St. Joe's, MI to Chicago route

[Conway Bennett]

The weather is getting good so I am thinking about riding from St. Joe's, MI to Chicago on Thursday if it is an enjoyabl(ish) route. I would appreciate any advice if you have taken a route that connects the two. Thanks in advance.

[Tom Palmer]

I second the request. I have been planning a ride around Lake Michigan in the fall and this has been the largest concern. Crazy Guy on Bike has several stories about it but nothing obvious to me for the southern end of the lake,

Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI

[Jim S.]

I rode part of this route, Evanston to Michigan City, en route to South Bend, way back in 1991! I can't believe it's been that long.

(I had a black and orange Cannondale mountain bike - I could have purchased a Bridgestone and I have no idea why I didn't. I thought Cannondales were so cool when I was 20.)

Were I to undertake this ride today, I'd just use the google map route for bicycle. I just reviewed the suggested route. It's not awful. And there's some nice parts, like the ride through Indiana Dunes.

The most direct route would be through Gary, which I think is probably undesirable. I still remember my ride through Gary - I had no maps. I went through Gary because I was navigating by following the lake. There were four ferocious junkyard dogs that came barreling at me from various directions as I made my way through town. For those terrifying moments, I became a very strong rider.

[Kevin M]

There's a rail trail detour that'll add a few miles around Gary if you don't want to go that way, but it's fine. I've ridden through Gary a few times and it's really nothing to worry about. Just take the most direct route through there and you'll be fine. 

Lakeshore and Red Arrow Hwy are probably your best options and it should be quiet for auto traffic for the time being! Be aware that the lake front path and the bike path by Wolf Lake in Chicago are currently closed to bikes. 

Kevin

In Madison, WI

But formerly of Chicago and NWI

[marshmonster]

I ride from Chicago to New Buffalo at least once a year, this is roughly the route I take: https://goo.gl/maps/6bdPWJDeQEZogXrj7

Really nice trails that go around Gary. FYI not sure if they are all currently open, the lakefront trail in Chicago is closed and the City is in lockdown.

Not the best time for a visit IMO. I can post an old Apple Cider Century route if you want some noce quite roads to ride on.

- Fred

[djm323]

Ive ridden this route and it is quite pleasant if you go south of Gary and take the Erie Lackawanna, Oak Savannah, and Prairie Duneland trails.  US Bike Route 35 is a good route (and well-marked) along the lake in SW Michigan except for a few busy miles than can be detoured.  Let me know if you want a detailed route.

Dan

Chicagaux • USA

[Scott Marriott]

I've ridden this way several times to Three Oaks, MI for the Apple Cider Century. It is a great route until you hit Michigan. (There is a 1/2 mile or so transition in Michigan City from the Dunes Trail that is not great.)