Hopkins, MN → Chicago, IL
358 mi · 7h 9m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Hopkins
32°
New Hartford Township
36°
Dane County
38°
Chicago
37°
Wind gusts up to 21 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 358 mi · 7h 9m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
36°F, wind 9 mph
Incidents
2
2 critical
Rest Stops
15
Restrooms, Truck svc
Cameras
4 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area
Hazards Ahead
4 road closures may affect your route · 44 construction zones on route
44 Construction Zones on Route
I-394 eastbound: Construction work. Between US 169 and Park Place - Xenia.
I-394: Road maintenance operations. Between I-94 and 12th Street North.
I-35W: Road maintenance operations. Between Exit 13: 46th Street and Exit 14: East 36th Street.
MN 55 eastbound: Construction work. Between East 42nd Street and East 46th Street.
I-35E southbound: Construction work. Between West 7th Street and MN 13.
MN 13: Road maintenance operations. Between I-35E and Lilydale Road.
+ 38 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Highway Message Signs
I-39/90/94 I-39/90/94 SB @ Lien Rd/S of US 151
RT SHOULDER BLOCKED | ON I-39/90 SOUTH | 4 MILES AHEAD | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
US 12/18 US 12/18 EB @ E of West Broadway (MM 264.2)
FLEX LANE | CLOSED TO TRAFFIC | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
I-39/90 I-39/90 SB @ S of Cottage Grove Rd/County BB
RIGHT SHOULDER | BLOCKED | 1 MILE AHEAD | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
US 12/18 US 12/18 WB @ W of Stoughton Rd (MM 265.6)
FLEX LANE | CLOSED TO TRAFFIC | SILVER ALERT | WHITE HONDA SUV | WI LIC: AZJ2933
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.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-394 East → I-94 East → I-39 South → I-90 → Eisenhower Expressway
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-394 EB @ Winnetka Ave
Golden Valley, MN · EB
I-94 at WIS 35/2nd St
St Croix, WI ·
I-94 at County Q
Dunn, WI ·
I-94 at WIS 37
Eau Claire, WI ·
I-94 at WIS 121
Jackson, WI ·
I-94 at County EW Warrens
Monroe, WI ·
I-39/90/94 at County T
Dane, WI ·
I-39/90 at Avalon Rd
Rock, WI ·
I-90/94 at WIS 82
Juneau, WI ·
I-90/94 at Columbia-Sauk Line
Columbia, WI ·
I-90 EB: Randall Rd at I-90EB
IL · EB
I-90 EB: I-90/I190 Merge 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
65 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 65
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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 Hopkins, MN to Chicago, IL covers 358 miles in roughly 7h 9m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 65 rest areas and 4 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
37° / 32°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
41° / 28°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
46° / 29°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 33°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
51° / 40°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
52° / 45°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
55° / 50°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Hopkins, MN
32°F
Wind: 5 mph
Chicago, IL
37°F
Wind: 21 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Hopkins, MN to Chicago, IL
The 358-mile drive from Hopkins, Minnesota to Chicago, Illinois takes approximately 7h 9m 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 long-distance route crosses state lines from Minnesota into Illinois, connecting Hopkins and Chicago. Covering 358 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe 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 Hopkins to Chicago
For medium-distance drives like this 358-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 358-mile drive from Hopkins to Chicago takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
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 Hopkins to Chicago?
The drive is approximately 358 miles and takes about 7h 9m 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, Monday, Nov 16 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Hopkins 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 Hopkins to Chicago route?
Yes, there are 65 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-394 East, I-94 East, I-39 South, I-90. 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 4 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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