A Road Trip from Chicago to Dallas
Driving from Chicago to Dallas is more than just a long-distance haul — it's an adventure through changing landscapes, climates, and local cultures. Here’s a recount of my three-day journey down south. 🌃 Day 1: Chicago → Bloomington, IL Departure: Left Chicago at 6 PM via I-55 South. Distance: ~135 miles, about 2.5 hours of driving. Weather: Started chilly at around 3–4°C ❄️. Accommodation: Stayed overnight in Bloomington (A). Simple hotel, tax-included price ~$90. 🛣️ Day 2: Bloomington → Muskogee, OK Route: Continued on I-55 → I-270 → I-44 → I-69. Highlights: Stopped at Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (B) near St. Louis — a historic Route 66 landmark 📸. Refueled coffee in Marshfield (C) and passed through Springfield, MO. Entered Oklahoma and spent the night in Muskogee (D). Stats: ⏱️ Drive time: ~9 hours 📏 Distance: 570 miles ⛽ Fuel efficiency: 27.8 MPG 🚗 Average speed: 62 MPH Temperature: Rose steadily, peaking at 22°C — a nearly 20-degree swing from Chicago! Scenery: Lakes, forests, rolling plains, rural towns… and yes, quite a few roadkill and blown-out tires along the way 🦌🛞. 🌵 Day 3: Muskogee → Dallas, TX Route: I-69 South → US-75 South into Texas. Memorable moment: Crossing into Texas and seeing the iconic “Welcome to Texas” sign 🤠! Final stretch: Stopped in Denison (E) before the last 100 miles to Dallas. Urban challenge: Nearing Dallas, traffic intensified on I-635 — multiple lanes, HOV lanes, express lanes, and aggressive Texas drivers 🏎️💨. Arrival: Finally made it to Dallas — exhausted but exhilarated! 💰 Trip Economics Fuel:Chicago: ~$3.99/gal (most expensive) Texas: as low as $2.49/gal (cheapest) Each fill-up ~$18 for a 380-mile tank range ⛽.Lodging: ~$90/night after tax. Food/Incidentals: Brought snacks, but diner stops added about $15–20/day. 📌 Travel Takeaways Layer up! Temperature varied from near-freezing to t-shirt weather within 48 hours. Stay alert — rural highways have wildlife and debris; urban interchanges demand quick lane decisions. Texas drivers are bold — expect speed, lane changes, and minimal hesitation. Enjoy the journey — from Route 66 nostalgia to wide-open Oklahoma plains, the scenery tells a story. Whether you’re relocating, exploring, or just love the open road, a Chicago-to-Dallas drive offers a true slice of American terrain and temperament. Just remember: keep your eyes on the road, your tank above half, and your playlist ready 🎵. Happy trails, y’all! 🤠✨ #US #Texas #Dallas