Unexpected Stops Between Chicago, Illinois and Grand Prairie, Texas

Driving from Chicago, Illinois to Grand Prairie, Texas takes around 13 hours if one embarks on a direct route via I-55 S and I-44 W. If one wants an adventure, though, there are some unexpected stops along the way to break up the monotony of the long drive.

At around the halfway point of the trip is Marshfield, MO, a town of almost 7,000 people where many travelers take a break. But beyond Marshfield are some unexpected and out-of-the-way stops that are worth a visit.

1. Uranus, MO

Boldly named "Uranus," this roadside attraction located on Route 66 is sure to make you smile. Uranus, MO is home to the world's largest belt buckle, the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store, the Uranus Axehole, and the Uranus Brewing Company. Visitors can also take a tour of the Uranus Military Base and enjoy American barbecue at the restaurant.

Favorite food: The delicious fudge from the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store.

2. Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia, OK

Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia, OK, is an electric-blue-colored gas station that's hard to miss. Inside, there are over 700 kinds of soda, including unique flavors such as bacon-flavored and sweet corn soda.

Favorite food: Pops' famous Big Okie Burger, which is stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and served with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, Pops' sauce, and fries.

3. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX

One of the most popular roadside attractions in America is Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX. The art installation features ten classic Cadillac cars buried nose-down in a row, covered in graffiti. Visitors can add their own tag to the cars or just marvel at the colorful mural of the cars' grills sticking out of the ground.

Favorite food: Tex-Mex at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, known for its 72-ounce steak challenge.

4. The National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK

The National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK, showcases the history of Route 66 and has exhibits on pioneer life, Native American culture, oil drilling, and dust bowl days. Visitors can also see vintage cars, including a Corvette Stingray convertible and a 1926 Oldsmobile.

Favorite food: A traditional Oklahoma burger at Sid's Diner.

5. The World's Largest Peanut in Durant, OK

The World's Largest Peanut in Durant, OK, stands almost 4 meters tall, and visitors can climb up and take a photo beside it. The peanut monument stands in front of a gas station and convenience store and is believed to have been built in the 1970s by a peanut farmer.

Favorite food: The homemade, old-fashioned ice cream at Geo's Cheese & Sweets in Durant.

In conclusion, a long drive from Chicago, Illinois to Grand Prairie, Texas is not always a tedious task. There are plenty of unexpected and unique stops along the way that provide a fun road trip experience. So, the next time you plan to take this route, do yourself a favor and take the scenic route. You may find something that you will remember for a very long time.