Road Trip: Buffalo to St. Louis - The Best Route and Stops Along the Way

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to St. Louis, Missouri? If so, you're in for an exciting journey through America's heartland. There are several routes you can take, each with its own unique sights and experiences. Let's explore your options and see how long each route takes.

The Most Direct Route

If time is of the essence and you want to get to St. Louis as quickly as possible, the most direct route is the way to go. This route takes you through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana before entering into Illinois and then Missouri. The total distance is approximately 760 miles and should take you around 11 hours to drive.

While this route is the fastest, it may not be the most interesting. However, there are plenty of stops along the way that can break up the monotony of the interstate. In Pennsylvania, you can stop at the Presque Isle State Park for some scenic views of Lake Erie. In Ohio, check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton. In Indiana, stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

The Scenic Route

If you're in no rush and want to take in some beautiful scenery on the way to St. Louis, the scenic route through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky to Illinois is the way to go. The total distance is approximately 1,050 miles and should take you around 17 hours to drive.

The highlight of this route is the Appalachian Mountains, which you'll pass through on your way to Kentucky. Take the time to stop at some of the amazing state parks along the way, such as the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. In Kentucky, check out Mammoth Cave National Park, which is home to the world's largest cave system.

The Foodie Route

If you love food and want to sample some of the finest cuisine America has to offer, the foodie route through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky is the way to go. The total distance is approximately 1,000 miles and should take you around 15 hours to drive.

In New York, stop at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, where the original buffalo wings were invented. In Ohio, check out the famous Skyline Chili in Cincinnati or the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in Columbus. In Indiana, grab a pork tenderloin sandwich at Nick's Kitchen in Huntington. Finally, in Kentucky, indulge in some fried chicken at the iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The Historic Route

If you're interested in history and want to see some of the most important sites in American history, the historic route through Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana is the way to go. The total distance is approximately 900 miles and should take you around 14 hours to drive.

In New York, visit the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls or the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse. In Pennsylvania, stop at Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the Gettysburg National Military Park. In Ohio, check out the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose, the journey from Buffalo to St. Louis is sure to be memorable. Be sure to take breaks along the way to rest and refuel. With so many amazing sights and experiences along the way, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination. Happy travels!