Travel 110 miles along Interstate 44 from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Joplin, Missouri, following the Will Rogers Turnpike past Claremore, Vinita, and Miami, with landmarks like the Will Rogers Memorial and the famous Vinita service plaza.
Interstate 44
Explore the route, history, and highlights of Interstate 44, spanning Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Follow I-44 as it parallels historic Route 66 from Wichita Falls to St. Louis.
Stretching from the heart of Texas to the Gateway City of Missouri, Interstate 44 (I-44) is a major east–west corridor serving the south-central United States. Covering approximately 634 miles, I-44 begins in Wichita Falls, Texas (via a connection with US-277/US-281/US-287), and travels northeast through Oklahoma and Missouri before terminating in St. Louis. Along the way, the highway provides vital connections to several metropolitan areas, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Springfield, and St. Louis.
I-44 is notable for following much of the historic route of U.S. Route 66, particularly from Oklahoma City to St. Louis. In fact, many segments of I-44 were built directly over or parallel to the old “Mother Road,” making it a popular drive for nostalgia-seekers and road trip enthusiasts. Remnants of Route 66 culture—like vintage motels, roadside diners, and kitschy attractions—can still be found dotted along the corridor, especially in Oklahoma and Missouri.
The highway serves both commercial and recreational traffic. In addition to urban bypasses and freight-heavy interchanges, I-44 offers access to scenic and cultural landmarks such as the Ozark Mountains, the Meramec Caverns, and Route 66 State Park. Its role in connecting oil, agriculture, and manufacturing centers across three states makes I-44 an essential piece of America’s interstate puzzle.
Drive the Interstates
Interstate 44: Westbound in Oklahoma City – Oklahoma
Follow Interstate 44 west through Oklahoma City as it connects I-35 to OK-66. This key 7-mile corridor links neighborhoods, fairgrounds, and bypasses the downtown core, highlighting the vital infrastructure of Oklahoma’s capital.
Interstate 44 – Gascozark to Lebanon – Missouri
Cruise west on Interstate 44 from Gascozark to Lebanon, Missouri, for 16 scenic miles through the Ozarks. See small towns, roadside parks, and touch Route 66 history before ending your drive in Lebanon. Route highlights include Eden Roadside Park, Bear Creek Conservatio…
Interstate 44: Joplin to Springfield – Missouri
Cruise 71 miles east along Interstate 44 from Joplin to Springfield, Missouri. Enjoy scenic Ozarks landscapes, small-town stops, and a dash of Route 66 history on this classic southwest Missouri highway drive.
Interstate 44: Oklahoma to Joplin – Missouri
Travel 19 miles along Interstate 44 from the Oklahoma border to Joplin, Missouri. This fast-paced eastbound route highlights key interchanges, scenic transitions, and the vibrant gateway into southwest Missouri.
Interstate 44: Fanning to Rolla – Missouri
Take a scenic 14-mile drive along Interstate 44 from Fanning to Rolla, Missouri. Follow the modern highway as it parallels Historic Route 66 through wooded Ozark hills, past St. James, and into the heart of Rolla.
Interstate 44: Lebanon to Springfield – Missouri
Cruise through the Missouri Ozarks on Interstate 44 from Lebanon to Springfield. This 45-mile stretch passes rolling hills, small towns, and a restful stop at Conway before arriving in Springfield near US-65.
Interstate 44: Rolla to Doolittle – Missouri
Drive 5 scenic miles along Interstate 44 from Rolla to Doolittle, Missouri—following a historic segment of Route 66 through the northern Ozarks. Explore rolling hills, historic connections, and small-town charm on this short but meaningful drive.
Interstate 44: Gray Summit to Stanton – Missouri
Travel 24 miles west on Interstate 44 from Gray Summit to Stanton, Missouri. This scenic highway segment passes through St. Clair and skirts the edge of the Missouri Ozarks while paralleling historic Route 66.
Interstate 44: St. Louis to Allenton (Six Flags) – Missouri
Take a fast-paced drive from St. Louis to Allenton, Missouri along Interstate 44. This 15-mile journey transitions from suburbs to scenery, passing Castlewood State Park, Route 66 State Park, and ending at Six Flags St. Louis.
Interstate 44: Eastern Terminus in Downtown St. Louis
Take a short but compelling ride along the final mile of Interstate 44 in St. Louis, Missouri, where this iconic cross-country highway ends in the heart of the city at its junction with I-55 near downtown.
Interstate 44: Tulsa – Oklahoma
Explore Tulsa by highway on this 15-mile drive along Interstate 44 eastbound. From I-244 to 165th Ave, discover key interchanges, the Arkansas River crossing, and Tulsa’s evolving urban landscape.