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.