A Road Trip from Iowa to Texas: What You Need to Know

Looking for a road trip that'll take you from the heartland to the heart of Texas? Look no further than the trip between Boone, Iowa, and McAllen, Texas. Depending on the route you take, there are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of America's south and heartland.

Route 1: Through Kansas City

If you take this route, you'll start out on I-35 southbound from Boone, Iowa. After about 4 hours of driving, you'll reach Kansas City, Missouri, where you can make a detour to explore the city's barbecue restaurants, outdoor spaces, and historic sites like the World War I Museum.

After leaving Kansas City, you'll continue on I-35 south, crossing through Oklahoma City before eventually reaching your destination of McAllen, Texas. From Boone to McAllen, this route is about 1,250 miles and can take around 19 hours of driving, depending on traffic and stops.

Route 2: Through St. Louis

For a slightly different route, consider traveling through St. Louis, Missouri. To get there from Boone, you'll take I-35 south to I-70 east, then eventually get on I-64 east to St. Louis. Along the way, you can stop at attractions like the Gateway Arch, the iconic silver arch that towers above the city's downtown.

After leaving St. Louis, you'll cross over into Arkansas and eventually make your way down to Texas. From Boone to McAllen, this route is about 1,350 miles and can take around 20 hours of driving, with added time for stops and detours.

Route 3: Through Oklahoma

If you'd rather stick to a more direct route, consider traveling through Oklahoma instead of making any major detours. To get to McAllen from Boone, you'll take I-35 south all the way through Oklahoma City and on into Texas.

This route is the shortest of the three, at around 1,200 miles, but can still take around 17-18 hours of driving time, with a bit of added time for stops and detours. However, there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks along the way - consider stopping to climb to the top of Oklahoma City's SkyDance Bridge, or getting a taste of some Tex-Mex cuisine in San Antonio.

Conclusion

In the end, the route you take depends on your schedule, interests, and how much time you have to spare. But no matter which route you choose, the trip from Boone, Iowa to McAllen, Texas will take you through some of America's most beautiful and interesting locales, from the rolling hills of Missouri to the hot, dusty plains of Texas. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!