Thanks for the replies folks.
I really haven't picked the exact route yet, but we will be coming from North Chicago, near the Navy Training Center. Our son is graduating from the Boot Camp there.
We will be heading that way from So Cal this Thursday and sticking around for sight seeing for about a week. Any other 'must sees' that we should try to check out? This will be our first time in the area.
On the list so far is renting bikes for a day and checking out the country side, Navy Pier, river tour in Chicago, Amish country around Arcola, Chicago evening fireworks, HD museum and engine factory, as well as some dealerships.