Brainerd to Gary: A Road Trip Guide

This route follows US-10 and I-94 east, a 560-mile journey that typically takes 8.5 to 9 hours of driving time, not counting breaks. The Mississippi River meets you early in Brainerd, then the landscape flattens into Wisconsin's dairy country and eventually the industrial edges of Gary, Indiana.

Your drive crosses three time zones? No, actually it stays in Central Time until Gary, which is on Eastern Time, so you lose an hour at the end. The route passes near the headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca, a geological anchor of the region.

Interstate safety is high, but weather can be a factor; check forecasts for thunderstorms in summer and black ice in winter. For families, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha and the Children's Museum of Eau Claire are engaging breaks.

Pet-friendly hotels are common near Interstate exits; Wisconsin Dells has several with dedicated dog parks. To manage fatigue, plan stops every two hours; the Wisconsin Welcome Centers at Hudson and Beloit offer clean restrooms and picnic areas.

A hidden gem off the interstate is the Chippewa River State Trail near Eau Claire, a short detour for a scenic walk. For local culture, stop at the Minneapolis Farmers Market on Sunday mornings when you pass through, or grab a burger at Culver's in Madison, a regional chain.

For more ideas, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

US-10 from Brainerd merges into I-94 in St. Cloud, then continues through Minneapolis–Saint Paul's eastern suburbs. Beyond the Twin Cities, I-94 runs nearly straight through Wisconsin, passing Eau Claire and Madison before entering Illinois.

• Major highways: US-10, I-94, I-90/I-94 in Chicago area
• Road quality is generally good on interstates, with rest areas roughly every 50 miles in Wisconsin and Illinois.
• Fuel prices dip by about 10% after crossing into Wisconsin, making Eau Claire a budget-friendly fill-up.

Chicago's congestion is the wildcard. If you hit the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) during rush hour, add 1–2 hours. The preferred alternative is I-80/94 south around the city, which will cost a toll of about $6.

Shortly after Brainerd, you cross the Mississippi River and pass the town of Aitkin, where the river widens into Mille Lacs Lake. In Wisconsin, the Driftless Area offers rolling hills and sandstone bluffs, a stark contrast to the flat prairie.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along this route include none directly, but the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Madison are nearby and worth a detour. The region's local commerce thrives on cheese shops and supper clubs, especially in small towns like Osseo and Menomonie.

Climatically, expect hot summers with high humidity and harsh winters, with lake-effect snow near Gary. For autumn trips, the fall colors peak in early October, making the drive picturesque.