Ohio to Oklahoma Route: What to consider?

[jymbee]

Expect to travel from around Columbus, OH to Oklahoma City, OK leaving early/mid November and being around Oklahoma City, OK for Thanksgiving.

Only main stop along the way is near St. Louis to meet with family members. Need to add a stop of two along the way, probably a Cracker Barrel or possibly public RV park of some type.

Obviously a lot depends on the weather which is unpredictable but as we've never traveled along that area, any input re. route(s), stops, road conditions, possible weather conditions that time of year, etc. appreciated.

 

[UTTransplant]

Born and raised in Oklahoma, so that is where I will concentrate my comments. That route is the one I would have recommended. Weather that time of year should be fine; snow before Thanksgiving is pretty rare. Make sure you order a Pike Pass for Oklahoma if you don’t have another turnpike pass that works there. From just past Joplin to Oklahoma City is a toll road. And if you decide to stop in Tulsa, look to see what is on at the Gilcrease Museum. Absolutely fabulous place. The Woolaroc museum and wildlife preserve is also pretty spectacular and not far away. There is a lot of old oil money in Tulsa, and the facilities show it. In Oklahoma City you can have an enjoyable evening in the Brickyard area, a gentrified spot near downtown with a canal running through it plus restaurants, galleries, and such. It is also near the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, but I have never visited. I knew someone who died in the bombings, and another person I went to school with was a hero who rescued dozens but ended up getting cancer and dying, probably as a results of the chemicals from the fire. It is still too raw for me, but it is widely recognized as impressive and moving. When in OKC, we stay at either Twin Fountains on the north side of town or Mustang Run on the west side. Both are nice, but Twin Fountains is prettier and quieter. It is also close to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. It is a place well worth a visit too.

 

[Tom]

Expect to travel from around Columbus, OH to Oklahoma City, OK leaving early/mid November and being around Oklahoma City, OK for Thanksgiving.

Only main stop along the way is near St. Louis to meet with family members. Need to add a stop of two along the way, probably a Cracker Barrel or possibly public RV park of some type.

Obviously a lot depends on the weather which is unpredictable but as we've never traveled along that area, any input re. route(s), stops, road conditions, possible weather conditions that time of year, etc. appreciated.


View attachment 1324459

We've driven that route multiple times over the years, both by motorhome and by car, winter and summer, en route from our Columbus townhome to our CA home. It's been a while since we drove it winter time, but I don't recall weather being an issue prior to the new year. We preferred to stay at campgrounds with the motorhome, so didn't look for alternative places to overnight.

Not sure how long you wish to drive, but there are a couple of (not expensive) campgrounds at Terre Haute, 250 miles from Columbus. They're both off the same freeway exit - turn right off the exit ramp for one and left for the other. I don't have our prior trip records here, but recall several RV parks in/near Springfield, MO. I assume you have a place to stop in St. Louis; I don't recall staying in that area, but always hated the freeway route through there (pay close attention to the freeway road signs).

I might recall more stops/details in bed overnight.

Edit: I see Pam had some detailed suggestions for you while I was typing.

 

[CamperAL]

Hi jymbee,​

I've made that trip from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City (and then on to Tucson) Close to 45 times over the years. It's a good route but try to figure out a good time to go through Saint Louis. I'd stay away from rush hour traffic. I like Sunday and early morning for going through Saint Louis.

Oklahoma City can be pretty busy as well, so choose your timing there as well. Columbus to Indy isn't a bad drive but have less experience on that so will let others chime in. Safe travels and have fun!!

 

[joe&doreen]

A great stop in Miami OK is the Cocopaw Casino 3 nights free with elec and water no need to gamble just reg and park, Good Luck

 

[Wasillaguy]

A great stop in Miami OK is the Cocopaw Casino 3 nights free with elec and water no need to gamble just reg and park, Good Luck

It's Quapaw, and I agree, great stop. We never went in the Casino but the cowboys put on a great show rounding up cattle for the train, right behind us.
If it were me, I'd go around the south side of STL on 55/255. Turns into 270 as you swing back north to 44. Evening rush hour would be the worst. Mid-day you should cruise right through unless there's a wreck or something.

 

[Heli_av8tor]

We enjoy Cattlemen's Steakhouse in OK City for a good steak and the atmosphere.
The bombing memorial is worth experiencing. If not “raw” when you arrive, it will be when you leave. Very well done. One of my Army buddies was working in a close by building that lost windows. A seasoned combat medic, he still tears up when talking about the bombing.

 

[jymbee]

Born and raised in Oklahoma, so that is where I will concentrate my comments. That route is the one I would have recommended. Weather that time of year should be fine; snow before Thanksgiving is pretty rare. Make sure you order a Pike Pass for Oklahoma if you don’t have another turnpike pass that works there. From just past Joplin to Oklahoma City is a toll road. And if you decide to stop in Tulsa, look to see what is on at the Gilcrease Museum. Absolutely fabulous place. The Woolaroc museum and wildlife preserve is also pretty spectacular and not far away. There is a lot of old oil money in Tulsa, and the facilities show it. In Oklahoma City you can have an enjoyable evening in the Brickyard area, a gentrified spot near downtown with a canal running through it plus restaurants, galleries, and such. It is also near the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, but I have never visited. I knew someone who died in the bombings, and another person I went to school with was a hero who rescued dozens but ended up getting cancer and dying, probably as a results of the chemicals from the fire. It is still too raw for me, but it is widely recognized as impressive and moving. When in OKC, we stay at either Twin Fountains on the north side of town or Mustang Run on the west side. Both are nice, but Twin Fountains is prettier and quieter. It is also close to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. It is a place well worth a visit too.

