Chicago Digs
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Chicago Digs
My son just graduated from U-Montana (proud dad) and as a graduation present, he requested a 'road trip’ with his old man (did I say proud dad?). Anyway we're kicking off a Rt66 (Chicago to LA), Rt 1-101 (LA to Seattle), and Northern US (Seattle-Albany), around the country trip starting mid July.
The only planned dates will be in Chicago and LA. My question to the open forum is where to stay near Chicago. We intend to kick off from Lake Shore Drive Sunday morning, and was wondering for a suggested place to stay Sat night. We’ll be spending the next 30 – 40 days on the road, so I’d rather not kick off the ride with a $$$$ hotel, however on the other hand, we need to be able to make it out of the windy city with our bikes and our lives. Any suggestions of a place near or within an hour (from the east) of the start of 66?
The only planned dates will be in Chicago and LA. My question to the open forum is where to stay near Chicago. We intend to kick off from Lake Shore Drive Sunday morning, and was wondering for a suggested place to stay Sat night. We’ll be spending the next 30 – 40 days on the road, so I’d rather not kick off the ride with a $$$$ hotel, however on the other hand, we need to be able to make it out of the windy city with our bikes and our lives. Any suggestions of a place near or within an hour (from the east) of the start of 66?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield,Il.
RE: Chicago Digs
Wow that's awsome! Let me know how I can help, did you want to stay down town or stay in the suburbs and ride intoChicago during the day? Also we have a few nice rides along the illinois river with a few nice burger bars along the way that I would be glad to show you. I might be able to get you a killer deal on a major chain hotel if a get the dates. Not 100% but I would give it a try.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 224
From: Coeur d'Alene
RE: Chicago Digs
University of Montana....all right, my alma mater. Congratulations to your son. Tell him if I catch you guys at the Mo Club, beers are on me. He'll know what I'm talking about. \\;Easy for me to say since I'm in Texas these days..LOL.
 \\;
I know a little about Chicago and can say the obvious...staying downtown without spending $$$ is simply \\;not possible. So, I'll recommend a place I stayed out in Countryside (just south of LaGrange) actually on the original US 66 that is about 40 minutes from the start of US 66 downtown, \\;which I think is like Adams and Michigan Ave or perhaps Lake Shore Drive but I don't think Adams goes out to Lake Shore Drive. Regardless, sounds like you've done your homework and you \\;know where you want to start from.
 \\;
Anyway there's a Hampton Inn in Countryside just west of the intersection of Joliet Rd. (old 66) and LaGrange Rd. Typical Hampton Inn..nothing fancy but a reliable place. \\;I'm guessing you'll be about 30 miles from the beginning of 66. Some of the areas east of Countryside toward the city \\;on the 66 route \\;are a bit rough around the edges and I wouldn't recommend staying there. If you're looking for dinner, I'd go north on LaGrange Road to LaGrange, about 5 miles. Nice little suburb.
 \\;
One last thing...don't know if this has changed but motorcycles \\;were not allowed on Lake Shore Drive when I used to visit from Missoula.....no motorcycles and no pickups. The Chgo. cop that stopped me had never seen a Montana plate on a Harley and let me go with a smile. \\; \\;Seems silly, so that may have changed. However if things have changed, ride south on Lake Shore Drive to the Planetarium and just \\;take a look at the Chicago skyline from there. Spectacular.
 \\;
Have a great trip...Go Griz!
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
I know a little about Chicago and can say the obvious...staying downtown without spending $$$ is simply \\;not possible. So, I'll recommend a place I stayed out in Countryside (just south of LaGrange) actually on the original US 66 that is about 40 minutes from the start of US 66 downtown, \\;which I think is like Adams and Michigan Ave or perhaps Lake Shore Drive but I don't think Adams goes out to Lake Shore Drive. Regardless, sounds like you've done your homework and you \\;know where you want to start from.
 \\;
Anyway there's a Hampton Inn in Countryside just west of the intersection of Joliet Rd. (old 66) and LaGrange Rd. Typical Hampton Inn..nothing fancy but a reliable place. \\;I'm guessing you'll be about 30 miles from the beginning of 66. Some of the areas east of Countryside toward the city \\;on the 66 route \\;are a bit rough around the edges and I wouldn't recommend staying there. If you're looking for dinner, I'd go north on LaGrange Road to LaGrange, about 5 miles. Nice little suburb.
 \\;
One last thing...don't know if this has changed but motorcycles \\;were not allowed on Lake Shore Drive when I used to visit from Missoula.....no motorcycles and no pickups. The Chgo. cop that stopped me had never seen a Montana plate on a Harley and let me go with a smile. \\; \\;Seems silly, so that may have changed. However if things have changed, ride south on Lake Shore Drive to the Planetarium and just \\;take a look at the Chicago skyline from there. Spectacular.
 \\;
Have a great trip...Go Griz!
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: Carlin, Nevada
RE: Chicago Digs
I grew up in that very area. \\; Coming from NY? \\; Then stop anywhere BEFORE lake County Indiana. \\; Porter or Laport Counties will have decent lodging and decent prices. \\; You'll be 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour from Lake Shore Drive, or what Chicagoans call "The Outer Drive"... \\;
 \\;
Moe Taters
 \\;
Moe Taters
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 52
From: Here and there
RE: Chicago Digs
Agree with the poster above. Forget staying downtown unless you want to shell out over $200/night for a room. The rates in the suburbs are a little cheaper, but will still run you over $125/night.
If you're doing Rt 66, you might want to try staying in Joliet. Should be cheaper there, and you'll avoid a lot of the Chicago traffic.
If you're doing Rt 66, you might want to try staying in Joliet. Should be cheaper there, and you'll avoid a lot of the Chicago traffic.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 12
From: Shorewood IL
RE: Chicago Digs
I would be interested in you travels. I am trying to put together a trip to do the same thing (next year hopefully). My trip would start from the Joliet area, as I am there already and have traveled most of the old 66 route between here and Chicago anyway. \\;
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