Newark, NJ to Milwaukee, WI (115th Anniversary Party
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: Sunny SoCal
Newark, NJ to Milwaukee, WI (115th Anniversary Party
Alright guys. Next year I'm planning to ride from Newark, NJ to Milwaukee, WI to attend the HD 115th Anniversary Celebration event. So I need your riding route ideas. I'm thinking about 5 to 6 days on the saddle, between Newark and Milwaukee. So let's see what are your suggestions. 
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 612
Likes: 175
From: Milwaukee
I would avoid Chicago. The traffic on the X-ways is a nightmare. Even the 294 bypass.
Probably the most direct route is to run I-90 across northern Ohio and Indiana to Gary and through Chicago. Instead, go northwest from Toledo across Michigan to Muskegon, then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. It docks across the bridge from the Maier Festival Park, where the main party will be held. It's less than $100 per adult plus $50 per cycle (one way). Takes about 2.5 hours
https://www.lake-express.com/
Just an option.
The Maier Festival grounds where the main party will be: https://www.milwaukeeworldfestival.com/
The most sought-after hotel will be: http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/ Located a few blocks south of the Harley Museum.
I'd be glad to help if you need any info on the Milwaukee area
Probably the most direct route is to run I-90 across northern Ohio and Indiana to Gary and through Chicago. Instead, go northwest from Toledo across Michigan to Muskegon, then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. It docks across the bridge from the Maier Festival Park, where the main party will be held. It's less than $100 per adult plus $50 per cycle (one way). Takes about 2.5 hours
https://www.lake-express.com/
Just an option.
The Maier Festival grounds where the main party will be: https://www.milwaukeeworldfestival.com/
The most sought-after hotel will be: http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/ Located a few blocks south of the Harley Museum.
I'd be glad to help if you need any info on the Milwaukee area
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
I would avoid Chicago. The traffic on the X-ways is a nightmare. Even the 294 bypass.
Probably the most direct route is to run I-90 across northern Ohio and Indiana to Gary and through Chicago. Instead, go northwest from Toledo across Michigan to Muskegon, then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. It docks across the bridge from the Maier Festival Park, where the main party will be held. It's less than $100 per adult plus $50 per cycle (one way). Takes about 2.5 hours
https://www.lake-express.com/
Just an option.
The Maier Festival grounds where the main party will be: https://www.milwaukeeworldfestival.com/
The most sought-after hotel will be: http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/ Located a few blocks south of the Harley Museum.
I'd be glad to help if you need any info on the Milwaukee area
Probably the most direct route is to run I-90 across northern Ohio and Indiana to Gary and through Chicago. Instead, go northwest from Toledo across Michigan to Muskegon, then take the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. It docks across the bridge from the Maier Festival Park, where the main party will be held. It's less than $100 per adult plus $50 per cycle (one way). Takes about 2.5 hours
https://www.lake-express.com/
Just an option.
The Maier Festival grounds where the main party will be: https://www.milwaukeeworldfestival.com/
The most sought-after hotel will be: http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/ Located a few blocks south of the Harley Museum.
I'd be glad to help if you need any info on the Milwaukee area
Good idea the ferry...( but kind of expensive )...but you can go through Chicago via 294 after midnight.....no traffic then...
Since I am originally from NYCity and having lived in Chicago suburbs and having driven in both cities.....yo !!! Jersey guy...you can do it at anytime.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Personally I think riders worry way to much about Chicago. Take the 294 route and ride.
Ironhorse is pricey and will fill up fast. Lot of reasonable motels on college ave near airport.
Easy ride in to museum from there . Enjoy your trip If you see the Gold RGU say hi.
Ironhorse is pricey and will fill up fast. Lot of reasonable motels on college ave near airport.
Easy ride in to museum from there . Enjoy your trip If you see the Gold RGU say hi.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
294 is a nice road. Its the ******* drivers going 100mph that cut you off that suck. If you ride in Newark, 294 wont be a problem. I would avoid the morning commute if possible.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
Having driven in NYCity and Chicago...i find that the east coast of Florida south of Port St Lucie and all of I-75 more stressing then any other east of the Mississippi...talk about 100mph drivers, its the zig zagging without regard of anyone or any lane....
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 31
From: Parsippany,NJ, USA
going to Millwaukee you have no choice BUT to go thru Chi Town, have a good trip..
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
BASSNMAN.......i suppose you can always catch a backup here and there, but having done 294 from the north to Indianapolis for alot of years and the top of Indiana, where i-80 and i-90 and I-65 all meet, i suppose sometimes it was bad, but that's only because the road was being fixed and it took over 10 years to finally finish, but I-294 goes through the burbs NOT the city proper and he can always go through the far-burbs, but the the traffic doesn't get any better..
If he takes 294 between the hours of 10-2 it should be smooth sailong on a very nice road with no potholes....just stay on the right lane and keep your eyespeeled.
If he takes 294 between the hours of 10-2 it should be smooth sailong on a very nice road with no potholes....just stay on the right lane and keep your eyespeeled.