Which route

Do you just want to avoid the one toll stretch of I-44 from the OK/ MO state line to OKC? Or avoid interstates altogether?
There are almost always good US highways somewhat paralleling the interstates that are more scenic but typically slower due to going thru towns with reduced speed limits and traffic lights. But that is the preferred way to travel by many.

BB_TX wrote:
Do you just want to avoid the one toll stretch of I-44 from the OK/ MO state line to OKC? Or avoid interstates altogether?
There are almost always good US highways somewhat paralleling the interstates that are more scenic but typically slower due to going thru towns with reduced speed limits and traffic lights. But that is the preferred way to travel by many.

I was mainly curious because the GPS asked me if I wanted to avoid tolls. Also wondered if it was a more scenic route.

Almost all routes are more scenic than an interstate.

One trip, running fat, I got on US 50 just west of St Louis, and stayed on that out to Hutchinson Ks, dropped south west on a state highway to pick up US 54. Crossed the interstate at Tucumcari. 50 runs the interstate in KC area. All good roads in a overloaded semi, likely not the most scenic, but better than a interstate. I did not have the time to see...

I have my GPS set to avoid tolls. Don't like paying them. I also set the GPS to avoid highways. However, this setting can lead to some crazy routing. I keep a paper map and Google map to check.

JRscooby just gave the route I usually take to cross Kansas. Two lanes can be nice. It is usually what I take.

We avoid tolls and interstates whenever possible. Lots of interesting things to see and do. Just make sure you're not in a hurry. You'll see interesting churches, farmhouses, cafes and everything in between. Stop and smell the roses along the way. Lot's of working folks in the midwest. Up at dawn and asleep just after dusk....Dennis

Where are the tolls? short distances in either Kansas or Oklahoma? Those aren't exactly the scenic parts of the drive, are they?

Mapping programs give the no-toll option because some people don't like to pay tolls, or worse, encounter unknown tolls. Toll roads aren't necessarily better or worse. In theory they might even be better, since they should have their own dedicated maintenance funding. But whether a road is toll or now is largely matter of history - many were created before the Interstate program started.

It's one thing to avoid interstates in a state like Missouri, and quite another in New Mexico. Highway density is a lot higher in the Midwest, and a number of major ones are divided, even if they aren't part of the Interstate program.

But if you really want to get off the beaten track I hear there are some lovely gravel roads in Kansas! People come from all around the world to race 200 miles on those roads in the Dirty Kanza (Emporia KS).

I'v done US 50 from St. Louis and Dodge City and it's a fine road. "Scenic" and crossing Kansas really don't go together, but interstates are even less so. Stop in Liberal KS if you are a Wizard of Oz fan. Dodge City was a hoot.

paulj must have never visited the North East US---I have been on dirt roads that were in better condition than the PA or NJ turnpikes. But in some places the toll roads are the best bet.

JRscooby wrote:
One trip, running fat, I got on US 50 just west of St Louis, and stayed on that out to Hutchinson Ks, dropped south west on a state highway to pick up US 54. Crossed the interstate at Tucumcari. 50 runs the interstate in KC area. All good roads in a overloaded semi, likely not the most scenic, but better than a interstate. I did not have the time to see...

That SW road to 54 would be KS 61.
MY favorite route across Kansas.