What to see along I35?

[Navl AV8R]

In Sep 09 we will travel from MN to San Antonio, TX down I35. Any recommendations on things to do, places to see, etc. enroute?

Although we are not on a specific time schedule we do want to consider things within 1-2 hrs of I35 (keep the gas cost down).

We're a couple of 60 something grandparent geezers traveling on this trip. No kids/grandkids to keep entertained.

[H. Miller]

We'll be 4 months ahead of you and would also be interested in responses. Our trip starts in Austin, TX next weekend and is FULL with Grand Canyon, Yellowstone etc. for the first 3 weeks. We will however use I-94 into Minnie then I-35 home. What would you suggest on the north end?
Here in Austin you'll find the LBJ Presidential Library (free and on I-35) also the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum and the state capitol (few blocks apart and also near I-35)
Exit 200 just south of San Marcos has 2 huge discount malls next to each other (2nd largest tourist attraction in Texas behind the Alamo).
San Antonio could keep you busy for several days but the Alamo, River Walk and La Villita are must see's.
Let me know if more suggestions are needed for this area.
Harold Miller

[Steve Headley]

I've travelled 35 between Kansas City and Minneapolis many times and I don't recall seeing anything worthwhile - a lot of open land. Good luck finding some attractions, but it's pretty boring, especially in Iowa.

[REWahoo]

H. Miller gave you good suggestions for the Austin - San Antonio area.

You might also want to consider cutting west over to Hwy 281 north of Austin at Georgetown. There is much to see in that area of the Hill Country - don't miss Cooper's BBQ in Llano, plus Fredericksburg to the west is a very interesting spot as well.

The primary reason for taking 281 into San Antonio is it will route you around I-35 through Austin. Other than a relatively expensive (and boring) toll road to the east, there is no loop and I-35 through Austin can become a parking lot anytime, night or day. I once witnessed a 21 mile traffic jam due to a major wreck there. Thankfully it was in the northbound lane and we were headed south...

[TXiceman]

I would head west to Hwy 281 up as far as Waco and avoid the Austin and San Antonio mess on I-35. To put it in plain English...those drivers are simply crazy and rude. The drive down 281 is much nicer.

Whay kinds of things are you interested in seeing? Once you get to the Hill Country, there is a lots of things, caverns, wineries, lakes, museums, Alamo, River Walk, wild flower gardens, zoo... and so on

Ken

[RustyJC]

Another vote for US281. A much nicer, more relaxed ride through the Texas Hill Country, the Highland Lakes, etc. Cooper's in Llano is a must for BBQ addicts, Fredericksburg, Boerne and New Braunfels are all just off US281 and retain their 1840s/1850s German heritage, Johnson City is on US281 and was the home (actually, he was born in Stonewall) of LBJ - his ranch on US290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is a National Historic Site.

I-35, on the other hand, is a crowded, featureless parking lot that's almost guaranteed to experience traffic accidents and multi-hour backups between D/FW and San Antonio.

Rusty

[Chickadee]

Navl AV8R:

G'morning from Tampa, FL. Wife and I retired to full time RV'ing in 05 out of Duluth, MN. Have loved every minute.

We're now here in Tampa visiting son and his family, but will be heading for visit in Duluth soon.

Anyway, I-35 from Minn. to San Antonio doesn't offer much at all in the way of sight seeing opportunities. It's a great corridor though for getting from beautiful Minnesota down to San Antonio, but not much else. I'm sure there MUST be some attractions here and there, and hopefully someone can help ya out.

[SeeTheUSA]

You asked about things along or within 1 to 2 hours of I-35 . . .

Here's a few ideas:

- WinStar Casino, Exit 1 on I-35, Oklahoma
WinStar World Casino

- Oklahoma City, Federal Building Memorial and MUCH more
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau What to Do- Wichita, lots of aviation stuff around there
Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau

- Kansas City, you could spend days there, try the Steamboat Arabia museum or the Nelson Atkins Art Museum or Harry Truman Library and Home -- MUCH MORE!
Kansas City : VisitKC.com™ Official Travel Source

- St. Joseph, MO, less than an hour off I-35, Pony Express, VERY historic!
StJoMo.com - St. Joseph, Missouri - Where the Pony Express Began and Jesse James Ended; St. Joseph CVB

Now further north there's Des Moines . . . not sure about around there . . . and you could stray off a bit to Forest City, Iowa to visit the Winnebago Factory (great visitor center and tours of the factory).

All these just off the top of my head . . . I'm sure there's much more.

[eddiepotts]

Don't forget to stop at Texas motor speedway. They even have a package to drive the NASCARs. Then just south of Fort Worth is Glen Rose Just off of 67. There is a state park there with the river running through it with the dinosaur tracks everywhere. Also a Drive through safari that is close to it. Great if you have a car with you. I don't think you want to try driving the rig up some of their steep roads. There is a Six Flags theme park between Dallas and Fort Worth. Have fun let us know what you do.