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.
- Saguaro National Park West
- White Sands National Park
- Dealey Plaza
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Dow Gardens
Sonoran Desert to the Borderland
Surprise City Hall
Surprise City Hall, Surprise, AZ, US
Saguaro National Park West
Saguaro National Park West, Tucson, AZ, US
San Jacinto Plaza
San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso, TX, US
White Sands and West Texas Plains
San Jacinto Plaza
San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso, TX, US
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, NM, US
Downtown Abilene
Downtown Abilene, Abilene, TX, US
Metroplex to the Sooner State
Downtown Abilene
Downtown Abilene, Abilene, TX, US
Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza, Dallas, TX, US
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma City, OK, US
Ozark Foothills and the Gateway Arch
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma City, OK, US
Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO, US
Downtown Collinsville
Downtown Collinsville, Collinsville, IL, US
The Great Lakes Finish
Downtown Collinsville
Downtown Collinsville, Collinsville, IL, US
Potter Park Zoo
Potter Park Zoo, Lansing, MI, US
Dow Gardens
Dow Gardens, Midland, MI, US
Midland City Forest
Midland City Forest, Midland, MI, US
- This route involves significant driving distances; ensure your vehicle is serviced for long-haul highway travel.
- Check weather conditions in the Midwest, as sudden storms can impact visibility on I-44 and I-55.
- Carry plenty of water and fuel when crossing the desert stretches between Tucson and El Paso.
- Day 1: 6h 57m driving — plan rest stops