Great info and a lot of options to consider, thanks much.

However I found out that the family member that was described to me as living "around St. Louis", is actually living in Overland Park, KS. To my way of thinking this is not exactly "around St. Louis"!

So if that changes a proposed route to look something like the below and adds a couple hours drive time:

 

[jymbee]

We've driven that route multiple times over the years, both by motorhome and by car, winter and summer, en route from our Columbus townhome to our CA home. It's been a while since we drove it winter time, but I don't recall weather being an issue prior to the new year. We preferred to stay at campgrounds with the motorhome, so didn't look for alternative places to overnight.

Not sure how long you wish to drive, but there are a couple of (not expensive) campgrounds at Terre Haute, 250 miles from Columbus. They're both off the same freeway exit - turn right off the exit ramp for one and left for the other. I don't have our prior trip records here, but recall several RV parks in/near Springfield, MO. I assume you have a place to stop in St. Louis; I don't recall staying in that area, but always hated the freeway route through there (pay close attention to the freeway road signs).

I might recall more stops/details in bed overnight.

Edit: I see Pam had some detailed suggestions for you while I was typing.

Hi Tom,

I remember that you have a place not far from where we stay often Alum Creek in Delaware, OH. That's where we'll be starting our from. See my revised potential route above.

Will definitely add your input to the overall plan as well. As for "how long" we wish to drive, that pretty much depends on the weather. We typically like to keep it around 4 hours or less but not uncommon to go 2x that to maybe avoid weather or "just get there" so we can relax-- if you know what I mean.

 

[jymbee]

We enjoy Cattlemen's Steakhouse in OK City for a good steak and the atmosphere.
The bombing memorial is worth experiencing. If not “raw” when you arrive, it will be when you leave. Very well done. One of my Army buddies was working in a close by building that lost windows. A seasoned combat medic, he still tears up when talking about the bombing.

Thanks! The Steakhouse might prompt a "battle" as she loves steak and I'm a seafood and pasta kinda' guy...

 

[Wasillaguy]

Ok, now you're going out I-70 so you want to go straight across the top of STL on I- 270. Keep track of traffic reports as you approach. If things are buggered up, you can always take the 143 toward Alton Illinois and there are several ways to drop back down to the interstate along the way.

 

[UTTransplant]

The route through St. Louis would have been a lot more scenic! Kansas City is famous for its BBQ, so hopefully you will get some good recommendations from locals. You will be driving through the flat prairie once you leave the KC area without a lot of interesting things to see. The Flint Hills in Kansas are beautiful in the spring, but not so much in fall. The toll pass recommendation still stands as well always take the Kansas Turnpike from KC to south of Wichita. Kansas and Oklahoma cooperate, so just get whichever pass is easiest for you. Oh, and the Cattleman's Restaurant recommendation in OKC is a good one. For many, many years it was the premier spot in the city for the rich ranchers who visited the stockyards that used to be almost next door. The stockyards are all gone, but I have been eating at Cattelman's for 60+ years off and on.

 

[Tom]

The toll pass recommendation still stands as well always take the Kansas Turnpike from KC to south of Wichita. Kansas and Oklahoma cooperate...

All the years we drove CA-OH-CA it never occurred to me to get a PikePass. Most of the years we were driving a car, so no big deal, but I can see that it would be more convenient when we were driving a motorhome & towing a car. No excuse - the signs over the PikePass lanes are very clear.

 

[UTTransplant]

All the years we drove CA-OH-CA it never occurred to me to get a PikePass. Most of the years we were driving a car, so no big deal, but I can see that it would be more convenient when we were driving a motorhome & towing a car. No excuse - the signs over the PikePass lanes are very clear.

These days there isn’t a cash option - it is all drive through. You either have a Pike Pass or you get the toll in the mail via your license plate. Much less expensive with the Pike Pass!

 

[Tom]

These days there isn’t a cash option - it is all drive through. You either have a Pike Pass or you get the toll in the mail via your license plate.

We've flown (OAK-CMH) the last couple of years, since the two doggies are no longer with us, so didn't see the change. Our Bay area bridge tolls have gone the same way (no cash)

 

[jymbee]

The route through St. Louis would have been a lot more scenic!

Well, we're now back to the original route via St. Louis! Sounds like a better route any way.

We have reservations at Lake Thunderbird State Park in Norman, OK.

The toll pass recommendation still stands..

We did apply for the pass. Should receive it shortly. How does it work when driving the coach and towing the car?

 

[Wasillaguy]

You could lunch at Lambert's in Springfield, get you some throwed rolls.

 

[jymbee]

You could lunch at Lambert's in Springfield, get you some throwed rolls.

I'd have to catch rolls thrown at me?!?
Thanks, we'll keep that in mind...

 

[Route 66 Rambler]

I would avoid going thru Indianapolis at all cost!! We live in OKC and went to Dayton last year. The construction is horrible in Indianapolis and the road east coming out of Indianapolis is about the worst in the country! We seriously were scared we were going to break our camper and/or truck. Do not do it!! We went thru Louisville on the way back. it was so much better. It was almost faster too.

 

[jymbee]

I would avoid going thru Indianapolis at all cost!!

Thanks for that! This is the route the all-knowing Google seems to prefer. Perhaps some day Google Maps will also include current road conditions for major highways! Maybe graded on a 1-5 rating or some such: