Explore scenic road trips across the Midwest, including IA, MO, IL, IN, OH, MN, WI, and MI. Discover farmland highways, lakefront routes, and classic Americana.
The Midwest is the crossroads of America—a region where long, open highways meet friendly towns, rolling farmland, and Great Lakes shorelines. Covering Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the Midwest offers a rich blend of rural charm, industrial heritage, and natural beauty. Whether you’re navigating the wide cornfields of Iowa or hugging the rocky shores of Lake Superior, the region’s roads are built for exploration.
This is where iconic byways like Historic Route 66 and the Great River Road converge with scenic loops around glacial lakes and wooded hills. In places like southern Missouri and northern Wisconsin, the terrain becomes unexpectedly dramatic—filled with bluffs, rivers, and forested stretches. Meanwhile, cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Cleveland serve as vibrant urban hubs offering cultural detours, architectural wonders, and food scenes worth the stop.
From Michigan’s winding coastal routes and ferry-linked peninsulas to Ohio’s Amish country and Indiana’s covered bridge trails, the Midwest is full of surprises. It’s a region best experienced slowly, with the windows down and a cooler in the backseat. These are the roads that define the heartland—and they’re ready for your next great American drive.
Experience a mile of pure nostalgia on Historic Route 66 from Halltown to Spencer, Missouri. Starting at Gary’s Gay Parita gas station, this short but scenic drive crosses Turnback Creek and Paris Springs, ending at MO-96 near Spencer. Discover a living slice of the M…
![[Revisited] Historic Route 66: Springfield, Missouri](https://realroads.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/h5nes8tj4j4maxresdefault.jpg)
Explore 7 miles of Historic Route 66 through Springfield, Missouri, from Glenstone Avenue to the I-44 interchange. Cruise past vintage neon, historic downtown, and classic Americana along the route where the “Mother Road” got its name.
Cruise west on Interstate 44 from Gascozark to Lebanon, Missouri, for 16 scenic miles through the Ozarks. See small towns, roadside parks, and touch Route 66 history before ending your drive in Lebanon. Route highlights include Eden Roadside Park, Bear Creek Conservatio…
Cruise the Chicago Skyway and Dan Ryan Expressway on Interstate 90, from the Indiana border into downtown Chicago. See city skylines, industrial sights, and must-visit neighborhoods on this classic urban route. Perfect for city explorers and road enthusiasts.
Cruise the Indiana Toll Road from the Ohio state line to Elkhart on I-80/I-90. Explore 65 miles of smooth travel, Midwest scenery, and easy access to Amish country and RV landmarks, all while following one of America’s most important cross-country routes.
Travel 121 miles across northern Ohio on the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90) from Akron to Toledo. Discover highlights along the way including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, scenic farmland, and easy access to Sandusky, Fremont, and Toledo’s attractions. Get the most out of…
Cruise Interstate 70 for nearly 60 miles from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio, exploring busy city interchanges, small-town bypasses, and classic Midwestern farmland along this essential east-west route.
Drive 10 miles along U.S. Highway 71 from Pineville, Missouri to Bella Vista, Arkansas, following a scenic mix of Ozark hills, small-town development, and the transition from I-49 to the historic surface route. A short but meaningful drive through one of the fastest-gro…
Cruise 47 miles east on Interstate 70 from Greenville to Effingham, Illinois. This relaxed stretch passes through Vandalia’s historic district and rural farmland, offering travelers a peaceful glimpse of Midwestern life.
Take a short but scenic ride along Missouri Supplemental Highway H from Noel to Pineville. Follow Kings Highway through the wooded Elk River valley and connect to I-49 for more Ozark exploration.
Cruise 71 miles east along Interstate 44 from Joplin to Springfield, Missouri. Enjoy scenic Ozarks landscapes, small-town stops, and a dash of Route 66 history on this classic southwest Missouri highway drive.
Cruise 11 scenic miles along Missouri Highway 90 from Southwest City to Noel. This winding Ozark drive passes through quiet forests, rolling farmland, and the charming riverside town of Noel — perfect for a quick day trip or a weekend float.