For those who are interested, (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)  I punched in some quick numbers for July 6 and it would cost about $275.00 for two adults and one car with no trailer.  It's up to an eye-popping $435.00 if you're bringing an 18' trailer loaded with canoes.  Suddenly the tolls in my home state of IL don't seem so bad!

-Michael

If you're going thorugh Chicago - and hopefully not at rush hours - coming up 65 just get on 90 and stay on it to Tomah WI.  Not worth avoiding the Skyway for 94 or 294.  But if hitting at rushours, you'll loose a lot more than the half an hour it would take to go by way of Bloomington.

This has been an amusing discussion for me.  We have children who live in the Chicago area, so we drive through Chicago a lot more than just to get to the canoe country. And now that our granddaughter goes with us each year, we have to go that way to pick her up en route.  I guess if you do it often, you just get used to it.   

We were there Memorial Day weekend.  (Park Ridge, Illinois)

I don't know what part of Ohio you are coming from but we take 74 through Bloomington and pick up 39 up to 94 to Eau Claire and 53 to Duluth. We can't stand going through chicago either. there is only 1 toll at Beloit and its 90 cents i think. alot faster and easier.

631, You know the I-Pass tolls are half the manual tolls?? Plus you don't have to slow down to get through them. Once you get one you'll like it IMO.
Think of Chicago as a portage. Slower and a pain, but not really as long as it seems. It's all your state of mind. Sometimes traffic seems to creep forever. But if you stop to eat and relax, it's moving again and you're on your way.
Enjoy your return trip. North shore of the big lake is longer but good. It'll extend your post tripping mood a bit too.

Pondo wrote on Jun 1^st, 2012 at 2:38am:
    Well said - I feel so understood -- perhaps we're long lost relatives!
Pondo, thank you for your input!
-Tom

I'm going to bite the bullet & go thru Chicago. 
Thanks to all for the input!

I hate driving through Chicago more than is rational or healthy. When I do it I just bite the bullet and use the toll road of 294. It is by far the fastest way through and it is worth the insane tolls that they charge now (even taking into consideration how much I retch at paying tolls to IL).

The route over the Mackinaw and through da U-P is a very scenic drive, but VERY slow. Hwy 2 will take you right across to Superior/Duluth but is very winding and slow with a lot of small towns. Very enjoyable for a drive, but slow. Did I mention it's slow?

If you do take I90 to I94, I'd suggest taking Hwy 53 North @ Eau Claire instead of over to MN and up I35. It's basically an interstate @65 MPH but more direct and more scenic. The first time you come over a hill and see Lake Superior is memorable.

However you get there, may the breezes be gentle on your back.

Another route option: move to Iowa.  Then you just point yr car north... Course, you have to be able to put up with a lot of jokes from the other states...   

Badger is still alive and kicking, but the environmentalists are doing their best to shut her down.  Apparently, burning coal is a bit offensive to some.  There has been talk about retrofitting her with new engines, but with competition and increased fuel costs, it will be a rough sell. 

Could be the end of an Era.  Personally, I'd hate to see that old boat go. 

Regarding average speed across the UP...I guess I've never really timed it. Based on the length I travel, I know that I will be staying at in Superior or Duluth on the first night.  I don't really care if I get there at 6pm or 8pm or 10pm for that matter.  I'd rather have a relaxed trip and avoid congestion.  After all, that is one of my main purposes in taking a vacation, to get away from crowds and congestion.  I would just as soon start my vacation the day I leave home, not the day I get to the BW.  The road is mostly two lane highway with passing lanes.  Posted speed is 55mph, but it is wide open highway and if you actually drive that slow, you will not make any friends. 

Perhaps, the average speed is a result of the frequent stops to "smell the roses," and skip stones in Lake Michigan and Superior on the same day and/or breath in the moist air while standing underneath a waterfall. 

Have agreat trip!

Yes, the Badger is running this year.  (I am not Paddle Guy, but I know the answer, so I am chiming in.)