Chicago area dwellers:
I like Chicago as a destination.  Sometimes I even root for Chicago sports teams.  However, I don't like driving thru or around Chicago when I'm going from Ohio to Quetico!  Who put it sooooo very in the way!?!

That said, I'm looking for advice about the best way to go.  If plans hold, I'll be going thru about 2pm on a Tuesday (Jun 26).  The constants I'm used to are:
--> Enter Chicago area via I-65;
  ... go really slow for a while & hit a lot of tolls booths...
--> Exit Chicago area via I-90;

- I've considered buying an I-pass loaded w/$50 for quick tolls.
- I've considered a bypass using I-74 thru Bloomington, IL.
- I've skipped the whole thing via Sault Ste Marie (I'm doing that on the way back this time, so I don't want to do it on the way up).
- I've looked at the ferry across Lake Michigan (bad idea from a speed standpoint)

Other thoughts & what do others consider best?
Thanks in advance!!
-Tom

PS: Just added for any 1st time readers:
I'm most likely buying an I-PASS & going thru Chicago, so...
I guess the one thing I'm left with is this: what's the best way THROUGH Chicago, now that I can quickly pay the tolls?

90 the whole way (as Google says)
or use 80/94 ; 294  (as Mapquest does)
or over to 355  Arghh!!! ????
So many choices!!!

Have you tried AAA's website? IIRC they let you plan routes and give (usually pretty accurate) estimates of driving times for the various options even if you are not a member. (Non-members can't save their trip routes and come back to them later though), You might have to search around their site a bit; I think you want something called "Triptik".

How about driving to Mackinaw Bridge, going West into Wisconsin and around that way?
Not much scenery to see on I-75 from Detroit area to Bridge, but the scenery west thru the UP is nice and you can stop at get a fresh Pastie along the way ;)

Avoiding the traffic around Chicago and making good time from Detroit area to Mackinaw City might be the better way to go.

From the Pittsburgh area it is the same time/distance to go through the UP. MUCH more enjoyable drive. Twelve hours to Ironwood then five or so to Ely.

I've looked at the UP before and concluded it would be too slow -- but it sounds like you guys who've done it say it's the same as going thru Chicago!  I'll have to look at that one again.  Thanks.

(PS: Making good time is the primary goal on the way North for me.)

-Tom

The U. P. isn't all that slow, and is a nice change from battling Chicago traffic. 

But you do know that there is a high-speed ferry from Muskegon to Milwaukee? 

Tom,

Not sure where you're coming from, but I live between Cincinnati and Dayton for 8 years now.  I've found going I70 to Indy and I74 to Bloomington and then up to Madison is quickest although a few more miles.  The only part I hate is the dang toll from Rockford to Wisconsin (I despise tolls).  If heading to Ely, I'll go west from Eau Claire to Mnpls, up 35 to Cloquet and then hook north to 53.  If I'm heading to Gunflint, I'll head north from Eau Claire to Superior and then to 35/61.

I've gone through Chicago a couple times.  If traffic's moving, not bad, but when it's crawling it really sucks.

I've gone both ways. I will never go via Chicago again if I can possibly avoid it. The congestion & tolls are ridiculous. I-75 thru Michigan is easy, & the Macinac Bridge is an experience in itself. I think 28W & 2W are the routes across the UP & Wisconsin. Nice rural driving as long as you don't get stuck behind a logging truck. Some nice small towns, & some nice scenery along Superior. Mapquest.com is pretty accurate for estimating mileage & time. Any trip heading north to Q is a good one. :)
WiF

Columbus... I.74 out of indy sounds viable; I'll check the new ferry too!
Thanks. Tom

Ferry is called the Lake Express.  It costs more than the Badger but is a lot faster.  (I still like the Badger, but then I am retired and I am usually not in any hurry.  The Lake Express goes so fast you can't stand up on deck.)

If you do take I-70 from Columbus to Indy, once you hit Indy it's best to head south around the beltway to get to I-74.  I've gone the northern side, but seems to be lots more construction up there the past few years...

If you don't particularly like interstate travel, you may not want to go this way.  But you can average 70+ with a canoe on top just about the entire way to Duluth so it's a bit faster route...

Two years ago, I headed north from Madison to make a pit-stop and replace a rod at the St Criox shop in Park Falls, WI.  It was actually a very nice drive from there north to Ashland and then over to Superior....

It has been several years since I drove past Chicago.  My favorite route was Highway 51 (I think), west of Chicago.  Going south I would pick up 51 near Beloit, go straight south till I got south of Chicago, then back to the Interstates.  A good, fast road; the semi trucks use it and keep traffic moving at a good clip.  Last time I was on it, it was still just 2 lanes; so a little nerve wracking with traffic, no sightseeing while you're driving on it.
Do the ferries run over-night?  Perhaps you could get on a ferry later at night and sleep while it crosses Michigan?

I didn't think about west on 74 to Bloomington and then north, but that may be the route and definitely lighter traffic than 65 - a highway I despise as being  the most boring road.

I'd do 53 out of Eau Claire rather than to MPLS and 35 - have done both and am sure that 53 is quickest and not much traffic usually.

So after mapping with Google, Mapquest & AAA, it looks like the I-74 option is about 30 minutes longer than going thru Chicago (on a good day).
The UP route is appealing for being different, but all mapping software says it's 1-2 hrs longer so that doesn't work for this particular trip because of time constraints -- unless someone knows something I don't about this route.

Looks like I'm buying an I-pass.  I'll let everyone know how that works out as part of the trip report!
Thanks.
-Tom

And...Bill: Thanks just saw that; 53 for sure - always have done that...and I-65 has that cool wind farm now!  :)

I guess the one thing I'm left with is this: what's the best way THROUGH Chicago, now that I can quickly pay the tolls?

