Hey I was hoping to solicit the opinions of the seasoned drivers here.

Making the drive from Chicago to Seattle next month. Looks like there are a couple of ways to make the drive.

Route 1: Google Maps suggested taking the I-90 then I-94 then I-90. This means I will go head to Wisconsin and further north through North Dakota.

Route 2: Take I-90 all the way. So I will head to Wisconsin and stay further south through South Dakota

I have actually driven the 1st route once, about 15 years ago. It was fine, though I remember hating the long boring trek through ND. From what I can tell, the two routes are pretty comparable. This time around it will be the wife and I, along with our 2 likely unhappy cats...so I am hoping to choose the easiest/fastest drive. With the cats in the car, we won't have much flexibility for "sightseeing", but a prettier drive would certainly be preferred.

Would anyone suggest one over the other?

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.