The Heartland Highway: Smart Planning and Hidden Gems for a Missouri Road Trip

Freedom. That’s what comes to mind when I think of a road trip through the American Heartland. Whether you hit the road for a few days or several weeks, traveling by car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary. 

While I’m sure there are many wonderful sites to see along the way, my husband and I like to stop to visit local roadside diners, grab a bite to eat at a fun restaurant, and even check out a local bowling alley or store. And we always like to stop to watch the sunset along the way. 

There’s just something about the open road that gives you a sense of possibility.

Stop at roadside diners, explore random state parks, pull over to watch the sunset over fields of farms for miles. The sense of possible adventure can’t be beat.

Of the many states to explore on a midwestern road trip, Missouri stands out as a particularly great option. The state sits at the very center of the country, and boasts both a bustling, diverse city life and some beautiful natural landscapes to explore. 

But to turn a straightforward journey by car into a really special adventure, you’ll need to prepare in advance. That means sorting out your daily travel costs, finding out where the best historic highways are, and so on. Here’s a guide to help you get ready for the road.

The Magic of the Missouri Landscape

Most road trips start in a city; in Missouri’s case, both large cities have so much to offer in the form of culture, architecture, and, more importantly, food. On the western edge of Missouri, the state with the greatest number of jazz songs written about it, slow-smoked BBQ is a staple, and you can smell the sweet hickory smoke wafting through the air before you even get to the city limits. 

On the riverbank to the east of the two large cities, an historic monument towers above the river and is a symbol of the state’s rich history of pioneer spirit and expansion.

Long before you arrive at one of Missouri’s scenic State Parks to spend time in the great outdoors, you’ll have left behind the bustling metropolitan areas. Once outside of the City, the scenic roads of Missouri begin to wind their way through the rolling hills of green, scenic rivers, and some of the smallest towns you’ve ever seen. 

And as you continue to travel South through the State of Missouri, the landscapes continue to change dramatically. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the southernmost tip of Missouri, in the mountainous region, which is composed of dense forests, towering limestone bluffs, and meandering, crystal-clear rivers. 

And while traveling through this region of Missouri, you’ll have an abundance of opportunities to partake in activities like hiking, kayaking, and even camping.

That change in air when you trade asphalt for forest trails is instantaneous and can be felt by all who travel. 

So evocatively described by many as fresh cedar, cool damp earth and quiet, this type of scenery is sought after by so many and brings great delight to those fortunate enough to experience it.

Planning Smart for Long Distances

Smart travel planning for long-distance road travel, whether by car or truck, focuses on the most important variable for long-distance road travel — the cost of travel. 

Just as airline ticket prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year for the same flights, the cost of car travel can also vary significantly, not just because of the cost of gas for the car, but also because of the varying cost of meals for the road, of lodging for the night and of a wide array of other car travel expenses for which some alternatives can save money.

By choosing the cheapest car insurance Missouri has to offer, for example, you can save on fixed costs, and in the long run, have more funds available to use for other aspects of your journey. Typically, one would try to cut back on costs that occur frequently. 

By allocating a larger portion of your budget to things that can add real value to your road trip, the smart traveler can have a much more enjoyable journey.

It all adds up. Every single dollar saved is another roadside diner slice of pie, right?

In addition to preparing for your trip, you should also prepare your vehicle. Make sure to check the tire pressure, test the brakes, check all of the fluids, and test all of the lights. A good rule of thumb is to bring along an emergency kit. 

This should include jumper cables, a tire inflation tool, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. All of these things can come in very handy, especially if you are driving through rural areas where there is very little traffic.

Embracing Historic Routes and Small-Town Charm

Those historic travel corridors (also known as historic byways and scenic byways) can add up to a lot of wonderful time to a driving trip. They are often two-lane roads, well-preserved and historically interesting. 

These roads wind through rural landscapes, passing old motels, diners, and gas stations along the way. Neon signs from old motels and diner signs light up the night and make for a wonderful drive. Stopping at old service stations, now often empty except for old gasoline pumps and a sign or two, can also provide great photo opportunities as well as a peek into the past.

Along the routes that you will be taking, you will come to many small towns. Here is where you can stop for a night or two and really get a good feel for the region and its culture. Stores, Museums, and even some excellent Bakeries to get some local treats to take with you on the road.

And the people?

Travelers will find plenty of chances to connect with locals when they stop at a diner, gas station, or small town store. “They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet,” said Eberle of the locals in small towns. Many times, locals are more than happy to give drivers directions to the best scenic views and give them plenty of other information about the town and its history.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

This page also details many great things about a road trip, and so below are several essential tips for your journey across the state of Missouri.

Scheduling Long Drives for the Right Time: It is wise to plan your long drives for the time when there are the fewest people on the road. In larger cities, this is usually early in the morning and late in the evening. The majority of road trips take place during the day when there are more cars on the road, which can cause frustration for those who are just trying to get from point A to point B.

Weather: The Midwest can change quickly, so pack layers and a rain jacket, and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen with you.

Go with the Offline Maps option to be sure to have the maps with you on your journey. Please check the coverage of the areas you will be traveling through and load the relevant maps to your mobile device. In more remote areas, coverage can drop off in valleys and rural areas; therefore, having a paper copy of the road atlas with you could be the best option.

Support Local Businesses: By choosing regional diners, local coffee shops, and independent roadside markets instead of bigger national chains, you can experience the local flavor and support local businesses.

Budgeting for Road Trip Freedom

Road trips can be very expensive, especially when you factor in all of the expenses associated with the daily operation of your vehicle. But with some careful planning, you can manage to save enough money to really splurge on some of the more fun aspects of your road trip. Please set up a budget for your road trip and categorize all of your trip expenses. 

This includes fuel for your car, food you eat, your lodging for the night, any maintenance your car needs for emergencies, and finally, anything you want to spend money on for sightseeing and other activities you might be interested in.

Cooking simple meals using a portable cooler or camping stove while on the road can save a lot of money. Using state parks to camp out instead of paying for a hotel every night can also save a lot of money and allow for an immersive experience of nature. 

Using the money for daily operational costs for unusual activities such as a guided river tour or a visit to a historic site will be a great way to spend the rest of the money on the trip without breaking the bank.

Vehicle Preparedness for All Seasons

All long-distance drives through the middle of the country involve the driver having to account for the various seasonal weather conditions. In summer, it is searing hot weather that impacts cool-running engines and tires alike, with increased checks on coolants and tire pressures to prevent major damage in very short spaces of time. 

In winter, the temperature drops dramatically, and there can be icy surfaces to contend with on roads, so it is important to have warm air coming from the heating system, clear wipers and screens with winter-grade washer to cut through ice and screen contamination quickly.

What good is a scenic route if you spend half of it worrying about a breakdown?

A complete checkup of your vehicle by a reliable mechanic before embarking on your journey can reveal minor problems that, if left unchecked, can result in serious damage and potentially costly repairs while you are traveling miles from home. 

Additionally, by having your vehicle properly serviced before your road trip, you will find that it travels efficiently, which in turn will save you money on gas while enabling you to enjoy your journey without stress and/or worry of a possible breakdown along the way.

Final Thoughts on the Journey Ahead

There is so much to see when traveling through the region by car. You can discover the many Cities and drive along the scenic Mountain Roads. The Historic Routes and stops along the way are also definitely worth a visit. A well-prepared car, a clearly organized budget, and an open mind are all you need for an inspiring and refreshing journey by car.