Memphis to Des Moines Road Trip Guide: Epic Midwest Drive

This 550-mile northward journey from Memphis, Tennessee to Des Moines, Iowa traces the Mississippi River's western flank before cutting across the Missouri River valley. The route uses Interstate 55 north to St. Louis, then I-70 west to Kansas City, and finally I-35 north to Des Moines. A little-known fact: at Memphis, the Mississippi River is nearly a mile wide, but near Des Moines, the river system narrows to tributaries like the Raccoon River.

Driving time averages 8–9 hours without stops, but plan for at least two full days to savor the attractions. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this guide covers everything from cultural landmarks to scenic overlooks.

The question “is it worth driving Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA?” is answered with a resounding yes. The route offers a cross-section of American heartland: barbecue in Memphis, jazz in Kansas City, and the rolling Loess Hills of western Iowa.

• Total distance: ~550 miles (885 km)
• Estimated drive time: 8–9 hours (nonstop)
• Major highways: I-55, I-70, I-35, and I-80 (final stretch)
• Key cities: Memphis, TN → St. Louis, MO → Kansas City, MO → Des Moines, IA

Route at a Glance

These times account for typical traffic. Add 1–2 hours for meal and rest stops.

Fuel costs along the corridor average $3.20–$3.50 per gallon (mid-2024). Gas stations cluster near exits every 20–30 miles. For optimal fuel economy, fill up in Missouri where taxes are lower than in Illinois. The route passes through three time zones: Central throughout, but note that most of Missouri and Iowa observe Central Time.

• Rest areas: Missouri has modern facilities every 50 miles; Iowa offers welcome centers with travel info.
• Tolls: None on I-55, I-70, or I-35 except for a small toll on I-70 near Kansas City (Kansas Turnpike) if you stray onto it.
• Road quality: Generally good. Concrete sections in Illinois can be rough; expect construction in summer.

Climatic Conditions

Summer brings high humidity and temperatures over 90°F (32°C) in Memphis, easing to mid-80s in Des Moines. Spring and fall offer mild weather but bring thunderstorms. Winter can be treacherous – snow and ice are common from November through March, especially in Iowa.

• Best travel months: May–June or September–October for pleasant temperatures and clear roads.
• Rain: Average 10–12 rainy days per month in spring; pack a waterproof layer.
• Visibility: Fog can reduce visibility along the Mississippi River bottoms near St. Louis.

Cell phone coverage is solid along interstates. Use apps like GasBuddy for fuel prices and Waze for real-time traffic. Rest stops often have free Wi-Fi. For charging electric vehicles, Tesla Superchargers are available in Memphis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Des Moines; CCS chargers are less frequent but present.

Infrastructure safety is high; all major interstates are well-maintained with clear signage. Speed limits are typically 70 mph, dropping to 65 in some urban areas. Deer crossings are common in rural Missouri and Iowa, especially at dawn and dusk. Use high beams when safe.

• Emergency services: Call 911; hospitals are within 30 minutes of any point on the route.
• Construction zones: Frequent on I-70 in Missouri; obey reduced speed fines doubled.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most rest areas allow pets on leashes. Hotels like La Quinta and Motel 6 accept pets. Dog parks in St. Louis (Benton Park) and Des Moines (Gray's Lake) provide relief.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is excellent for families. The City Museum in St. Louis is a massive indoor playground. The Kansas City Zoo and Worlds of Fun amusement park thrill kids. In Des Moines, the Science Center of Iowa and Blank Park Zoo are hits. Most attractions offer parents' lounges and nursing rooms.

• Rest stops with playgrounds: Missouri rest areas often have play equipment; Iowa's welcome centers have interactive exhibits.
• Dining: Kid-friendly chains like Cracker Barrel are plentiful; local options include pizza and burgers.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Take a break every 2 hours. Rest areas are spaced about 45–60 miles apart. Better options: exit at towns like Macon, MO (mile marker 120 on I-70) or Bethany, MO (I-35). For a longer stop, consider an overnight in St. Louis or Kansas City to break the drive into two days.

• Hidden Off-Route Spots: Katy Trail State Park in Missouri (starting near St. Charles) offers 240 miles of rails-to-trails hiking and biking. The Amana Colonies in Iowa (off I-80) are seven historic villages with German cuisine and crafts.
• For a quick detour, the Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, MO (off I-29) is a restored 1850s hotel and Pony Express museum.

Local commerce beyond the big cities includes antique shops in Hannibal, MO, and wineries along the Missouri River. The route passes through the heart of the Corn Belt; you'll see grain elevators and ethanol plants. Support local by buying a jar of honey from a roadside stand in Iowa.

The drive transitions from the Mississippi Delta floodplain to the Missouri River bluffs and finally the Loess Hills of Iowa. Near Memphis, look for the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, a cypress swamp along the Mississippi. Farther north, the Missouri River valley near Kansas City offers dramatic limestone bluffs. In western Iowa, the Loess Hills – wind-deposited silt – rise 200 feet above the plains, visible from I-29 (a short detour west of I-35).

• Natural attractions: Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis), Loess Hills State Forest, and Lake Rathbun (Iowa).
• UNESCO sites: None directly, but the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (near St. Louis) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – take a 10-mile detour off I-55/70.

Local commerce along the route includes farmer's markets and artisan shops. In St. Louis, visit the Soulard Market, the oldest public market west of the Mississippi. Kansas City's Country Club Plaza offers shopping and fountains. In Iowa, stop at the Pella Historical Village for Dutch-inspired goods.

Culinary Infrastructure

Barbecue dominates Memphis (rendezvous at the Rendezvous or Central BBQ). St. Louis is known for toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. Kansas City boasts burnt ends and steak. Des Moines has a burgeoning food scene with farm-to-table restaurants and the famous State Fair foods (even off-season, try the Iowa Machine Shed).

• Must-try: Memphis dry rub ribs, St. Louis pork steaks, Kansas City burnt ends, Iowa sweet corn (in season).
• Dairy: Iowa's cheese curds are a roadside staple; look for local creameries.