The Dakotas both have their plusses and minuses, as far as one over the over might be concerned.

If sticking to interstates (as you probably need to do for times' sake), you'll have less mileage going 94 -- 120 miles less (about 2 hours), straight through Chicago (ugh, the traffic and the tolls), and down to I-80. If you take the 90 to I-29 south, to I-80, you'll have more corn fields (Iowa), 120 miles, a little less traffic, and a few less tolls. You'll have to choose, more miles or more traffic.

On the way back, you could take I-70 all the way across (with more tolls in PA) and have some gorgeous scenery west of Denver and all the way across the rest of CO and most of UT's 70. When 70 ends, take the 15 south. I've done this route, it's a good one. Be aware that there are 108 miles of no services along I-70, between Green River UT and Salina UT. Fuel up either in Grand Junction/Fruita (less expensive) or Green River. That's the San Rafael Swell area, really stunning in its own way. Between Denver and Grand Junction, it's mountains, ski areas, and (on Fridays and Sundays) a bit of traffic between Denver and Glenwood Springs.


Donna