Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Des Plaines Located? - Des Plaines is a city located in the Cook County of Illinois, United States. Des Plaines lies between 41.2917 Degrees North latitudes and 92.6494 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Des Plaines, Illinois
Des Plaines Map, Illinois, USA
Where is Des Plaines?: The Google Map showing the location of Des Plaines in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Where is Des Plaines Located?
Des Plaines is a city located in the Cook County of Illinois, United States. Des Plaines lies between 41.2917 Degrees North latitudes and 92.6494 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Des Plaines city is 60675 people and the city has a total area of 14.23 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Des Plaines, Illinois Climate and Weather Overview
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Avg Rainfall (in)
January
31
17
1.8
April
58
39
3.7
July
84
66
4.0
October
62
45
2.8
Annual
59
42
38.5
Climate Attribute
Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)
Hot-Summer Humid Continental (Dfa)
Annual Rainfall
About 38.5 inches
Annual Sunshine Days
Approximately 189 days
Hurricane/Tornado Risk
No hurricane risk; low tornado risk
Snowfall
About 37 inches annually
Driving Distances from Des Plaines, Illinois
City
State
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Park Ridge
Illinois
3
8 min
Rosemont
Illinois
5
10 min
Mount Prospect
Illinois
5
10 min
Niles
Illinois
6
12 min
Glenview
Illinois
7
15 min
Arlington Heights
Illinois
8
15 min
Elk Grove Village
Illinois
9
15 min
Evanston
Illinois
13
25 min
Schaumburg
Illinois
15
22 min
Chicago
Illinois
18
30 min
Transportation and Connectivity in Des Plaines, Illinois
Transportation
Details
Airport Name
O'Hare International Airport
IATA Code
ORD
Port
No commercial port
Major Highways
Interstate 90, Interstate 294, US Route 14, Illinois Route 58
Train/Amtrak Service
Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line; nearest Amtrak station in Chicago
Local Bus/Transit Service
Pace Suburban Bus and Metra commuter rail
Interstate 90 - Connects Des Plaines with downtown Chicago, Rockford, and northwestern Illinois.
Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) - Provides regional access to the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.
US Route 14 (Northwest Highway) - Major arterial connecting Des Plaines with Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, and Chicago.
Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line offers commuter rail service to downtown Chicago and northwest suburban communities.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Des Plaines, Illinois
Landmark Name
Type
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Casino
Lake Park
Community Park
Des Plaines History Center
History Museum
McDonald's Museum (Original Site)
Historic Landmark
Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center
Water Park
Maine West High School Observatory
Observatory
Big Bend Lake
Nature Area
Apache Park
City Park
Cumberland Park
Recreation Park
Allstate Arena (nearby)
Entertainment Venue
Colleges and Universities in Des Plaines, Illinois
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
Oakton College
Public
Community College
Career training and university transfer programs
Moraine Valley Community College - Education Center at Blue Island (regional services)
Public
Community College
Continuing education and workforce training
Northeastern Illinois University - El Centro
Public
University
Teacher education and community outreach
National Louis University (Chicago Campus)
Private
University
Education, business, and psychology
Maine Township High School District 207
Public
K-12 District
Public education system
Waterbodies in Des Plaines, Illinois
Des Plaines River, Big Bend Lake, Beck Lake, Feehanville Ditch, Weller Creek, Higgins Creek, Busse Lake, McDonald Creek
Golf Courses in Des Plaines, Illinois
Lake Park Golf Course, Rob Roy Golf Course, Chevy Chase Country Club, Arlington Lakes Golf Club, Glenview Park Golf Club, The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Des Plaines, Illinois - Key Historical Facts
Des Plaines was first settled in the 1830s along the Des Plaines River and officially incorporated as a village in 1874 before becoming a city in 1925.
The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century transformed the community into an important residential and commercial center northwest of Chicago.
In 1955, the first franchised McDonald's restaurant, operated by Ray Kroc, opened in Des Plaines, making the city an important landmark in American business history.
Its proximity to O'Hare International Airport contributed to rapid residential, commercial, and industrial growth during the second half of the 20th century.
The Des Plaines River and extensive park system have played a major role in shaping the city's recreational opportunities and natural environment.
Today, Des Plaines is recognized for its convenient transportation network, diverse economy, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong connection to the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
