Chicago to LOTO
 

I'm going to Lake of the Ozarks for the first time for the shootout. Mapquest from Chicago area is saying to take 55s to 72 to 54. Anyone know if this is a good route? Is 54 a good way to go and easy to tow on? I know some roads down there are two lane roller coasters and it looks like Ill be on it for over 100 miles.

Just make sure you take 72 all the way to Hannibal, MO. Then take 61 south through Hannibal, exit on 19 toward Center, and then it will hook back up with 54. The 54 bridge at Louisana, MO is very narrow for trailering. Can be done, but the Hannibal route is much easier.

What's the difference in time savings going that way vs. 55 S all the way to 70 W to 54. All interstate and should be no problems. Stayin off some of the two lanes might make it worth it.

Watch ur speed through the little MO towns. They mean it when they say 30mph. Trust me.

I go to Loto by way of 55 to St Louis to 70 west to 54 south. I prefer freeways rather than 2 lane narrow roads with Barney Fife looking to pull over the big boat. The firstt time we went we took the short route as I was told. I almost had a heart attack going over this very narrow bridge that was not wide enough for my boat and any other vehicle. Thank goodness no one else was on the long bridge when we crossed in the middle of the bridge with flashers on. Never again. I will stick the freeways from now on.

It will take you an hour longer. Plus you have to screw with St Louis, so maybe more. 72 to Hannibal to 19 is way better. Only a couple small towns that take literally seconds to go through. You are only on 2 lane for about an hour, and it is very good two lane.

Sissy

Have taken this route for 11 years and it is the best.

I did it last year from Chicago and went via the freeways...aside from decent trailering all the way, I like the idea of gas, rest stops and places to eat along the way. The ride was great all the way until we hit just outside of St. Louis, then we got hit with one of the storms that had a tornado lurking about...needed to pull over for a couple of hours, but after that...it was a smooth run. Had a fella "JMS" I'd been chatting with down there be the absolute consummate host...showed me LOTO and even took care of a minor mechanical issue on my boat...the best. If this is your first drive, take the interstates...after that, try other routes if you'd like.

Make sure you take 54 into osage beach and not business 54 bagnell dam if you are towing. The road across the dam is wide enough for 2 model T's to pass.

True dat! Always exciting when I pull my boat across the dam when I am staying in Porta Cima.

We take the same route, when pulling the boat from Champaign/Urbana. Seems like we always hit some kind of traffic jam going thru St. Louis.

You ever splash on Clinton lake?

For 8+ years we pulled from Madison WI to LOTO, Always took the interstate 55 to I270 to 370 (City Bypass) to I70 to 54 It was a difference of 20 minutes, longer in a 8.5 hour trip.

Personally I always liked the non-hassle of 4 lanes compared to the cattle paths, We also ALWAYS liked being able to get food and fuel when it was our choice, not having to worry about it.

Once you get into MO fuel drops 10-20 cents per gallon so take that into consideration in your p[lan. In IL, Lincoln always had the best prices for fuel in that stretch.

Also you will want to fuel the boat once you get to LOTO, the prices are still the cheepest here compared to the surrounding areas.

I have taken 72 to 54 for years, narrow bridge included. Just for grins I pulled the boat down 55 to 270 to 70. I won't do that again! Between the construction and the traffic jams it took us an extra hour to get there. I'll take a narrow bridge any day (until I get a wide Cat :D).

So there you have it, we all agree! :lolhit:

Thanks for the help guys, we are staying at Mariners Pier so I have to find out where that is and decide on a route. I like the idea of less 2 lane.

We have not been there in years. Around here we go to Lake Shelbyville.