Driving from Lafayette, IN to Minneapolis and I want to avoid Chicago and interstates. (Joliet: ferries, retired)

[popcorn247]

I am at the beginning stages of planning a summer road trip to the Minneapolis area. I want to avoid interstate highways and any and all big cities. I will be starting my trip in Lafayette, Indiana. I am looking for suggestions of a good route through the Illinois portion of the trip.

[MSchemist80]

A quick google maps expedition gives the second recommended option to take a series of roads to I-74 west to I-39 North

rt-25 to rt-28 to rt-341 to rt-55 to rt-41 onto I-74 west

This adds a little less than an hour and 68 miles to your trip over the recommended route which is I-65 to I-80 to I-294 (toll) to I-90(toll).

[popcorn247]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

A quick google maps expedition gives the second recommended option to take a series of roads to I-74 west to I-39 North

rt-25 to rt-28 to rt-341 to rt-55 to rt-41 onto I-74 west

This adds a little less than an hour and 68 miles to your trip over the recommended route which is I-65 to I-80 to I-294 (toll) to I-90(toll).

Thanks....I would not want to go on I-74.....it is an interstate. Looking for an interesting, scenic route (if this is possible). Speed is not the issue....I want to enjoy the journey, not rush to the destination. I want to avoid interstates the entire trip to Minneapolis.

[deeman7]

There are a multitude of options. If you are looking for scenic, try to include northwest IL and Galena/Dubuque IA. The Driftless Zone area is very scenic.


There are some nice areas along the Illinois and Rock rivers as well.

[madpaddy]

Originally Posted by popcorn247

Thanks....I would not want to go on I-74.....it is an interstate. Looking for an interesting, scenic route (if this is possible). Speed is not the issue....I want to enjoy the journey, not rush to the destination. I want to avoid interstates the entire trip to Minneapolis.

Do what you wish, but there isn't much to see besides corn and soybeans from the Indiana border until the NW corner of IL or until you pass the border into Wisconsin, depending which way you go. I personally would zip through this part on the Interstate to give me more time to dawdle/explore in SW Wisconsin.

[popcorn247]

I have all the time I need. I am retired.

[Count David]

US-52 the entire way.

You go through Joliet, but don't hit much of Chicagoland otherwise.

[pvande55]

You probably want to go the Big River Road. But first you have to go west. Many US and State roads.

[Curly Q. Bobalink]

You could always follow Lake Michigan up around the east side through Michigan, and take the SS Badger from Ludington, MI, to Manitowoc, WI. Personally, I think that would be a great way to avoid Chicago altogether, and would add quite a bit to your trip. Heck, if you had the time, you could drive all the way around Lake Michigan, and then across WI.. I think there are other ferries as well. Never did it myself, but would like to.
Destinations : S.S Badger

[jasperhobbs]

Originally Posted by popcorn247

I have all the time I need. I am retired.

Head south to Texas and then head west through New Mexico and then head north all the way to North Dakota, then head east and you run smack, dab into Minneapolis. You will certainly avoid Chicago and lot of backroads you can take so you won't be on an interstate.