Central Texas to Western Michigan in July

Thanks again, Tom. I had routed us north but think I will change that to the southern loop around St. Louis

If you really want to drive through St Louis (I still do it from time to time) take I-270 south to I-255/I-55 for connection to I-70. This route is still mostly rural Interstate, through truck traffic with moderate local traffic.

Before this one was opened, I often tried 270 north to 70. Twenty tears ago it was already crazy with local traffic, people getting on, trying to move over four lanes of traffic to go 80-90 mph to their exit 1-2 miles ahead, then cutting back across. INTENSE. The problem is not so much the speed you are driving, rather so many other people are trying to drive 20-30 mph over the speed limit and being really aggressive about claiming space on the road.

My trips usually had me eastbound Friday afternoon ahead of rush hour, westbound on Sunday mornings. Sunday mornings weren't bad, particularly before 8 AM, so I would take 70 west to 270. Eastbound, staying on I-44 until it ended, then following 55/64/70 (all on one bridge) until my highway of choice (55 or 70 depending on destination) split off, was a lot less hassle, and faster, than trying to loop around the west and north sides. Speed limits drop, traffic speeds drop, but it is still less time getting through the city.

Loop around the south and east is not any faster, because of the extra distance, but of all the ways through the St Louis area, it is usually easiest on the blood pressure. Which is my emphasis now, not being in a hurry, not minding an extra half day of driving time to have it leisurely driving all the way.

Thank you, Tom. I looked at your routes and while they are interesting, my husband just almost insists on driving only the Interstates while towing the boat. Taking Highway 24 across to IH-65 is one exception on this trip. We are headed to Muskegon and then Spring Lake. We will take turns driving but I suspect that he will do more than I will.

I was thinking of driving around St. Louis on IH-270 North and then IH-70 east. That would be on Saturday afternoon of holiday weekend.

We usually don't go faster than 62 mph and while we are not rushing, we do want to make it there in three days if we can.

Thanks again!

From NE Oklahoma to western Michigan, trip I make several times a year, I usually route through Hannibal (to avoid St Louis), then Springfield (Illinois), to US-24.

From 24 I'll usually go north in western Indiana, US-421 from Reynolds to Michigan City, though it really just depends on where you are going in Michigan or northern Indiana, as US-31 and I-69 are good if your destination is further east.

How I get to Hannibal varies a lot, depending on whether I feel like dealing with Kansas City, which in turn depends on time of day reaching Kansas City.

Sometimes I'll go up to US-54 (on US-75 or US-169, as US-69 is slow) and follow 54 through Missouri, taking a late cutoff (MO-19) into Hannibal, or if not stopping in Hannibal will take 54 all the way to I-72. On that last one, beware that the bridge at Louisiana is narrow. Wide enough for regular use by full-size trucks, but too narrow for oversize traffic and intimidating for a lot of RVers who just aren't that sure about being so close to the edge of the road.

If I feel like going through KC, I'll go up US-75 or US-169/US-59 to I-35, go through the middle or around 435 to the east, then follow I-35 to US-36, which takes me to the north side of Hannibal.

I've taken US-24 from Paris, Missouri to connect with US-36 into Hannibal, and I've taken US-24 all the way from the east side of Kansas City to Fort Wayne.

Both are interesting trips, going through some neat little towns (and no big cities unless you want to include Quincy and Peoria as big cities) but 24 is a lot slower than the combination of US-36 and the rural Interstates in Illinois. Peoria and Quincy will both slow you down, you have to go through part of the developed area.

US-36 through Missouri might as well be an Interstate. There are no signals between Cameron and Hannibal, and while not fully limited access, all the major highway intersections, and small cities, have interchanges.

Speed limits on non-Interstate highways in Illinois are low, much lower than on US and state highways in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Indiana is a little more reasonable, but you will still not see limits higher than 65 where it is divided highway, or 55 on the two lanes.

I've been on those routes, and the Kankakee cutoff is kind of winding and generally a slow 2 lane. Imo, 24 is a quicker, better option. To shave another couple of miles, you could take 41 north in Indiana to 14 or 10, then to 65. 41 is a good, 4 lane divided hwy with little traffic.

Thanks, everyone.

We traveled on US 69 back in the 1990's and the road was rough. Took it again in 2008 and it seemed okay. Will rethink that part.

Husband prefers Interstates when towing so I am not sure how the Kankakee route would sit with him. Think we might be better off driving straight on Highway 24 but I will ask him.

I just discovered RoadNow last week. It is a great source.

Thanks again

If those routes feel better to you good enough...however I would suggest 2 changes.

1. Check the RoadNow website before you leave...it's a good source of current highway conditions. Also during major travel times road construction is sometimes suspended.

2. The favored Chicago by pass used by the Illinois locals, although US-24 is ok, out of Kankakee taking Rts 17, 114 and 10 will put you at Exit 230 on I-65 is preferred.

Buy and wear a mouth guard like football players wear. US 69 through Oklahoma will buzz your teeth. I've had to lean up from the seat back to talk on the phone... the vibrations made my voice quiver!


Just kidding... but you'll remember what I said.

Probably as good as any. Only traffic might be the folks traveling to friends, parties, the beach, etc. Think I'd consider getting off the road a little early on the 4th.