TRAVELING BY CAR

Driving into downtown Chicago for the Grant Park 165 is an exciting way to start your race weekend. Held on the vibrant streets of the city center, NASCAR’s only street race takes place in a busy urban setting, so planning your drive ahead of time is key. From parking tips to route planning, here’s everything you need to know if you’re hitting the road for this one-of-a-kind event.

Distances from major cities

Whether you’re making it a day trip or part of a longer road trip, here’s how far Chicago is from nearby major cities:

• Milwaukee, WI – Approx. 90 miles (1.5 hours via I-94 E)
• Indianapolis, IN – Approx. 185 miles (3 hours via I-65 N)
• Detroit, MI – Approx. 280 miles (4.5 hours via I-94 W)
• St. Louis, MO – Approx. 300 miles (4.5–5 hours via I-55 N)
• Minneapolis, MN – Approx. 400 miles (6 hours via I-94 E)
• Cleveland, OH – Approx. 345 miles (5–5.5 hours via I-90 W)

Check traffic and construction updates before you head out, especially as you approach Chicago.

Parking in Downtown Chicago

Since the race takes place right in the heart of the city, street closures and limited parking mean you need to plan ahead. Here are a few recommended options:

• Millennium Garages – The closest and most convenient choice, offering special race weekend packages. For more info, click here.
• SpotHero – A parking app that helps you compare and reserve spots in garages across downtown.
• ParkChirp – Another great tool for finding nearby garage spots

Road closures to watch

Expect road closures or limited access in the area surrounding Grant Park, including:

• Columbus Drive
• Michigan Avenue
• Balbo Drive
• Jackson Boulevard
• DuSable Lake Shore Drive (partial closures)

Tips for a smooth arrival

• Arrive early – Traffic gets heavy near the course, especially on race day.
• Plan your route – Use Waze or Google Maps to avoid congestion.
• Have a backup – If you’re staying nearby, consider Metra trains or CTA buses and trains to skip the hassle altogether.