Chicago routing suggestions?

[NightShine]

I'm planning on heading from Ohio to the Twin Cities a couple of weeks from now, and was looking for routing suggestions from those who know the Chicago area. Probably slabing west on I-80, then I-90 north.

Looking for a route that best avoids traffic congestion, bypassing Chicago this time around.

Cheers!

 

[RiderCoach Lar]

Stay on 80 west and take it to 355 north. You'll pay a couple tolls on 355 but will bypass boatloads of traffic....depending on the time of day.

 

[wheatonFJR]

If you are in upper Ohio, do what ol Lar says. If in lower Ohio, take I70 to I74 in Indy to I39 north in central IL

 

[Data]

Having the "I-Pass" or "EZ Pass" for the toll roads will be a big help- especially around chicago, but saves hassle on the IN and OH toll roads too. If you don't have one- they are cheap to buy and can activate in a few hours.

Here: https://www.ohioturnpike.org/e-zpass/faq/

Here: https://www.ezpassin.com/

They work all over the northeast and west to Illinois. Even if you never use it again, it is worth the $5 - $10 to get one and cancel the account when you are finished with it. If there is any chance that you are going closer into the Chicago area than I-355, you really want one of these !

 

[Warpdrv]

Travel through during the early am hours and you will have no issues

 

[0Face]

All good suggestions... here are the ones that actually matter...

Be sure to fill up on gas well before the city.

Keep moving and change lanes a lot. It makes you a harder target to shoot.

If you happen to break down near the city try not to get captured. ( SERE )

Surrendering isn't an option.

 

[Bugnatr]

I used I-80 (no or only one toll) on a Sunday after CFO in 2010. Not bad other than the Redneck no sleeve flannel shirt in a Dodge pickup pos who didn't take kindly to strangers.

Like Marty said, keep moving and keep em' guessing.

PS. Sam you must go by Foervertron, it's on your way to the cities. https://worldofdrevermor.com/

The CFO boys took me there and it was a trip. Check website for hours.

 

[TomInPA]

I really suggest you avoid Chicago, and head up into Michigan to Mackinaw the across the Upper Penninsula through Manistique. It will get you to the same places in Minnesota on US 8, but so much better! You'll hate the turnpikes through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Give yourself a break and take a real vacation and go north. You've never seen anything like it.

 

[bigjohnsd]

On your way out, ride up to Ludington MI and take the SS Badger, the last coal fired steam ship in US Registry.

On your way back, catch the SS Badger back to Ludington from Manitwoc WI.

It is a great relaxing ride across the lake. Take your own tie down straps or you will have to buy a set at the ferry office, the ones they sell are pretty crappy and pretty expensive.

 

[NightShine]

If you happen to break down near the city try not to get captured. ( SERE )

Sam you must go by Foervertron, it's on your way to the cities. https://worldofdrevermor.com/The CFO boys took me there and it was a trip. Check website for hours.

This actually looks pretty interesting. I was looking for an alternative to my other choice!

I really suggest you avoid Chicago, and head up into Michigan to Mackinaw the across the Upper Penninsula through Manistique. It will get you to the same places in Minnesota on US 8, but so much better! You'll hate the turnpikes through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Give yourself a break and take a real vacation and go north. You've never seen anything like it.

Now that's a thought! We'll have to discuss this while I'm out there...

On your way out, ride up to Ludington MI and take the SS Badger, the last coal fired steam ship in US Registry.

https://www.ssbadger.com/ Another interesting possibility. And the rates are reasonable, as well.

Thanks for all of your suggestions, all! So many ways, so little time!

 

[Geezer]

I have ridden straight through Chicago a few times and, depending on the time of day, it can actually be faster than going around. Chicago drivers can be very aggressive, so you have to be careful, especially in the evening.

What Data said about having an EZ-Pass or I-Pass will save you a lot of time as well. The cash lanes always seem to have a long queue of cars waiting to pay the tolls, and there are a lot of tolls.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I went to Minneapolis twice last year, went Mackinac Bridge / UP for both trips, an easy & fun shoot across then from Escanaba using some of the Wisconsin northern alphabet roads.

(in Escanaba- Earls Diner in town has some massive burgers btw!)

 

[Warpdrv]

On your way out, ride up to Ludington MI and take the SS Badger, the last coal fired steam ship in US Registry.
On your way back, catch the SS Badger back to Ludington from Manitwoc WI.

It is a great relaxing ride across the lake. Take your own tie down straps or you will have to buy a set at the ferry office, the ones they sell are pretty crappy and pretty expensive.

There is also a ferry in Milwaukee - Muskegon MI...... not a cheap date, but def pretty cool....

Straps are provided....

https://www.lake-express.com/

 

[Warpdrv]

I will def say that the Michigan UP through WI is a very pleasant journey..... Wide Open, beautiful terrain and not much in the way of city traffic.....

 

[MrZappo]

I live in Chicago and drive these roads every day.

80 west to 39 north. Should be smooth sailing most days and way south of city traffic.