breakfast of the Mother Road journey.
26 km · about 30 min drive
North AmericaUnited StatesIllinois
Des Plaines
Illinois, United States · North America
About Des Plaines
Des Plaines works well as a base: 10 minutes from Rosemont, 27km from Route 66 - Chicago Start.
Des Plaines is in Illinois, United States, with about 59,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Rosemont, about 4 km away.
The Des Plaines River Trail is a recreational multiuse trail that follows the course of the Des Plaines River through most of Lake and part of Cook County in northeast Illinois in the United States. This trail connects with the North Branch Trail and Green Bay Trail.
Trail uses include hiking/walking, bicycling,Read more
equestrian, and even winter cross country skiing and snowmobiling (conditions permitting). Since much of the trail lies in the flood plain along the Des Plaines River, sections of the trail are occasionally closed due to flooding during periods of heavy rain. Though not all sections of the trail connect directly, there is a section more than 31 miles (50 km) long running through Lake County starting at Russell Road along the Wisconsin/Illinois state line and running south into Cook County. There are additional disconnected sections south of the town of Des Plaines.
Much of the Des Plaines River Trail runs through a protected corridor made up of a series of public lands that are part of the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The numerous forest preserves provide additional recreational opportunities along the trail. Underpasses and bridges are used to facilitate many (not all) of the major road crossings (The underpasses are highly prone to flooding during the spring).
Cook County Forest Preserve rangers give lectures at various time during the year. There is a nature house where forest animals reside for the public to view. The trails are
very calm and beautiful and especially in the fall when the leaves change colors. A peak time to walk the trails is the second or third week in October. You can picnic right next to the Des Plaines River.
Where to Stay in Des Plaines
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Des Plaines?
Within an hour or so of Des Plaines: Lou Mitchell's (26 km), Willis Tower (Sears Tower) (27 km), Route 66 - Chicago Start (27 km), Art Institute of Chicago (27 km).
Are there any good drives near Des Plaines?
The nearest famous roads are Route 66 - Chicago Start.
Where is Des Plaines?
Des Plaines is in Illinois, United States, about 4 km from Rosemont.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 58,677
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Illinois
- Timezone
- America/Chicago
- Coordinates
- 42.0334, -87.8834
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United States
AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.
Full driving guide for United StatesTags
Worth the detour from Des Plaines
6 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
Iconic 110-storey Chicago skyscraper with a glass-floored Skydeck, once the tallest building in the world.
27 km · about 30 min drive
historic highway
Route 66 - Chicago Start
The 'Begin Route 66' sign on Adams Street at Michigan Avenue marks the start of the 2,448-mile Mother Road to Santa Monica: the classic photo stop before heading west.
27 km · about 30 min drive
museum
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the US, renowned for its Impressionist collection and Grant Wood's American Gothic.
27 km · about 30 min drive
museum
Field Museum of Natural History
Home to Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found, along with extensive anthropological and geological collections.
29 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Shedd Aquarium
Iconic Chicago aquarium on the Lake Michigan waterfront housing over 32,000 animals from around the world.
29 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Des Plaines
- 27 kmRoute 66 - Chicago StartThe 'Begin Route 66' sign on Adams Street at Michigan Avenue marks the start of the 2,448-mile Mother Road to Santa Monica: the classic photo stop before heading west.
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