90 the whole way? (as Google says)
or use 80/94? ; 294?  (as Mapquest does)
or over to 355  Arghh!!! ????

So many choices!!!

Mk631 wrote on May 30^th, 2012 at 2:08pm:

So many choices!!!

Choices are good!

I get on I-35 less than 2 miles from my front door and that's where I stay for a good day and a half (until Cloquet).  BORING!!!!

dd

It's a matter of preference for the most part, butt if coming through this neighborhood, (i live near I-55 & I-355) I'd do the following:

I-65 > I-80 > I-355 > I-88 > I-39/90 (51)

Rush hour a.m.: most traffic is heading east and north
Rush hour p.m.: most traffic is heading south and west
I-88 near dekalb has a 2.00 toll but i still prefer to go this way

just looked at the map again, maybe 74 is a good way to go...avoid getting near the city...74 to I-39/90 (51) looks promising.

90 is my first choice (certain times of the day), when continuing on to 94 toward Wisconsin, tolls are limited to 2.  If you can hit it between 9 pm and 6 am, you won't even take your foot of the gas.  The view to downtown from the south is very impressive.  During the midday hours, its not too bad, very crowded, but moving along.

During the rush, we take 294.  You pay the troll 5x and they have upped it this year (total being in the $8-$10 range).

Once past I-65, you get a feel for how busy its going to be.  If it doesn't seem busy there, you can make a judgment to take 90.

94 from the WI border down has been reconstructed and traffic there now seems to move along very well.

Gas prices between Valpraiso, IN and Gurnee, IL jump a quarter to $.40.

-YB

I suggest the 355 route. With the extension they put on it flows pretty well. I live due west of Chicago and we use that to get around Chitown going out to Ohio.

As for time of day, you're probably going to see traffic, its Chicago in the summer, so basically rush hour will have you locked up 7am-9am from 10-3 is lighter, but theres road construction everywhere right now, and I88 is a MESS.

Good luck!

Skip Chicago.  Go through the UP.  Nice drive. Beautiful Country.  Stop at Java Joes in St. Ignace for breakfast.  Besides you should see what we Michignaders traded Toledo for... :dankk2

If you choose to take a ferry, I live in Muskegon (home of Lake Express, I'll meet you for breakfast or lunch if you have a bit of time to wait for the boat).  Still I would take the Badger out of Ludington.  A little slower, but not much and it is really tied to some cool history with the area.  Aren't many of those coal fired work horses out there anymore...this one might not be around much longer.

I love taking the ferry.  Once you're on the boat, there is no turning back and it almost forces you to slow down and relax.  It certainly will add a totally different dimension to your experience and while a bit pricey...everyone should do it at least once!

Which ever way you go, be safe and have fun!

Paddle_Guy wrote on May 30^th, 2012 at 6:34pm:

Skip Chicago.  Go through the UP.  Nice drive. Beautiful Country.  Stop at Java Joes in St. Ignace for breakfast.  Besides you should see what we Michignaders traded Toledo for... :dankk2 ...

Thanks for the info & offer.  I think Wisconsin was the big loser in the Toledo/UP deal.  ;)
-Tom


Drewfus wrote on May 30^th, 2012 at 6:11pm:

I suggest the 355 route. With the extension they put on it flows pretty well. I live due west of Chicago and we use that to get around Chitown going out to Ohio. As for time of day, you're probably going to see traffic, its Chicago in the summer, so basically rush hour will have you locked up 7am-9am from 10-3 is lighter, but theres road construction everywhere right now, and I88 is a MESS. Good luck!

So that would be I-65 to 80/355/290/90
And it seems like other viable options (depending on traffic) are:
I-65 to 80/294/290/90
I-65 to 80/355/290/90
I-65 to 80/355/88/39/90
or just I-65 to 90 (if traffic seems good).

It's good to know the reasonable options -- thanks!!
...and still considering the UP route...
SO...

For those suggesting the UP, what route & what kind of speed is reasonable to presume? (Google puts the trip avg @ 52 mph...8 hrs from St Ignace to Duluth... is that your experience?)  Thanks!

When you say Google, I presume you mean Map Quest right?
I did it both ways from St. Ignace to Duluth, shortest time/shortest mileage.

Not much difference, they both take you up to 28 from St. Ignace, then West on 28 to Wisconsin and up.

I think there's better route that avoids going thru the major cities along Superior and would be my choice.
IF you can get a physical road map of the UP, I think my alternative has some merit.
Might be a few miles farther, but you save the time not going thru the cities.

From St. Ignace, I'd take 2 WEST, to Rapid River, jog south on 2 and pick up 35N in Gladstone.
That takes you up to 28, west of Marquette.

I think you can probably average 60-65 on 2, the same on 35N and on 28, I'd just go with the flow, not the fastest/slowest.
Check it out and see what you think?

solotripper wrote on May 30^th, 2012 at 10:46pm:

When you say Google, I presume you mean Map Quest right?... Check it out and see what you think?

Google Maps/Mapquest/AAA all come up similar thru the UP.
I will check out your route...thanks!
-tom

hey,paddle guy, Did the Badger (Ludington to Manitowoc)survive to run this year? I love that thing. I'ts like a cruze.

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

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!

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...   ;)

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.

Pondo wrote on Jun 1^st, 2012 at 2:38am:

I hate driving through Chicago more than is rational or healthy. ...

  ;D  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!

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.

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.

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)

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.

For those who are interested,   (You need to Login or Register  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! 8-)

-Michael