Hartford, WI → Chicago, IL
107 mi · 2h 7m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Hartford
37°
Chicago
37°
Wind gusts up to 21 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 107 mi · 2h 8m
Weather
🌤️ Mainly clear
37°F, wind 15 mph
Incidents
15
15 critical
Rest Stops
20
Truck svc, Restrooms, water
Cameras
12 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area
- ● Rest Area
- ● Rest Area
Hazards Ahead
15 road closures may affect your route · 24 construction zones on route
24 Construction Zones on Route
WI-60 eastbound: Long-term: Roadwork - Mainline Right Shoulder Closed on WIS 60 EB from Charolais Dr to Kettle Morrine Dr
WI-181 southbound: Long-term: Roadwork - Mainline 2 Left Lanes Closed on WIS 181 SB from Milwaukee - Ozaukee CO Line to W Bobolink Pl
CTH PP/Good Hope Rd eastbound: Roadwork - Local Road Various Lanes Closed from 0.4 miles west of 76th St. to 76th St.
Good Hope Road eastbound: Roadwork - Local Road Left Lane Closed from Menomonee River Bridge to NB 41 Exit to EB Good Hope
I-41 southbound: Long-term: Roadwork - Mainline Left Lane Closed from On Ramp from County PP to WIS 100 Sb-SILVER Spring (Bridge Crossing)
W Mill Rd. eastbound: Roadwork - Local Road 3 Left Lanes Closed from EB Mill Rd. at 76th St. to 76th St.. Daily from 11/13/2026 to 11/13/2026, 05:00 AM - 05:00 PM, F
+ 18 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Highway Message Signs
I-41/94 I-41/94 NB @ College Ave
SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933 | LEFT LANE CLOSED | ON I-43/94 NORTH | 3 MILES AHEAD
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Your Route
Via I-41 → US-41 → ... → I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) → IL 110 (Eisenhower Expressway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-41 at WIS 144
Washington, WI ·
I-41 at WIS 60
Washington, WI ·
I-41 at Mayfield Rd
Washington, WI ·
I-41/US 45 at Pilgrim Rd
Waukesha, WI ·
I-41/US 45 at Mayfair Rd
Milwaukee, WI ·
I-41/43/894 at 35th St
Milwaukee, WI ·
I-41/94 at 7 Mile Rd
Racine, WI ·
I-41/94 at County A
Kenosha, WI ·
US-41: US 41 at IL 132 (NW) (looking south)
IL · SB
I-94: I-94 at IL 173 (looking east)
IL · EB
I-94: I-94 at Deerfield (looking east)
IL · EB
I-290 EB: Halsted St. Cam 1 HD
IL · EB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
20 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 20
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Hartford, WI to Chicago, IL covers 107 miles in roughly 2h 7m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 20 rest areas and 15 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
39° / 37°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
41° / 29°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
45° / 28°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
46° / 30°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
49° / 33°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
50° / 35°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
56° / 45°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
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Current Conditions
Hartford, WI
37°F
Wind: 15 mph
Chicago, IL
37°F
Wind: 21 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Hartford, WI to Chicago, IL
The 107-mile drive from Hartford, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois takes approximately 2h 7m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Wisconsin into Illinois, connecting Hartford and Chicago. A drive of 107 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Hartford to Chicago
For shorter trips like this 107-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 107 miles, the Hartford to Chicago drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Hartford to Chicago?
The drive is approximately 107 miles and takes about 2h 7m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Sunday, Nov 15 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Hartford to Chicago today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Hartford to Chicago route?
Yes, there are 20 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-41, US-41, I-94 East (Tri-State Tollway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway). Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 15 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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