trip to Pequot, Mn.

[Daytripper]

Which way is a better ride? Coming from Pa. is it better to go thru Chicago or up thru Michigan?

[JimT]

Based on the advise from my trucking GPS app and some travel through that corridor, I'd run i-80 to 76 to 71 to US 30 back to 80. Then, depending on time of day and flexability in your schedule maybe take 80 out to I-39 then up to 90. A little longer but less tolls and less traffic stress. Otherwise, yeah, through chicago area. All the trips through that corridor and I've only run the ohio and indiana toll roads 2 or 3 times. US 30 is about 30 minutes longer than the toll road (but it saves you at least $100) and the detour across 80 to 39 I only did once, but I think it was less than an hour (based on estimated speed limit travel) difference which depending on time of day might be a wash.

Just my opinions. Only been through that area a couple dozen times so I'm far from an expert.

Also, try to plan you stops such that you don't have to look for parking around the chicago area. There's a relatively quiet truck stop on US 30 in Grovertown, IN. I've always found space to park there, though never actually gone inside the building. North of the chicago area is hard to find parking until you get out around Janesville, WI or beyond. At least that's been my experience.

[Lonestar10]

And since il has all their toll booths shutdown don't worry bout tolls. I bet I've saved over a grand on em unless you have ipass. I don't and I check their website monthly for any unpaid tolls and so far 0.

[Volvo8873]

When you get past the Twin cities on I-94 turn off in Clearwater to get to Hwy 10 the rest of the way. Been through Pequot Lakes many a times on my way to Bemidji.

[Chamberpains]

I like route 30 across Ohio and most of Indiana. The red lights past south bend are a bit annoying but it's still worth it to avoid the tolls. These stupid states will never learn anything about business. If you price yourself out of competition no will use your stupid toll roads and bridges. Convenience only go so far before it dawns on a guy that's he's out there to make money not just turn miles. It pays big time to go out of route to avoid tolls east of Indiana and most of Chicago but especially anywhere in the NE

[protoraw]

Michigan is for the more relaxed vibe and beautiful views.

[protoraw]

Personally, I’ve enjoyed driving through Michigan for the more relaxed vibe and beautiful views. The route can be a bit longer, but it’s worth it for the scenery and less congestion compared to Chicago.

On a recent trip, I also had a great stay at https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/m...i/branson/, which was a nice, comfortable break during my travels. Safe travels, and enjoy whichever route you choose.

[Rawze]

My own redneck map philosophy ...

- Whenever I want to take/discover a new route somewhere that is far away .. I draw a straight line on a map to it .. and then try to stay on highways that keep me on only the northern side of that straight line (or southern side if its a shorter route) without crossing the line as little as possible.

Crossing back and fourth across a straight line on a map is almost always less efficient due to too many turns and slow-downs vs. staying on one side or the other. It reduces the number of road crossings, tuns, etc.

Also, on a map for long road trips, it may look slightly longer on the northern side of a line.. but the earth is curved, and often its actually shorter. I use Google trips or a gps route to show its actual road distance and to make the final decision on which way to go.