Road Trip! Travel Time Between Broadview Heights, Ohio and Ottawa, Illinois

Are you planning a road trip from Broadview Heights, Ohio to Ottawa, Illinois? If you are, then you might be wondering about the best route to take and how long it will take you to get there. Well, there are a few different options to choose from, depending on your preferences and travel plans. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different routes you can take and how long each of them will take.

Route 1: I-80 W

The first and most common route to get to Ottawa from Broadview Heights is taking I-80 all the way to Ottawa, Illinois. This route takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to cover a distance of 357 miles. You’ll pass through cities like Joliet, Lasalle-Peru, and Mendota during this route. If you’re looking for a direct, no-frills option, this route may be for you.

If you’re looking for something to do during your drive along I-80, stop in Joliet to check out the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway. Another option would be to visit Starved Rock State Park in Ottawa, Illinois, which is just twenty minutes away. There’s plenty to see and do along this route.

Route 2: US-30 W

Another option could be taking US-30W through Aurora, DeKalb, and Dixon, Illinois to Ottawa. The distance on this route is about 327 miles, and it takes around 6 hours. This route takes longer than I-80, but it’s a scenic drive through rural Illinois. This route may also be a good alternative if there is heavy traffic on I-80.

If you decide to take the US-30 W route, consider stopping at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, and enjoy train rides, museums, and a lot of train history.

Route 3: US-6 W and I-80 W

If you like to combine scenic views with speed and efficiency, consider taking US-6W and I-80W to reach Ottawa from Broadview Heights. Although this route adds around 14 miles to your journey, it is worth it for the beautiful landscapes you’ll see. This route takes about 5 hours and 50 minutes for a distance of 371 miles. You’ll pass through the city of Peru along the way.

If you decide to take this route, stop in Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park in Sheffield, IL, to check out the beautiful hiking trails along the old canal paths.

Route 4: I-71 S and I-70 W

If you're looking for a more adventurous route with a stopover in Indianapolis, you could consider taking I-71 S and I-70 W to reach Ottawa from Broadview Heights. This route covers about 482 miles and takes around 8 hours. You'll pass through cities such as Columbus, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute. This route takes you south before heading west towards Ottawa.

If you decide to take this route, plan to stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum for a great racing history experience. You can also stop at the historical Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma, before making your way to Ottawa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several routes to choose from when driving from Broadview Heights, Ohio to Ottawa, Illinois. Choosing your route will depend on your priorities. If you’re looking for a direct route, take I-80W. If you want a scenic drive with some sightseeing options, consider US-30 W or US-6 W and I-80W routes. For an adventurous route with a stopover, take I-71 S and I-70 W route. Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of attractions to visit and scenic views to see along the way. Happy travels!