Join us as we cruise 71 scenic miles east along Interstate 44 from the vibrant city of Joplin to the bustling hub of Springfield, right through the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes of southwest Missouri. This well-traveled stretch of I-44 offers drivers a blend of classic Ozarks scenery, small-town Americana, and a hint of Route 66 nostalgia that’s woven into the region’s history.
We kick things off in Joplin, merging onto Interstate 44 directly from the junction with Interstate 49. For the first few miles, we track northeast, leaving behind Joplin’s cityscape and easing into open country. Just beyond the interchange with I-49 North and Missouri Route 59 South, the highway swings more decidedly eastward, threading us through wide stretches of Missouri farmland and gently wooded hills. If you’re up for a break, Sarcoxie makes a pleasant stop—this little community is known for its friendly local diners and antique shops. Further along, Stotts City offers a glimpse of rural life and historic buildings that hint at its early mining roots.
Pressing on, we turn northeast again west of Mount Vernon, which is worth a detour if you’d like to grab a bite or stretch your legs in a classic small-town square. As we near Halltown, keep an eye out for signs of historic Route 66—MO-96 parallels our path here and preserves the feel of the Mother Road with vintage gas stations and quirky roadside shops. Many travelers like to exit at Halltown for a brief drive on this old alignment to soak in the nostalgia.
Back on I-44, we push eastward into the outer edges of Springfield. This last leg features a series of interchanges: first MO-360, then MO-266—another nod to Route 66 heritage—before approaching the larger junction with U.S. Highway 160. From here, the highway bends slightly east as we skirt the northwestern neighborhoods of Springfield. The city unfolds quickly, bringing us past major local arteries like MO-13 and Glenstone Avenue, with shopping centers, restaurants, and all the signs of urban life returning to view. Our route concludes at the busy interchange with U.S. Highway 65, marking the transition from a rural freeway to a true city thoroughfare as Springfield’s heart beats just beyond.
Whether you’re road tripping cross-country, chasing Route 66 relics, or just enjoying a drive through Missouri’s gently rolling hills, this stretch of I-44 never disappoints. It’s a vital piece of the corridor that links Oklahoma and the southwest with the Ozarks and beyond, making it a drive we’re always glad to revisit.
🗺️ Route Map
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