Driving from STL to Fredericksburg area: DFW route or Wichita Falls route? (Dallas: home)

[doss1]

We will be driving from STL, Missouri area to Stonewall, Texas around Thanksgiving week and Google maps is giving us some route options *

We have the following route choices:

1.) depart STL --> overnight in Lawton, OK (around 9hr drive) --> drive through Wichita Falls/Brady/Mason --> Stonewall

- requires driving through Oklahoma City, OK

2.) depart STL --> overnight in Tulsa --> drive through DFW --> Stonewall

- requires driving through DFW and I35 (at least we get to bypass Austin via Marble Falls route)


So, with a family of 3 (me, wife, and 2yr old) we are leaning towards route #1 as it avoids DFW and I35, and if we did travel through DFW, we'd be traveling on a Sunday and that should mean minimal traffic....but then again, it is the busiest travel week of the year...

Anyone familiar with Lawton and Wichita Falls area in November?

[turf3]

Here's how I would go.


I-44 to Vinita, Okla.
US75/69 to just north of Dallas
I-635 loop around to the east so you don't go thru downtown.
I-35E to Austin
290 West to Fred'burg.


The road from Wichita Falls south is not a major highway. It's probably scenic but slow. You may find yourself slowing to 35 MPH in every little town. The freeways I've listed are all major thoroughfares. Use common sense and don't schedule yourself through Dallas or Austin at rush hour.

[neddy]

Swing over to 281 outside of Whichta falls or hit it from Dfw area.Take it south to 290 make a right ,your will be in Johnson City at that point.right next to Stonewall.

[ChristieP]

Totally agree to take 281 instead of I-35. It's much more scenic, and you will not have to endure the last bit of construction between Waco and Temple!

[Barefoot Daisy]

281 is a great route. There are a few scenic stops (the "big chair store"!). You'll pass a number of exotic game ranches (high fences are your clue) so keep your eyes out for unusual animals. Mineral Wells is worth a stop at the Crazy Water wells store
Stephenville is home to Hard 8 BBQ .. a great choice for a meal if the timing is right.

Koffee Kup in Hico for pie, or the chocolate store across the street.