36 east from Denver

[gwwing2]

Will be heading east to the Maritimes after Labor Day. I am considering taking 36 out of Denver. Those that have traveled that route or parts of it have any suggestions? Know of road conditions or any pros or cons of the route? I am guessing it could be similar to the Lincoln Highway. I have driven highway 70 and am looking for a possible alternative.
Thanks

[Busskipper]

Thom02099 wrote:
As stated above, US 36 from Colorado across Kansas and Missouri is a good drive and a wonderful alternative to the I's. While it is 2 lane in Kansas, there are occasional passing lanes, it's a wide roadway, and on more than a few occasions I've seen slower traffic move over a bit to the shoulder to let others pass. In Kansas, towns are spread out about every 30-35 miles apart, so there are opportunities to stop and stretch your legs, get fuel, or grab a bite to eat. If you make your own lunches, there are generally some nice parks in each of the towns along the way, that would be a good place to pull over.

Also in Kansas, is the Geographical Center of the (Lower 48) United States. It's just outside Lebanon KS, and is an interesting stop to stretch and get a photo op. There's signage and a small chapel there, and just to the west is an abandoned motel; some entrepreneur at one time thought it might be a big tourist attraction. Didn't work out that way.

In Missouri, it's 4 lane all the way across. The eastbound side seems to be a bit more rolling than the westbound side, presumably due to that side being the original roadway when it was turned into a 4 lane. Doesn't really slow you down, just something that I observed in traveling that route.

Once I get to Hannibal MO, I usually get back on the I's for further driving east (usually to Indiana). I-72 is a good route across Illinois and avoids major cities. In Illinois there are a variety of choices of routes beyond Illinois, just depending on your personal preference. For me, I'd take going through Indy any time over having to go through the Chicagoland traffic.

As usual Thom has put this in perspective - but - IMHO the part of Rt 36 leaves a little to be desired and on my last few trips I have headed out on I-70 going all the way to Exit 45 in Kansas and the Diagonal Rt 83 to Rt 36 This route (IMHO) eliminates the only roads that have tended to be forgotten in the repair and Maintenance, the roads are passable but for me require you to slow down so much you lose time and my last 7 trips were A to B trips and I found this route to just be a little faster.

As for the rest Thom and I would agree - enjoy your trip, as Rt 36 is just a better way to go.

Best of Luck,

[Thom02099]

As stated above, US 36 from Colorado across Kansas and Missouri is a good drive and a wonderful alternative to the I's. While it is 2 lane in Kansas, there are occasional passing lanes, it's a wide roadway, and on more than a few occasions I've seen slower traffic move over a bit to the shoulder to let others pass. In Kansas, towns are spread out about every 30-35 miles apart, so there are opportunities to stop and stretch your legs, get fuel, or grab a bite to eat. If you make your own lunches, there are generally some nice parks in each of the towns along the way, that would be a good place to pull over.

Also in Kansas, is the Geographical Center of the (Lower 48) United States. It's just outside Lebanon KS, and is an interesting stop to stretch and get a photo op. There's signage and a small chapel there, and just to the west is an abandoned motel; some entrepreneur at one time thought it might be a big tourist attraction. Didn't work out that way.

In Missouri, it's 4 lane all the way across. The eastbound side seems to be a bit more rolling than the westbound side, presumably due to that side being the original roadway when it was turned into a 4 lane. Doesn't really slow you down, just something that I observed in traveling that route.

Once I get to Hannibal MO, I usually get back on the I's for further driving east (usually to Indiana). I-72 is a good route across Illinois and avoids major cities. In Illinois there are a variety of choices of routes beyond Illinois, just depending on your personal preference. For me, I'd take going through Indy any time over having to go through the Chicagoland traffic.

[CloudDriver]

We used route 36 across MO and KS a few years back on the way to Great Sand Dunes in southern CO. Did not drive 36 in CO.

Route 36 is 2 lane across KS and a relaxed drive. We stopped at Prairie Dog State Park near Norton KS for an overnight. If you are interested, there is a Pony Express station in Marysville KS.

Route 36 in MO is a divided highway and another nice drive.

For your consideration, when heading west this last May we used route 30 between Mansfield OH and Van Wert OH. A nice divided highway with few trucks. We then used route 224 to route 24 across IN and on into IL. Route 224 is 2 lane and route 24 is divided highway as far west as Logansport IN, then 2 lane on west. This route avoids the toll roads in IN and OH as well as the crazy traffic on I80 around Chicago. We went through that traffic on the way home and won't be doing that again on future trips.

[brooks379]

Wide open and very little traffic. The road is in good condition. I like to go to Bennett fuel up and go across 36. Not much out across there , high plains and open country.