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!!!

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.

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

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.

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