I was talking with a guy the other day who is going to Sturgis this year for gis first time also. He was telling me stay away from Chicago. Shorter mileage wise but with all the congestion it will take longer. Which is the best route from the east? Maryland to be exact. Thanks

 

All depends on what kind of roads you're looking to ride. If you're the type that likes to meander and you don't care about getting there quickly, the routes are endless. If you're trying to get there, you could always come across I70 to Indianapolis, I74 to Davenport, I80 to just north of Omaha, I29 north to Sioux Falls, then I90 to Sturgis.

 

I went through Chicago in 2012 on the way to and back from Sturgis on 90. Heading out we passed through on Saturday.

The traffic was heavy for a while around the city but we didn't get stuck in traffic or anything. I imagine as long as you avoid going through Chicago during rush hour you probably won't run into any jams but you never know.

Traffic in a large city like that will always be a crap shoot.

 

Believe me that Chicago is DEFINITELY an area to avoid, been there, done it ( several times ) and never had a pleasant experience, road wise ... Stay south of the area. Interstate travel allows many "alternatives" as already mentioned including 80W to 35N into Albert Lea then west again on 90W ... The back roads ( State Highways ) offer a better ride and more scenery. I usually do the northern route ( through Michigan across the Mackinaw then across the UP ) to totally avoid Chicago ( of course I have a lot of friends in the northern part of Michigan ) ... There's also the SS Badger experience if you've never taken a ferry across Lake Michigan ... http://www.ssbadger.com/

 

You want to avoid Chicago, actually pretty easy.

I-90 is going to take you right through the center of the city, BAD.

When heading to Sturgis, stay on I-80 past Chicago (south side) and then hang a right onto I-294 or I-355. This will take you up to I-90 without going through the city. Do the opposite on the way home. My recollection is you will be on combo I-80/I-90 and then you will come to a fork. I-90 is the direction the GPS will want you to go, just stick with I-80.

Maybe someone here can tell which one is nicer, 294 or 355 but either is better than Chicago.

 

I agree. I am from WI originally and made the mistake one time to go to Chicago. It was supposed to be a weekend trip, it lasted about 6 hours until we left and stayed somewhere else.

Avoid that _ _ _ _ hole at all costs.

 

Unless something has changed you have to go 90 to 65S to 80. Ramp at the 80/90 split has been closed for some time.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Also get an I-pass it will save time and money. Tolls will be half the cost

 

I agree with the I Pass, but OP is from Maryland, if you have an EZ Pass it will also work. Check the EZ Pass website it shows you all of the states that will accept it.

If you don't have one, get it before the trip. As stated cheaper tolls and no stopping. And don't use the one from your car, cars pay higher rates.