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msmith1199's avatar
msmith1199
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2014

Oshkosh Wi to Dayton Ohio

Next week, on a weekday, I'm going to be going from Oshkosh to Dayton, Ohio. I've never driven around Chicago before. We're going to spend part of the day at the Airshow and then at some point head out and if possible get all the way to Dayton, and if not get as many miles behind us as we can. Google has is at 481 miles. The google route shows to take 294 around Chicago and then 80 to 65 and then South on 65.

So the first question is that the best way around Chicago? We may be hitting the road in the afternoon so we could be hitting Chicago around commuter hours. How is that route during those hours?

After we get through Chicago looks like the next choke point is Indianapolis. Google's route is 65 and then 70 right through the middle if Indianapolis, but my guess is it's probably better to take 52 (The beltway?) and go over the top of Indianapolis and then pick up 70. Is that the best route?

Any other suggestions to get from Oshkosh to Dayton on any different routes? We're doing this in a car.
  • Msmith, Definitely take 294. Camperpaul, isn't 94 under construction this year? Or is that 90?

    The "beltway" around Indianapolis is I-465. To head to Dayton, take the section that goes around Indy to the north - unless that's under construction. (Hoosiers, any clues on this?)
  • Also I'll be in a Hybrid car with two people. Are there two person car pool lanes or lanes for Hybrid's that avoid tolls or anything like that?
  • 94 runs right through the middle of Chicago. Are those other roads all toll roads? If so what's the toll? I don't mind paying the toll if it saves some time. Got a lot of miles to cover and a short time to do it.
  • Best bet is to hit Chicago at 2:00AM.

    Unless you want to pay a small fortune in tolls, take I-94 through Chicago.

    You will need to exit from I-94 to US-41 as soon as you cross into Illinois; the exit is on the LEFT side of the road and is not easy to see.

    Yes, take the "beltway" around Indianapolis.

    Current traffic, construction etc info is available here.