Chicago for a day or two
 

My sister and I are planning a cross country trip and our route from west to east takes us right through Chicago. We would like to spend two nights and a full day there just to take in the major sights. We would be approaching the city on I-80 (unless there's a better route?) and leaving on I-94 heading for the Buffalo area.

Should we try to find lodging right in the middle of town, or would it be better to stay somewhere off the interstate and take a train or bus into the city? Neither of us feels too confident about driving on surface streets in big cities.

Thanks for any help!

We stayed in Chicago (right in the downtown area) and instead of driving (which we wouldn't have had a problem with) we took public transportation. We had a great time, it's a beautiful city rich in art and architecture. It's also a very walkable city. I would stay in the middle of town.

we were in chicago last year and found it very easy to navigate downtown. stayed at the w hotel, very chic, hip and loud....but fun. i'd recommend staying downtown as you can get to everything from there. and the waterside is beautiful.

by "middle of town" I mean downtown.

Michigan Ave and Lakeshore Drive are about the only 2 city streets that are "scary" driving to me. You won't need to drive those streets to see major sites, as Chicago is very walkable and has good public transportation. Try to get a hotel in the Loop/Theater District. It's sorta in the middle of downtown and you can walk to many sites from there.

It all depends on your price range, but an inexpensive downtown hotel is the Red Roof Inn +1 (312) 787-3580 at 162 E Ontario St Chicago, IL. I like a cheap clean room and spend my money on other things. Here you would be just off of Michigan, within walking distance of Navy Pier, Grant Park, and The Art Institute. There is also a free trolley in the summer that runs from Michigan Ave to Navy Pier. There are plenty of great more expensive hotels. If you want atmosphere stay at the Palmer House Hilton across from the art institute, but for me that's a splurge. If you want a view of the lake in the same area try W. ( I bevieve that's the hotel) Have fun!

Look into the Chicago City Pass, it will give you a discount on some of the major museum attractions and Sears Tower or John Hancock Observation decks.

I think staying downtown is worth it, especially if you're only planning on spending one day in Chicago. Just be aware that you'll likely have to pay to park your car. From there you'll be in walking or easy cab/transit distance to the Art Institute, Millennium and Grant Parks, the Magnificent Mile, and the Loop. The Field Museum, Soldier Field and planetarium are a little further south but still a quick bus trip. Wrigley Field is a pretty short el ride north, though with such a quick trip I'd skip that unless you're big baseball fans. With only one day you'll have to prioritize what's important to you.