I80 route to Middlebury area

doxiemom11 wrote:
We would take the route across 24 to 31 as you originally outlined. We have traveled that route with our motorhome and it was a comfortable drive. We aren't in a hurry and do not mind the little towns. Most have places you can easily pull over for a break. We did the I-94 route from IL into MI last summer and will not do it again -- very congested with everyone flying at 70-80 mph, lots of construction and semis.

We went through that way 4 or 5 times over the course of last spring/summer/fall. Timing is EVERYTHING. The toughest part is from the !294/I80/I94 junction east to Lake Station IN (exit 16), after that it's petty easy going, there is/was some construction east of Lake Station but not bad. Once off of I94 (exit 40) onto HWY 20 it a real relaxing ride all the way through South Bend to Middlebury.

Dan

As far as avoiding I-80 south of Chicago, we travel from Champaign to west Michigan (Grand Haven) frequently and we get off I-57 at Kankakee (exit 312) and head east and north on IL 17 which eventually turns into IN 2 at the state line. We take IN 2 all the way thru Valparaiso to US 421 at Westville and then north to I-94 (there is an interchange to I-80 off 421 also). We also "cut the corner" on IL 17 at Momence by taking IL 14 to IL 17 and avoiding going up thru Grant Park.

Overall, this route saves about 10 miles vs going I-57 to I-80. It's definitely not faster (unless you get involved in a traffic jam on I-80) but does avoid the worst of the Chicago traffic. We drive it with our car and motorhome but our kids say that it's too much bother and just prefer the I-57 to I-80 route. (The I-57 to I-80 route does include a $1.10 toll on I-80 as well so we avoid that by taking the IL 17/IN 2 route.)

I know 24 fairly well. This is your best route. Valpo is a mess on Rt. 30. If you insist on another route, go North on I 57 in Gilman. West on I 80, South on 49 to 30 or East on I 80 and drop down to Nappanee.

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jeb5 wrote:
I know 24 fairly well. This is your best route. Valpo is a mess on Rt. 30. If you insist on another route, go North on I 57 in Gilman. West on I 80, South on 49 to 30 or East on I 80 and drop down to Nappanee.
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jeb, the 24 route was what i was originally planning on using. In another post i had asked about the 24 route. Part of the info I got was that the new bypass at Logansport may have some confusing signage that could lead to taking the wrong road, some of which are dead ends. Are you familiar with that new bypass?

Yes, I have driven the new route about 6 times. You really need to watch the sign carefully. Not a big enough issue to change your routes. The GPS information was not up to the new roads in Nov. Watch the signs carefully and take U.S. 24. Great truck stop food in Gilman. North of the Super 8 motel.

More confusing East to West than it is West to East. Since you are coming from the West, you will understand the route when you return.

jeb5 wrote:
Yes, I have driven the new route about 6 times. You really need to watch the sign carefully. Not a big enough issue to change your routes. The GPS information was not up to the new roads in Nov. Watch the signs carefully and take U.S. 24. Great truck stop food in Gilman. North of the Super 8 motel.

thanks for the info Jeb. My GPS map shows the new route so that parts good. Just don't wanna get any more confused than what i normally am when driving in unfamiliar territory, especially when signage & GPS don't agree (or seem not to).

Just wanted to thank all that provided comments on this thread. The info is just what I was looking for to help me figure it all out.

If you are doing it this week, definitely take the approach from the south, not across NW Indiana! Bad lake effect snowstorms, which are very local to the area west of where you are headed.

Snowman9000 wrote:
If you are doing it this week, definitely take the approach from the south, not across NW Indiana! Bad lake effect snowstorms, which are very local to the area west of where you are headed.

Nope, not going this week or anytime soon; mid-may is when we'll go. I've lived in those climates and don't care to experience the 'winter wonderland' any longer. I feel for the folks that have to deal with the extreme winter weather some are getting.