Forum Discussion

michigansandzil's avatar
Feb 22, 2018

Michigan to Yellowstone, Tetons, Fort Robinson

This August, we'll be heading from Michigan to the Badlands, Custer State park, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Fort Robinson state park, then home to Michigan.

Any suggestions for best routes or must avoid areas? We went to New Orleans last spring and accidentally went up the side of a mountain in Alabama.... we'd like to avoid that if possible.
Thanks in advance.
  • Mortimer Brewster wrote:
    Assuming that you are going around the south end of Lake Michigan, the only part of the route that is problematic is how to navigate the Chicago area. Do you have either an IPass or E-ZPass for tolls? The best route will vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Do not go through Chicago! Traffic is usually bad and even when good can go downhill quickly. Expect a lot of trucks on I-80.
    Best routes through Illinois are either I-80 to I-294 to I-290 to I-90; or I-80 to I-355 to I-290 to I-90.
    To avoid most, but not all tolls, you could take I-80 to I-39. This route is significantly longer.
    I’d advise using Google Maps with the traffic feature turned on to find the best route.
    In southern Minnesota fuel stations are a little scarce unless you get off the interstate.
    Have a good trip!


    We should hit Chicago about 11 am on Saturday, provided we're on schedule.

    We're looking for the fastest and easiest routes. Toll roads are not our favorite but it will be worth spending $50 if it saves us a couple of hours driving.
  • 2gypsies wrote:
    Northern or southern Michigan? If northern, we enjoy going across the Plains via the Upper Peninsula and Hwy 2. We always avoid interstates if we can.


    Southern Michigan. We are looking for the fastest and easiest ways to get there and back due to time limitations.
  • jlrmfc21 wrote:
    Sounds like a great trip! How much time are you giving yourself? Make sure you see Jackson hole as well.


    16 days
  • Sounds like a great trip! How much time are you giving yourself? Make sure you see Jackson hole as well.
  • Assuming that you are going around the south end of Lake Michigan, the only part of the route that is problematic is how to navigate the Chicago area. Do you have either an IPass or E-ZPass for tolls? The best route will vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Do not go through Chicago! Traffic is usually bad and even when good can go downhill quickly. Expect a lot of trucks on I-80.
    Best routes through Illinois are either I-80 to I-294 to I-290 to I-90; or I-80 to I-355 to I-290 to I-90.
    To avoid most, but not all tolls, you could take I-80 to I-39. This route is significantly longer.
    I’d advise using Google Maps with the traffic feature turned on to find the best route.
    In southern Minnesota fuel stations are a little scarce unless you get off the interstate.
    Have a good trip!
  • Northern or southern Michigan? If northern, we enjoy going across the Plains via the Upper Peninsula and Hwy 2. We always avoid interstates if we can.