The Cost of a Trip Between Cherry Valley, Illinois and Grand Haven, Michigan
When planning a trip, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost. This includes not only accommodation and food expenses but also transportation costs. For travelers looking to journey between Cherry Valley, Illinois and Grand Haven, Michigan, it is crucial to evaluate different routes and calculate the expenses associated with each option. In this article, we will break down the various possible routes, highlight the costs and distances of each, and ultimately recommend the best route based on current gas prices.
Route 1: Via I-90 E and I-94 W
One of the most straightforward and commonly used routes between Cherry Valley and Grand Haven is to travel via I-90 E and I-94 W. This route covers approximately 242 miles and can be completed in around 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
To estimate the cost of this trip, we need to consider the price of gasoline and the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle. As of the time of writing this article, the national average gasoline price is $2.88 per gallon. If your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would require approximately 9.68 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This results in a fuel cost of roughly $27.90 for one-way travel.
Route 2: Via IL-173 W and US-31 N
For those who prefer a more scenic drive with less highway traffic, an alternative route between Cherry Valley and Grand Haven is to travel via IL-173 W and US-31 N. This route covers around 221 miles and can be completed in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Considering the same fuel efficiency and gas price mentioned earlier, this route would require roughly 8.84 gallons of gas for one-way travel, amounting to a fuel cost of approximately $25.47.
Route 3: Via I-39 N and US-20 W
For travelers seeking a slightly different experience, another option is to take a route that includes I-39 N and US-20 W. This route covers about 231 miles and can be completed in around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Using the same fuel efficiency and gas price as before, this route would consume roughly 9.24 gallons of gas for one-way travel, resulting in a fuel cost of approximately $26.65.
Route 4: Via US-20 W and I-196 N
Lastly, an alternative route that bypasses major highways is to travel via US-20 W and I-196 N. This route covers around 266 miles and can be completed in approximately 5 hours.
Based on the previous fuel efficiency and gas price, this route would require approximately 10.64 gallons of gas for one-way travel, amounting to a fuel cost of roughly $30.67.
Recommend Route: Via I-90 E and I-94 W
Considering both the cost and distance of each route, as well as the travel time, the most recommendable route between Cherry Valley and Grand Haven is via I-90 E and I-94 W. This route offers the shortest distance at 242 miles, the least travel time at around 4 hours, and a relatively lower fuel cost of approximately $27.90 for one-way travel.
While the difference in fuel costs among the various routes is not staggering, every dollar saved can be significant, especially for long-distance trips. Additionally, the convenience of major highways and the relatively shorter travel time make this route an attractive choice for many travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Cherry Valley, Illinois and Grand Haven, Michigan, is primarily influenced by the price of gas and the distance traveled. After examining several potential routes, it is evident that the most recommendable path is via I-90 E and I-94 W. This route offers a favorable balance of cost and convenience, with a one-way travel time of approximately 4 hours and a fuel cost of around $27.90. However, it is crucial to consider other factors such as traffic conditions and personal preferences when making travel decisions. Bon voyage!