I have been planning my trip to Sturgis from NE Ohio and have been trying to figure out how to avoid I 80 thru part of Indiana & eastern Illinois. (Chicago) the traffic thru this area is horrific. There just didn't seem like there was anyway around this that didn't take you 250 miles out of your way. Then I discovered the Ludington Ferry accross Lake Michigan. I did some rough calculations and it comes out overall about 60 miles less riding one way and you can forget totally about getting killed in Chicago. During the time you would be going thru Chicago you could take an afternoon nap. The ferry ride is 4 hrs. And the cost is peanuts.
I have already made my reservations going via I80 but I am giving some serious consideration to changing things. Has anyone taken this Ferry accross Lake Michigan (SS Badger) Actually the 4 hr crossing is enough time for a snack and a nap. Am I missing something?......CJ

 

I80 West to I355 North (turns into I290, turns into Rt 53) I90 West.

That will take you around the city and the majority of the traffic.

I294 to I290 does look tempting but people on I294 drive like they steer with their knees while looking for their dropped cigarette.

 

Next in Line,
Yea, that was the way I planned before finding this ferry.Actually, I planned on going out I 80 and coming back on I 90.

 

I always remember I90 being a parking lot from Rosemont (northside) to the Skyway Toll (southside) unless it was between midnight and 7:00 am.

 

Amtrak

 

There is no good way. I've done it every which way and its just not the mess at the various interchanges and toll plazas but the construction on I90 west of Ohare all the way to Rockford. My best advice is(if you are comfortable riding in the dark) hit it real early (like 3-4 am) or late (after 10 pm).

 

There is another ferry that runs out of Muskegon

 

they're actually half done. rockford to Randall Rd. is done free and clear. its the rest thats still torn up. not too terrible really.

 

It will never be done.

I remember in the late '80s that the stretch between Elgin & O'Hare was being worked on (east or west bound side only) and it was never finished when I moved in 2001.

I swear that the road construction crew just goes in a complete circle between the 2 toll booths.

 

As Bob said, the Ferry is kind of cool. I've taken the Badger a couple of times. It's an old tank with very few amenities but it gets you there. You load and tie down your own scooter too... Also I-80 to I-35 North to I-90 West, or a little further up to US-14 is another alternative. Avoiding the Chicago area is mandatory as far as the roads are concerned.