Driving from Chicago to Denver (house, restaurant, transport)

[pretendingtowork]

Depending on what route you take, be prepared for some tolls. Last time I did that drive was about 10 years ago and I remember seeing corn fields and nothingness.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by pretendingtowork

Depending on what route you take, be prepared for some tolls. Last time I did that drive was about 10 years ago and I remember seeing corn fields and nothingness.

I-70 from Bonner Springs to Topeka, KS, is toll. Once you get west of Chicago, I-80 (and later I-76) are both freeways the entire way into Denver.

[cubssoxfan]

If driving from Chicago, why would one use I-70?! The only choice is whether to use I-88 on Illinois, which is tolled 3/4 of it's route, or I-80 which is a freeway.

[Prodigal Native]

Originally Posted by synapse

It's dull. It's pretty amusing when you enter Colorado and there's this sign that says, "Welcome to Colorful Colorado!" with a picture of mountains on it - and all you see is flat plains in every direction, as far as you can see.

Potentially NSFW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV3E5e7fZ6M

[denverian]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

If driving from Chicago, why would one use I-70?! The only choice is whether to use I-88 on Illinois, which is tolled 3/4 of it's route, or I-80 which is a freeway.

So you can see Kansas? lol! It's just like Nebraska, only a little warmer

[reed303]

If you don't take I-80, you will miss the "Archway to Nowhere"

Great Platte River Road Archway Monument - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by ironlady

We've done that drive. It's pretty unmemorable. And long. You're driving mostly across plains, except for a lovely bit in Iowa, which is rolling hills. No, Colorado roads aren't as bad as LA roads. LA roads are bad because since it rains so little, the oil just builds up and makes it slick when the rain finally comes down.

Agree. Piece of cake, usually. We've done it many times.

Originally Posted by mk5650

Wow, I had no idea ice could still be a concern during this time, thank you much for letting me know! And it's comforting to know that in case of inclement weather, the terrain is relatively flat the whole way so the level of danger is slightly better. But I'll definitely keep a close eye on the weather!

Our experience is that in April, the weather doesn't *usually* get really bad until you reach Ogallala, Nebraska, and not always then. Often the rain changes to snow there. You're on the high plains, going uphill, but you don't much notice it. Chicago is 600' in elevation, Ogallala is 3200'. At Oagllala you get on I-76 into Denver.

[Ice Mike]

The only thing you have to worry about is falling asleep during the drive on I-70 West of I-135 because it is the most dull drive in the country.

[philberf]

Originally Posted by Ice Mike

The only thing you have to worry about is falling asleep during the drive on I-70 West of I-135 because it is the most dull drive in the country.

But what about the windmills?!

[Ice Mike]

Originally Posted by philberf

But what about the windmills?!

And the museum with the two-headed cow!