Yes, we go through the area when we go east or west, it is usually bearable. There is a short toll section that is not worth avoiding.
Then again, you could catch I-70 at StL to I-69 in Indy, and stay with that to the bridge. You still have to deal with Indy and that is not usually terrible. Ft. Wayne and Flint are not usually any issue except at rush hour. Any urban area is not all that good. Even Lansing can be a bear on a Football Saturday.
If you do get near Detroit, plan 2 days (or three) for the Henry Ford, Greenfield Village and maybe the factory tour.
Matt