What is the most efficient way to bypass Chicago?

[davehultin]

We're getting our trip plans lined up for summer, and one trip will have us coming from Wisconsin, then going around Lake Michigan, and then heading towards Ohio (to Cedar Point in Sandusky). We did this route once before and went through some very congested (and kinda sketchy!) areas of Chicago.

Looking for advice from any veteran travelers of this route, what's the most efficient way to bypass the busyness and congestion of the Chicago area?

[Edd505]

I39 S to Joliet Hy30 E That was the truck Chicago bypass back when. It does go through lots of little towns.

[obgraham]

Not a fan of driving through any part of the Greater Chicago area. If it were me, I'd take I-39 south to US 24 east all the way across Indiana to Fort Wayne, I-469 around Fort Wayne and then pick up US 24 again to I-90 and on to Sandusky.

I've done that route, and it is certainly less congested. But it does involve a large number of towns, cities, and stop lights. In a car it is okay, but in a big RV it can be tedious.

I'd rather choose my time, and just bear with 294.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

There used to be a ferry you could take across Lake Michigan.

Depending on where in WI you are starting, you could take I-39 then turn east on I-55, then continue on #14

https://freecampsites.net/#!41.50953629836762,+-82.69118619457295~40.747773,+-86.775359~Wisconsin&qu...

[Mfan]

Can you adjust your time to go through? After the day rush, not a bad trip through town

[Thom02099]

Depends on how you define "efficiency". Are you looking for a more leisurely route? Do you have the time to go a bit further out of the way in order to avoid Chicagoland?

Not a fan of driving through any part of the Greater Chicago area. If it were me, I'd take I-39 south to US 24 east all the way across Indiana to Fort Wayne, I-469 around Fort Wayne and then pick up US 24 again to I-90 and on to Sandusky.

While I've not done this route as a continuous trip, I've done most of this in segments, from point A to point B. US 24, for me, was a good alternative to avoiding both Chicago and Indy. Only portion I've not done is in Ohio, but I suspect it's not a lot different from the Indiana portion.

[angler]

Depends where in Wisconsin you are coming from. The rockford route works out well.
If you are closer to the lake in Wisconsin and going south 294 around Chicago and then the 80/90 east route.

[C_B_]

I've taken I90 South out of Madison to I39 south to I80 East to I80/90 east.

C.B.