Heading west on I90 then eventually north to St. Paul MN in late July. Is there any relatively painless way to miss what I recall from the past to be a tough passage around Chicago? (We're from Boston so I can deal with some pain). Any help would be appreciated. Jim

I always go on i-80 south of Chicago over to I-39 and up. I have tried variances around a little south but they were dreadful. just don't hit it at rush hour.bumpy

Option 1: I-80 to I-39 and head north from there. This is longer but you will completely bypass the Chicago area. Expect a lot of trucks on I-80.Option 2: I-80 to I-355 N to I-90 W. This is shorter but has tolls. Traffic can get heavy within 10 miles of I-90. The roads are good though. I believe Illinois accepts EZ-Pass now. Their system is called I-Pass. Check Google Maps for traffic conditions before you drive through.

Bumpy was much more polite than I was thinking. My first thought was I-40, Memphis is about as close as I would want to get. I have driven I-70 and it was not horrendous but if you are continuing west, St Louis is no joy either.It may be slower, but have you considered the Canadian side, The drive should be prettier, and you would avoid quite a few larger cities.

You could take the SS Badger from Ludington to Manitowoc and miss Chicago.

Bumpyroad wrote:I always go on i-80 south of Chicago over to I-39 and up. I have tried variances around a little south but they were dreadful. just don't hit it at rush hour.bumpyx3

Best Route Around Chicago | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

Mortimer_Brewst
Explorer II
May 23, 2017
Option 1: I-80 to I-39 and head north from there. This is longer but you will completely bypass the Chicago area. Expect a lot of trucks on I-80.

Option 2: I-80 to I-355 N to I-90 W. This is shorter but has tolls. Traffic can get heavy within 10 miles of I-90. The roads are good though.

I believe Illinois accepts EZ-Pass now. Their system is called I-Pass. Check Google Maps for traffic conditions before you drive through.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 23, 2017
I always go on i-80 south of Chicago over to I-39 and up. I have tried variances around a little south but they were dreadful. just don't hit it at rush hour.
bumpy

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Best Route Around Chicago

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