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Southern Corridor to the Great Lakes
A cross-country journey avoiding the high-altitude I-40 corridor. This route traverses the Sonoran Desert, the vast Texas plains, and the Ozark foothills before reaching the industrial heart and natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.
5days
16stops
3915km
Day 1: Surprise City Hall → Saguaro National Park West → San Jacinto Plaza
6h 57min · 745km3 stops
Surprise City Hall
09:00 – 11:00
2h 6min · 213km
Saguaro National Park West
12:00 – 14:00
4h 51min · 532km
San Jacinto Plaza
15:00 – 17:00
Day 2: San Jacinto Plaza → White Sands National Park → Downtown Abilene
8h 18min · 823km2 stops
White Sands National Park
12:00 – 14:00
6h 51min · 670km
Downtown Abilene
15:00 – 17:00
Day 3: Downtown Abilene → Dealey Plaza → Oklahoma City National Memori…
5h 44min · 620km2 stops
Dealey Plaza
12:00 – 14:00
3h 3min · 330km
Oklahoma City National Memorial
15:00 – 17:00
Day 4: Oklahoma City National Memori… → Gateway Arch National Park → Downtown Collinsville
7h 34min · 824km2 stops
Gateway Arch National Park
12:00 – 14:00
19min · 22km
Downtown Collinsville
15:00 – 17:00
Day 5: Downtown Collinsville → … → Midland City Forest
8h 38min · 903km3 stops
Potter Park Zoo
11:42-13:30
1h 28min · 132km
Dow Gardens
14:24-16:12
10min · 7.6km
Midland City Forest
16:12-18:00
Heads Up
- 1. This route involves significant driving distances; ensure your vehicle is serviced for long-haul highway travel.
- 2. Check weather conditions in the Midwest, as sudden storms can impact visibility on I-44 and I-55.
- 3. Carry plenty of water and fuel when crossing the desert stretches between Tucson and El Paso.
- 4. Day 1: 6h 57m driving — plan rest stops