I-35 is a major north-south interstate highway that runs through the central United States and passes through six states—this interstate is the ninth-longest in the country and the third-longest north-south interstate! Although I-35 is considered a border-to-border highway, it doesn’t connect to either international border directly. If you plan to travel along the entire length of I-35, you can visit some fun stops along the way, including unique restaurants and different museums.

We have all the information on I-35, from where it runs through to how to make the most of your trip when you travel from border to border (almost).

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Road trip essentials

What is an interstate highway?

Interstate highways make up the Interstate Highway System—collectively they create a network of controlled-access highways. Since they pass through multiple states, interstate routes make it easier to travel and ship goods across the country.

The numbering system for interstate highways is quite logical. Typically, an interstate highway is numbered with one or two digits—an odd number means the interstate is a north-south route, whereas an even number indicates an east-west route. If the route number is divisible by five, it is usually a major coast-to-coast or border-to-border route, like I-35.

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What states does I-35 run through?

From Duluth, MN on the north end to Laredo, TX on the south end, I-35 travels straight through the center of the United States! Below are the six states that I-35 passes through:

– 504.15 miles

– 235.96 miles

– 235.51 miles

– 114.74 miles

– 218.33 miles

– 259.69 miles

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Haunted Texas road trip

Major interchanges on I-35

If you’re traveling on I-35 to get to the major cities it connects to, knowing which exits to look out for can keep you from missing your exit. Below are some of the major connections and interchanges you should know:

I-10 in

San Antonio

, TX

I-37 in San Antonio, TX

I-20 in

Dallas

/Fort Worth, TX

I-30 in Dallas/

Fort Worth

, TX

I-40 in

Oklahoma City

, OK

I-44 in Oklahoma City, OK

I-70 in

Kansas City

, MO

I-29 in Kansas City, MO

I-80 in

Des Moines

, IA

I-90 in Albert Lea, MN

I-94 in

Minneapolis

St Paul

, MN

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Best places to eat along I-35

Driving long distances also means there are many opportunities to stop and try different restaurants—traveling on I-35 is no different. There are many restaurants scattered along I-35, but here are a few popular options:

Outlaw Kitchens

(San Antonio, TX): Founded by a husband and wife duo, this one-of-a-kind restaurant serves an ever-changing menu available a la carte or as a 3-course prix fixe.

North Italia

(Dallas, TX): Highly rated by tourists and locals for its handmade authentic Italian cuisine.

Cheever’s Cafe

(Oklahoma City, OK): For those looking for an elegant dining experience, this bistro offers upscale Southwestern and Southern cuisine with cocktails and wines.

La Bodega

(Kansas City, MO): Enjoy Spanish tapas with wine and happy hour deals at this vibrant and colorful venue. Sidewalk seating is also available.

Revival MPLS

(Minneapolis, MN): Relax and get some classic Southern comfort foods and fried chicken.

Pro Tip When planning your I-35 trip, call the restaurants you plan to visit to see if reservations are available—especially if you have a larger group. Planning ahead can help you avoid long wait times at the restaurant! Have a backup restaurant as well in case your first choice is closed.

What is there to do on I-35?

Connecting major cities like Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Minneapolis means that there are plenty of attractions and activities to explore along I-35! If you’re on a schedule, though, you may not have enough time for everything that you want to see! Here are just a few examples of things to do along I-35:

The Science Museum of Minnesota

in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kansas City Power and Light District

in Kansas City, Missouri

Dallas Zoo

in Dallas, Texas

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Austin, Texas

The Alamo

in San Antonio, Texas

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10 best road trip cars to rent

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Whether you’re planning a road trip or just using I-35 to get to the border, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind on a long drive. The car insurance super app and broker

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