[linux3]

Humm, you can't get there from NJ. The Great Lakes are in the way.
I would head over to I-81 North to I-90 West. Cross into Canada at Buffalo and QEW to Detroit.
I-75 North through the UP and cross back into Canada at The Sault. ON-17 and West.
Not real direct but good roads and the UP is worth seeing plus you avoid the mess that is Toronto and Hamilton traffic. The 401 in Canada is the busiest road in North America. Fact!
On the return it will add miles but save time if you travel well South of Chicago.

We mostly took US 30. Sure you have to go slower, but I don't really want to go faster than 65 MPH anyway. Yes, there are towns you have to pass through but we saw many interesting sights. And it ends at Atlantic City.