Ohio State Buckeyes 2022-2023 ... The Drive For Duluth

[Hockeybuckeye]

FWIW, when I drive to/from Columbus, I skip Chicago altogether. I use I-74 to I-39 from Indianapolis to Rockford via Bloomington IL. It's a little longer, but basically no traffic, and skips all the tolls except one near the Wisconsin state line.

How much longer than the route I described?

[osualum86]

Mrs 86 and I have taken that route up to Wisconsin in the past. It drives you an hour or more out of the way, but it's worth it to miss all the tolls and bumper-to-bumper traffic jams in Chicago.

[pgb-ohio]

I have a fair amount of experience with the various Columbus to WI/MN routes. The posters on the thread have done a good job identifying the main options.

1. I-39 Route: '86 is correct. It's an hour or more extra. Personally I only use it if I'm avoiding a major storm, or rush hour traffic in the Chicago area. Even if it's totally clear sailing on I-39, you just can't get that hour back. However if avoiding tolls is your priority, then this is absolutely the way to go.

2. I-355 Route Posted By HockeyBuckeye: Works fine. You wind up going through the Downers Grove area in the SW burbs. It's a little longer than than the I-294 option, assuming traffic is moving on both routes.

3. I-294 to I-290 to I-90: I-294 is usually referred to as the Tri-State Tollway, or simply the Tri-State. Next you'd take Westbound I-290 toward Rockford. Then Westbound I-90; now known as the Jane Addams. And yes, unlike Columbus, Chicagoans really use the names.

I traveled through the Chicago Area last December. Going West, I took the Tri-State. Coming back East, I took the I-355 option. (North-South Tollway) Both worked just fine.

Much of the Tri-State rebuild is done. Back in December, the work zone was basically from I-55 (The Stevenson) to 95th Street. (US12/20) There wasn't much construction going on. Didn't affect my drive at all. But if they've cranked the construction back up, that would be good to know.

Tip: Assuming there's no sporting event on airwaves, WGN-AM 720 gives frequent traffic updates. You could let WGN determine which option to take.

[Nowheresville]

The I-39 route is only 30 more miles than I-355. I'm not sure how that works out to be an hour or more extra for anyone, especially with the lack of traffic on the route.

Personally, I drive through Chicago frequently and I almost never use I-355 - I find I'm more likely to hit traffic on the longer section of I-80 on that route than I am on I-294/I-290, so along with the extra tolls and distance is just never worth it. I'm more likely to plow through the Loop on I-90/94 than I am to take I-355.

If you aren't familiar with Chicago, traffic on the radio can be tough to follow, because they always use the highway names (Tri-State, Dan Ryan, Kennedy, etc). In this day and age, turning on the traffic layer of google maps is easier and more effective anyway.

[pgb-ohio]

The I-39 route is only 30 more miles than I-355. I'm not sure how that works out to be an hour or more extra for anyone, especially with the lack of traffic on the route.

I'm quite surprised by the 30 miles figure. Maybe I'll have to try I-39 again!

Personally, I drive through Chicago frequently and I almost never use I-355 - I find I'm more likely to hit traffic on the longer section of I-80 on that route than I am on I-294/I-290, so along with the extra tolls and distance is just never worth it. I'm more likely to plow through the Loop on I-90/94 than I am to take I-355.

Taking the I-90 option in Indiana, you wind up on the Chicago Skyway. You drive through the heavy industry area in Gary & Hammond, Indiana. Assuming traffic is flowing, I believe that's actually the fastest.

I didn't recommend it because I thought that relative newcomers wouldn't want to drive to the Loop. But if you want simple numbers -- get on I-90 in NW Indiana, and just stay on I-90 all the way to Tomah, Wisconsin.

If you aren't familiar with Chicago, traffic on the radio can be tough to follow, because they always use the highway names (Tri-State, Dan Ryan, Kennedy, etc). In this day and age, turning on the traffic layer of google maps is easier and more effective anyway.

Well, I wouldn't use anything that would require me to take my eyes off the road while driving. The wife and daughter were never enthusiastic about navigating. And many times I'm driving alone anyhow. So local knowledge + AM 720 has worked well for me over the years.

But your point is well taken. While the freeway names become second nature for regulars, they are challenging for infrequent visitors.

[Still Eeyore]

Mrs 86 and I have taken that route up to Wisconsin in the past. It drives you an hour or more out of the way, but it's worth it to miss all the tolls and bumper-to-bumper traffic jams in Chicago.

The only way to drive through Chicago and retain your sanity is to do it between 11pm and 4am.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

The only way to drive through Chicago and retain your sanity is to do it between 11pm and 4am.

Having done this a few times myself, I agree, although even with reduced traffic you will still see some very crazy drivers...Just not as many of them.

[Hockeybuckeye]

I booked my hotel before the semi's so no teams were assigned hotels yet and by very good fortune it's Ohio State's team hotel! Gotta love it!
We're at The Inn on Lake Superior.

[Still Eeyore]

Having done this a few times myself, I agree, although even with reduced traffic you will still see some very crazy drivers...Just not as many of them.

There are places where the posted speed limits are more a suggestion than an actual law. In Chicago, they are examples of speculative fiction.

[drewkal]

I booked my hotel before the semi's so no teams were assigned hotels yet and by very good fortune it's Ohio State's team hotel! Gotta love it!
We're at The Inn on Lake Superior.

Make sure to try the Reuben sandwich at the Canal Park Brewing Co next-door!

[Hockeybuckeye]

Make sure to try the Reuben sandwich at the Canal Park Brewing Co next-door!

A number of the restaurants in the immediate vicinity we found closed early due to the weather.
But I do like Rubens!

[Still Eeyore]

A number of the restaurants in the immediate vicinity we found closed early due to the weather.
But I do like Rubens!

[D2D]

Great challenge by Muzzy. No goal due to hand pass.

[KTDC]

During between periods interview Emma Maltais’ eyes shot thru my TV screen and temporarily blinded me!!

[Hockeybuckeye]

Great challenge by Muzzy. No goal due to hand pass.

Not only a hand pass but Jaques looked to be cross checked down from behind resulting in the turnover and keeping her out of the ensuring play.