The 11 Best Day Trips from Naperville

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 11 good day trips from Naperville, United States, led by Chicago, Milwaukee, Joliet. The closest is Schaumburg, about 40 min by car, and 7 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 11 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Naperville

  1. 1

    Chicago, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 50 min by car42 km east of Naperville

    Known for 360 Chicago.

  2. 2

    Milwaukee, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car141 km north of Naperville
  3. 3

    Joliet, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car29 km south of Naperville
  4. 4

    Kenosha, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car93 km north of Naperville
  5. 5

    Waukegan, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car69 km north of Naperville
  6. 6

    Belmont Cragin, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car35 km north-east of Naperville
  7. 7

    Evanston, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 55 min by car47 km north-east of Naperville
  8. 8

    Schaumburg, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car28 km north of Naperville
  9. 9

    Logan Square, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car40 km north-east of Naperville
  10. 10

    West Ridge, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 50 min by car45 km north-east of Naperville
  11. 11

    Waukesha, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car136 km north of Naperville

A sample day: Naperville to Chicago

  1. 08:30Leave Naperville
  2. 09:20Arrive in Chicago (50 min drive)
  3. 09:35360 Chicago
  4. 11:35Lunch
  5. 12:50Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Chicago
  6. 15:20Head back to Naperville
  7. 16:10Home in Naperville

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Naperville?
The best day trips from Naperville are Chicago, Milwaukee, Joliet, Kenosha, Waukegan. The closest is Schaumburg, about 40 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Naperville?
Schaumburg is the closest, 28 km north of Naperville, roughly 40 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Naperville?
7 places are within about an hour's drive of Naperville: Schaumburg (40 min), Joliet (45 min), Belmont Cragin (40 min), Logan Square (45 min), Chicago (50 min), West Ridge (50 min).
What is the biggest city near Naperville for a day out?
Chicago is the largest city in day-trip range, 42 km east of Naperville and about 50 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Naperville?
For a weekend away from Naperville, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Milwaukee (141 km, 2 hr 10 min), Waukesha (136 km, 2 hr 10 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Naperville?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Milwaukee at 141 km, around 2 hr 10 min by car.

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