Chicago to Glacier...recommend a route thats not all interstate?

[daveRG]

Hi all,


I know 90 and 94 to 2 is the easiest/quickest route...but I've built in extra time so that I could avoid the interstates as much as possible. For example, maybe picking up 2 in Wisconsin (recognizing I'll have to go out of the way north to pick it up)?

Any experiences or suggestions for smaller highways or routes for me? Trips are just more interesting off the super slab.

Also, I'd welcome any suggestions for places to check out as well...

We're leaving next week towing a 30' TT.

Thank for any replies.


Dave

[Cooperhawk]

If you have the time Hwy 2 would be a great drive. Lots of small towns and places to see all across norther Wi. and Mn. as well as ND and Montana. We have driven a good bit of it and loved it, but take your time.

[daveRG]

Thanks...do I need to be concerned with 1) gas station distances, 2) number of campgrounds along the way?


My truck is pretty thirsty towing the TT.

[cyclist922]

We drove highway 2 across North Dakota and Montana to Glacier last year. Great drive.

[NRR]

If you really want to stay off the interstate pick up US Rt. 12 north in Chicago. You can take that all the way to Eau Claire. Pick up Rt. 53 north to Rt. 2.

The only hectic part of Rt. 12 is when it becomes the “Belt Line” around Madison.

I see you have a bunkhouse. So I assume kids. The first night stop could be at the Dells.

I would take Rt. 12 to Rt. 51 north (just as you enter Madison). Rt. 51 joins I39 at Portage (mild traffic compared to I90/I94) and heads north after I39 ends in Wausau

[daveRG]

Great tip...thanks. I thought I wanted to stay off the interstate...but now people are telling me Highway-wise 2 and 94 are pretty much the same. I'm also hearing that 94 is just as pretty and offers more places to see, and that 2 doesn't really offer that much of a benefit over 94 in terms of scenery, interesting stops, and "small town travelling". So now I'm not sure...


I'm used to Interstates like 95 or 40, where there's a drastic difference with the smaller highways...

[NRR]

I90 is more interesting than I94 in my opinion. Both get you to Billings, MT.