Illinois 56 is an east-west highway with different roles. From its multiplex with I-88 westward it serves as a connector to US30/IL47 and Sugar Grove. From IL31 eastward it's a highway through the western Chicago area that parallels I-88 to the north of it. From IL53 westward, it is one of the few major highways in the area that is less than 4 lanes and still runs smoothly.
Intersections from west to east:
IL56 begins in the west at US30/IL47 at Sugar Grove
IL56 joins I-88 east (no access to/from the west on I-88)
I-88 crosses IL31 as IL56 joins that route north
IL56 leaves IL31 east at North Aurora
IL25 at North Aurora
IL53 near Glen Ellyn
I-355 at Lombard
IL83 as it passes under IL38 near Oak Brook
IL56 ends in the east at US12/20/45 at Bellwood.
It passes through these towns: Sugar Grove, North Aurora, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Oak Brook, Hillside, Bellwood.
If the Prairie Parkway becomes a reality, the highway that IL56 runs on near Sugar Grove could become part of it.
As you pass by Eola Road and Kirk Road, IL56 forms the southern boundary of Fermilab.
If you want to get to IL38 from IL56, IL83 will guide you.
If you want to get on I-294 north or I-290 east from the west on IL56, get on IL38 eastbound.
From I-355 eastward to I-294, there are tons of places to shop and eat. The Kane County Cougars stadium is minutes north of IL56 on Kirk Road.
