Best Driving Roads near Chicago

Chicago has to be one of the hardest places to find good driving roads. Let's share our collective knowledge and discuss our favorites. This has been previously discussed, but needs more attention. I've mapped out nice-looking routes on google maps only to find that they are not drivable in person...Give specific routes and details!

My criteria:
1. Not too far from Chicago or suburbs. I'd say 3 hours max but obviously closer is better.
2. Not crowded.
3. Decent road quality.
4. Twists and turns.
5. High speed limits relative to the road.
6. No speed traps!
7. Scenic drives are nice, but I want roads that are about driving, not just scenery.

I just did a 7 hour drive going SW yesterday to Starved Rock, so I'll start with my observations from that drive.

The drive on Route 71 through the park itself is a very nice (scenic) drive. But way too crowded, lots of blind turns, etc. I started in Morris South of the Illinois River and went the whole way starting on Route 6 then 55 before turning onto 71 South of Ottawa. The drive TO Starved Rock was good, but I think I should have stayed North of the river on Route 6 until at least Marseilles. (Any input?)

 

One of the routes I take is Rand Road (12) to Bonner road, left on Bonner to 120, west on 120 until it turns into Charles road. Take that to 176, turn right and it takes you to 47. Take 47 north to WI 120 (right) to WI route 50 near Lake Geneva. Take 50 east to Route W turn right toward Wilmot. Take that to C and C east takes you to 294. I take 294 South back to Lake County

 

I live around wilmot. There are some fantastic roads around there and south into northern illinois. I've been looking for people to meet up with and go for a drive. I'll post more details later.


Mike

 

I know some great routes out near Galena. Very little traffic, miles and miles of curvy roads and nice scenery. Better than anything else I've driven in Illinois. It's a haul to get out there but definitely worth it. Would love to get together with other owners for a cruise.

 

Try the roads in and around Mt Horeb to New Glarus (WI). It's a bit further than the immediate Chicago area, although it still meets your 3 hour criteria.

 

Road America.



Matt

 

The driftless area of south west Wisconsin is worth a bit longer drive. Have a look at a map.

 

Planning a drive out to Galena with another 458 owner towards the end of the month. Anyone interested in joining?

 

I've been wanting to run out to Galena too. Post the date you're considering when your plans firm up and perhaps I'll join.

I failed to mention in my initial post that I also checked out I-180 just East of Princeton, IL. This is probably the best road for driving fast that I have found thus far in IL. It's basically like a highway to nowhere. Very little traffic, 70-MPH speed limits, divided four-lane highway. The surface is far from perfect, but not bad either. If you're ever in the area I highly recommend checking it out.

 

^^^ I'm interested in the Galena drive

 

I'm interested in the Galena drive. Me and another GTS owner went there like 2 weeks ago. It was super fun. The highway was empty so...yea... lol

 

Depending on dates etc, I'd be interested in the Galena drive as well.

 

Will send everyone a PM to coordinate dates!

 

I'm interested as well.

 

Put me on the list too...or just post it.

 

+1 Galena list please

 

PMs sent.

Date is set for Saturday August 29th contingent on weather.

So far 7 confirmed. Will keep everyone updated via PM/email. Rather not post details publicly just to keep the group size manageable and exclusive to fchat members. Thanks!

 

Can the newbie that just bought his f430 on Thursday join in? I think I have foo fighters tickets that evening but would love to join an early drive.

 

Yes of course! Check PM

 

I'm in to on the galena drive

 

Galena drive is still on for this Saturday. Anyone else interested in joining?

 

Awesome.

How many cars are we expecting?

 

7 cars, but I'm guessing a few may drop out. Looks like a few passing showers in the morning around the chicago area, but the forecast for galena is sunny & clear all day.

 

Any estimate on total mileage starting from the western suburbs?

 

roughly 300 miles round trip