Michigan to Mt Rushmore, South Dakota

When we went from Michigan to SD, we took I-80 to I-29 to I-90 out.

I-80 is a fricken truck fest. Not fun, and the road in Indiana and Ill. is as rough as a cob.

I-29 was very pleasant.

I-90 was fine 85% of the time, but if you see signs for rough road or dips, BELIEVE THEM. Just about threw my bike off the trailer. Slow down!!

After going onto Montana, came back on US-2 through the UP. Oh God, soooooo much better. Relax and enjoy the slower pace.

When we go out to northern western US again, it will be by US-2.

If you're starting out going around Chicago, your best bet is I-80 until at least I-39, if not farther west. We used to make that drive several times a year. 80 can back up during rush hour, but is still the best game in town for going around the city - short of going up to the UP and across from there.

I spent many, many hours on 94 and 294, going to meetings and other work-related things. I do NOT recommend it. You pay extra (tolls) for more hassle.

Went from Minooka Il ( by joliet) to black hills last year due to flooding on rt 29 (west side of Iowa) went north and took rt 90 very good road lot less traffic. To avoid Chicago take rt 80 to rt 39 go north to La Crosse Wi and head west on 90.

To get from I-75 at Detroit to Keystone, South Dakota (Mt. Rushmore) here's some ideas:

As a former Michigander we would take the UP but it's 200 miles further if your time is limited. You'd take I-75 north to Hwy 2, then US41 to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to SR44/SR23 to I-90 for a total of 1400 miles.

Second choice would be I-94 via Chicago and I-80 to I-29 Iowa to I-90 for 1240 miles. Our last choice would be via I-94/I-80 Chicago to I-39 at Normal, IL north to I-90 for 1210 miles.

Pulling an RV with traffic/rest stops, meals you could figure an average of 55-60 mph.

dfrost,

Please note the location...
We did a lot of this last fall. Avoiding I-90 is a good idea. We took five days to get to Rapid City, but we made a lot of stops along the way. We ran I80 out to near Omaha and turned north. If you send me a note with an @ddress, I will send you the log that I kept. it may have some suggestions you might like.

Matt

We would always choose to avoid Chicago. Did it a couple of times at different times of day -- not again.

There is no time, day or night, that is a good time going through Chicago (some times are just worse by a factor of 10 or more). You either spend the time sitting still in traffic (yes, even in the middle of the night) or you spend the time going around Chicago. Your choice.

Avoid Rt 90 through Chicago. There is construction in the Northwest suburbs at the moment and traffic can be slow. Personally I would take I-80 to I-39 north to Wisconsin and then head across Minnesota. However, if you are traveling on a Saturday morning you are better off avoiding Wisconsin due to Illinoisans heading to their cabins on the weekend. Stay on I-80 instead and head across Iowa. Expect traffic to be a little heavier until you pass Des Moines.

edbehnke wrote:
my vote is go the way of the UP. enjoy a pastie and sights.

if you go through Chicago probably go through after 7pm....and before 7am.

I assume you are going in the summer, stop at the Spam museum, yes there is one.

Better explain what pasties are to the non-Yoopers on the forum. They might get the wrong idea. :)
It is a sort of hand-held meat pie with a lot of other vegetables. The old miners used to take them for lunch because they were easy to carry.

dfrost wrote:
Kennedy64.....my Daddy was a Shriner! Every year we always went to the Shriner's Circus, a big fund raiser in Houston! They do a lot to help children with medical needs!! Glad your daughter was able to receive treatment!

We've driven the I94/I80 exchange many times going to Colorado to see my kids, so we're very familiar with that nightmare! Lol! Interesting that I90 could be a bumpy ride in MN. Might be worth it to avoid then?

Wow! Thanks to your dad and your family for all you have done! All the Shriners I have met have been awesome. The Chicago hospital and staff, amazing. It was so overwhelming, everything they had done for my daughter.
We always went to the Shrine Circus in Flint, MI as kids, then with my kids and now I can take my granddaughters.
Have a fun and safe trip!!!!!