Idaho to Chicago roadtrip (camping, airport, routes, trip)

[MovingtoID81]

I am driving from southeastern Idaho to Chicago for Christmas. Does anyone know any routes that are more interesting/scenic than I-80? I have done this drive many, many times and it is so boring! I figure if I am driving 22 hours I might as well have fun along the way. Any suggestions on other routes I can take? I am leaving tomorrow morning.

[intelfan11315]

I've made a similar trip two times out that way, both different routes. There's no way to avoid the fields and cops who pull you over for going 1mph over.

I did however go about 30 hours straight of driving, after being up for about 50 hours I began to hallucinate.. that was rather interesting.

[oddstray]

In winter, I'd stick with I-80 out of concern for the weather.

[StealthRabbit]

I-80
Little America ($0.25 cones now $0.50 )
Saratoga, WY (free hobo hot springs)
Vedauwoo (sherman pass, WY)
Sidney, NE (Cabelas)
Ole's big game bar / cafe in Paxton, NE
Buffalo Bill (North Platte)
Pioneer Village (Minden, VERY NICE, Very Very Nice) admission discount with camping / motel.
Branched Oak, (Malcolm, NE, near Lincoln Airport) or Seward exit (backway) (Prime rib ONLY on Friday / Sat) Branched Oak Inn Steakhouse & Lounge, Malcolm, Nebraska, 68402
Nebr Capital (Lincoln)
U of nebraska (Lincoln - dairy bar, GOOD ice cream whoops, do you see a pattern here... Icecream and hot springs...)
Warren Buffet (Omaha, he's a nice guy, probably has an extra bedroom)
Amana Colonies (Iowa).

Of course you already know the good stuff close to home (Soda Springs > Afton WY; Tetons, Bear Lake...)

I did side routes in UT, ID, WY, SD, NE, IA, IL this year. very slow, especially in winter. Basically adds a day to an already boring trip.

I have been using craigslist for riders / drivers. That will spice up the time (especially if you get an axe murderer)

[MovingtoID81]

Originally Posted by oddstray

In winter, I'd stick with I-80 out of concern for the weather.

I agree. I think I am just going to stay halfway in Sidney Nebraska.

[MovingtoID81]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

I-80
Little America ($0.25 cones now $0.50 )
Saratoga, WY (free hobo hot springs)
Vedauwoo (sherman pass, WY)
Sidney, NE (Cabelas)
Ole's big game bar / cafe in Paxton, NE
Buffalo Bill (North Platte)
Pioneer Village (Minden, VERY NICE, Very Very Nice) admission discount with camping / motel.
Branched Oak, (Malcolm, NE, near Lincoln Airport) or Seward exit (backway) (Prime rib ONLY on Friday / Sat) Branched Oak Inn Steakhouse & Lounge, Malcolm, Nebraska, 68402
Nebr Capital (Lincoln)
U of nebraska (Lincoln - dairy bar, GOOD ice cream whoops, do you see a pattern here... Icecream and hot springs...)
Warren Buffet (Omaha, he's a nice guy, probably has an extra bedroom)
Amana Colonies (Iowa).

Of course you already know the good stuff close to home (Soda Springs > Afton WY; Tetons, Bear Lake...)

I did side routes in UT, ID, WY, SD, NE, IA, IL this year. very slow, especially in winter. Basically adds a day to an already boring trip.

I have been using craigslist for riders / drivers. That will spice up the time (especially if you get an axe murderer)

Thanks I'll check out the suggestions.