The idea of taking road trips often invokes images of coastal highways or mountain passes. After all, these are areas where interesting landscape and natural beauty can really shine. 

But, that doesn’t mean they are the best or only places across the country you can (and should) drive. In fact, there are dozens of incredible trips that go through states that don’t get mentioned very often. 

Well, with this post, we hope to change that and highlight one area of the country everyone should see. 

We’re talking about the Midwest, and specifically Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. While these spots don’t always hit many of those ‘Top 10’ lists, there are still plenty of interesting things to see and do. Especially along Interstate 35. 

So if you’re ready to see this often underappreciated part of the country, buckle up and let’s get going. 

A Little Bit About I-35

I-35 is a major highway that runs through the middle of the country, from Mexico to Canada.

It’s just over 1,500 miles long and runs through 6 states. I-35 passes through some of the largest and most important cities in the Midwest. 

In this post, we’ll cover three of those states and what you can do and see as you follow I35 through Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. 

Oklahoma

Turner Falls at 77 feet (23 m) is locally considered Oklahoma's tallest waterfall although its height matches one in Natural Falls State Park. The falls are located on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains in south central Oklahoma near the city of Davis.

I-35 passes over the Red River and into the very first attraction you’ll see, the WinStar World Casino and Resort. Here, visitors can not only have a bit of good, clean fun at the slots; they can also catch world-famous music acts like Rascal Flatts and One Republic.

If natural beauty strikes your interest more, you won’t have to venture far off I-35 to find both Lake Murray State Park or Turner Falls State Park.

Finally, not long before the border with Kansas, you’ll hit Oklahoma City. This bustling area is home to the NBA team OKC Thunder, as well as the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the National Cowboy Museum.

Kansas

If you love getting muddy and ATV racing, then make a stop at the Kansas Badlands just over the border from Oklahoma. 

Keep heading North and I-35 will take you to the outskirts of Wichita. Wichita is known as the cultural center of Kansas and is recognized for its contributions to the aviation industry. So be sure to visit the Kansas Aviation Museum, the Old Cowtown Museum, or the Mid-America All-Indian Center.

As I-35 turns west to head towards Missouri, you’ll pass El Dorado State Park. Here you’ll find plenty of hiking, camping, and horse trails, plus some of the best fishing in all of Kansas.

Missouri

The very first thing you’ll hit on I-35 in Missouri is Kansas City, the biggest city in the state and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Midwest.

Kansas City is home to many professional sports teams, but its biggest draw is barbecue. You can’t go wrong with any of the following spots: Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Q39, or the world famous Arthur Bryant’s. 

From the big city, it’s a straight shot along I-35 into Iowa. Hopefully, you’ve packed enough leftovers for the trip ahead!

Once you’ve experienced some of the best this stretch of highway has to offer, you’ll be planning your next trip through the Midwest! And don’t forget to check out our sister site, HotelCoupons.com for the best last-minute hotel deals.