Traveling through MO 5/1-5/2

[brushrunner]

I 44 is fine I don't have my Map handy but for scenic route I'm thinking 63 HWY and 32 HWY.Curvy but nice just take your time.

I've stayed in Rolla and Lebanon with no problems but I've stayed in St.Louis too so maybe you shouldn't go by me

brushrunner

[ShadowCaver]

Granted you are already traveling, but in case you've access still... and/or for anyone else interested, an option that I've shared before would be such as:

1. Stop in Cuba - they've a newer Holiday Inn Express, easy access.
2. Go South on MO 19 [many beautiful springs, etc.]
3. Option A: go West on US60 @ Winona
Option B: continue south until Thayer, then North on US63, then West on US 60
Option C: continue into Arkansas, until Mammoth Spring, then West on AR 9, going to Salem (AR), head West on US 412/62 until split of these two, continuing on US 412 to (a) Tusla, or (b) turning South onto I 540 to then West on I 40, picking up US 75 to go South @ Dewar, OK... or some other convoluted / interesting path as such [I've traveled these paths in AR and MO,,, love 'em]...

Of course, also given that you will driving back to TX in a "high profile car", and not knowing exactly how 'friendly' this vehicle [and/or you] is to roller coastering hills and hollers and turns of our beloved Ozarks... your mileage and desires may definitely vary.

Honestly I 44 is not that bad... it does have some scenic areas within it [even just West of StL/Fenton area - near Lone Elk State Park,,, and the hills of Pacific,,, the valleys between Rolla and Waynesville, etc.], and if venture onto some side / parallel paths [such as old Route 66 - look for the signs], you'll see some other good places. Oh,,, you should have no troubles staying in Rolla in hotels along I 44... and if you like pizza, Alex's is my go-to-place . In Cuba, I really like a diner called Frisco's. For recommendations / reviews of other MO restaurants: Missouri Restaurants | Urbanspoon... and of course all other states are included in their sections therein.

Good luck, and safe travels.

[Missouri Geographer]

Enjoy your trip through Missouri. While the scenery along I-44 doesn't compare to what you would see if you took some of the lesser traveled routes, I-44 certainly is the most scenic Interstate in Missouri.

Along the route, near Cuba (Leasburg to be exact) is, in my opinion, the best cave in the state, Onandaga Cave. I personally would bypass Meramec Caverns and head straight to Onandaga. It is only a few miles off I-44 and is incredible!

As for places to stay, Rolla would be fine. I would not overnight in St. Roberts or Lebanon.

Flooding should not affect you, regardless of if you stay on the Interstate or venture off a ways. Staying off state Lettered routes and staying on U.S. or State Numbered routes should for the most part keep you away from flooded sections, although there may be a few exceptions.

Travel safe!

[brushrunner]

I was more concerned with damage not being cleaned up from Tornados South of I 44 into Arkansas.

brushrunner

[Nu2pomona]

Milwaukee to Springfield is an easy trip. We do it all the time. Avoid the toll roads through Chicago. From Milwaukee, head to Beloit, then Rockford, Springfield (IL), St. Louis, then 44 to Springfield. Much of 44 is 70 mph so you can make great time. Don't bother with the St. Louis bypasses - go right through town and see the Arch and the ball park.

[ShadowCaver]

Chris S - so,,, what route did you take, what did you see? Good / bad?