Best Route from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Traverse City, Michigan (cost, routes)

[cdatotc]

We'll be driving a 26' Penske Moving Truck from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to our new house in Traverse City, Michigan. Google Maps shows the quickest route going through the upper peninsula of Michigan. A similar timed route is south through SD and across skirting Chicago and around the western shoreline side of Michigan. Has anyone traveled either of these routes (specifically the northern one) and can speak to which one they'd recommend traveling with a moving truck? Thanks in advance for any insight!

[BOBNCHI]

I've done it. IMHO, though it can be boring at times between Fargo and Mackinac, you're better sticking with the northern route. There is too much risk of traffic delays due to construction or accidents if going through Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago and northern Indiana.

[cdatotc]

We're not worried about "boring". Easy and less complications sounds perfect! Thanks for the feedback.

[reed303]

By all means avoid going around the south end of Lake Michigan. That area is a "choke point" for E-W truck traffic, and is a nightmare on a good day.

And the route signage can be misleading. BTDT :-(

Also, you could consider crossing the lake on the Ludington ferry :-)

https://goo.gl/maps/R2nA68G3sTtuAzzS7

https://www.ssbadger.com/

It does take large vehicles, but really won't save much time or expense. (Unless you were starting out in Milwaukee or something.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by cdatotc

We'll be driving a 26' Penske Moving Truck from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to our new house in Traverse City, Michigan. Google Maps shows the quickest route going through the upper peninsula of Michigan. A similar timed route is south through SD and across skirting Chicago and around the western shoreline side of Michigan. Has anyone traveled either of these routes (specifically the northern one) and can speak to which one they'd recommend traveling with a moving truck? Thanks in advance for any insight!

The northern route will go through remote areas on two lane roads. I do not like these roads for night driving.

https://goo.gl/maps/VnyQjMMLFKNbJihYA

I would consider sticking to the interstates.

Look at taking the 90 all the way to Rockford, then 39 South to 80 East to 94 East into Michigan. This route adds some extra miles but its all interstate highway. It avoids almost all of Chicago. It also avoids the small country roads through remote areas.

Going around Chicago on a Sunday morning is probably the best time.

[cdatotc]

Originally Posted by capoeira

The northern route will go through remote areas on two lane roads. I do not like these roads for night driving.

https://goo.gl/maps/VnyQjMMLFKNbJihYA

I would consider sticking to the interstates.

Look at taking the 90 all the way to Rockford, then 39 South to 80 East to 94 East into Michigan. This route adds some extra miles but its all interstate highway. It avoids almost all of Chicago. It also avoids the small country roads through remote areas.

Going around Chicago on a Sunday morning is probably the best time.

Thanks for the detailed route info and insight! I really appreciate it.

[bigbear99]

Nothing wrong with two lane roads. I live in an area where the nearest 4 lane road is an hour away. No problem driving locally. The major roads are wide, with generous breakdown lanes. Traffic is just not heavy enough to justify 4 lanes. It would be the same in the UP of Michigan. We call it heavy traffic when we have a vehicle in front of us.

Having lived in and around Chicago several times, I would avoid at all costs traversing the Chicago area or northern Indiana. You'll be hit with big tolls, unpredictable traffic jams, and having to deal with other crazy drivers cutting in front of you constantly. Givbe me a two lane road in a sparsely settled area anytime!