Naperville to Oak Park: Scenic Drive Guide

The DuPage River, which flows through Naperville, is part of the Chicago River watershed, and the route to Oak Park follows the old plank road that once connected the two towns.

Both Naperville and Oak Park have consistently been ranked among the safest cities in the U.S., making this route family-friendly. The drive is short, but for breaks, consider the Yorktown Center in Lombard or the Riverside Park in Riverside, both with green spaces.

For pet owners, many restaurants with patios along the route welcome dogs, and there are several pet-friendly rest stops, such as the Greene Valley Forest Preserve.

To manage fatigue, plan a quick stop at a coffee shop like the iconic 603 Coffee Roasters in Oak Park.

The drive primarily follows I-88 eastbound, then I-290 north, with an alternative scenic route on Ogden Ave (Route 34).

• Fuel prices average $3.50/gallon, with several stations along I-88 and in Oak Brook.
• All roads are well-maintained; I-88 is a tollway (I-PASS accepted), so budget for tolls.
• The entire drive is on paved highways; no off-road segments.

Just off the route, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle offers 1,700 acres of trees and gardens, a surprise green escape from the suburban sprawl.

Oak Park is a hub of Prairie School architecture; Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio is a must-see, and it's near the historic Hemingway District.

The area's culinary landscape is diverse, from deep-dish pizza in Naperville to upscale farm-to-table in Oak Park.