Is Winnipeg to Dallas the most unexpected road trip ever? [Spoiler: Yes!]
Imagine me sitting in my cozy little igloo of an apartment, staring out the window at the seemingly endless sea of snow.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my city, but there comes a point in every winter when even the most die-hard snow enthusiast starts to go a little stir-crazy.
So, there I am, bundled up like a marshmallow—I scroll through my social media feed, and suddenly, I stumble upon a friend’s post.
They’re lounging by a pool, soaking up the sun, while I’m over here contemplating whether I can fashion a pair of snowshoes out of my old tennis rackets just to make it to the grocery store.
At that moment, a wave of sheer boredom and envy washed over me. I declared to myself: I needed an adventure.
But not just any adventure—a grand, soul-stirring quest to break free from the monotony of winter and seek out warmer horizons.
That’s when the idea struck me like a bolt of lightning—why not head south to hotter climes? Dallas, with its sunshine and BBQ, seems like just the ticket to thaw out these frozen bones!
Fueled by equal parts boredom and wanderlust, I embarked on a journey that would take me from polar bears to armadillos, from snowdrifts to sunsets, and maybe a little bit of Texas barbecue along the way (just thinking about it makes my mouth water!).
So, buckle up, because this ride is about to get spicier than a jalapeño in July!
How long is the drive from Winnipeg to Dallas?
The direct drive from Winnipeg to Dallas covers a distance of 1,285 miles (2,068 kilometers). In usual traffic conditions, the journey typically takes around 19 hours and 8 minutes.
Routes to Take on a Road Trip From Winnipeg to Dallas
1. Direct Route (I-90 E)
This route clocks in at around 1,285 miles (2,068 kilometers) and takes approximately 19 hours and 8 minutes of driving time. It’s the most efficient option if you’re in a hurry and want to save as much time as possible.
Starting from Winnipeg, you’ll cross into North Dakota, driving through flat plains and small towns. Continuing into South Dakota, you’ll encounter mostly flat land with some rolling hills, passing landmarks like the Badlands and the Missouri River on I-90 E.
Next, you’ll enter Iowa, with its farmland and gentle hills, before reaching Missouri and cruising through Kansas City, where traffic might be heavier.
From there, you’ll take I-35 S through Oklahoma, where the scenery varies with woods and fields.
2. The Scenic Route (I-29 and I-35 S)
This route is a bit longer—about 1,343 miles or 2,162 kilometers—and it takes roughly 21 hours and 23 minutes to drive.
You’ll start off traveling through the beautiful Minnesota countryside, with its lush landscapes and charming small towns.
Then, you’ll pass by the rolling hills of Iowa, which are pretty stunning in their own right. Eventually, you’ll make your way through the heartland of Kansas.
This route also gives you a chance to check out some fantastic cities like Minneapolis, Omaha, and Kansas City.
Best Places to Stop on a Drive From Winnipeg to Dallas
1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Website: https://www.omahazoo.com/
Phone: 402 733 8401
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 – 5 pm
This place is not your average zoo. It’s got everything from tropical rainforests to desert habitats, all under one roof.
And the best part? You can get up close and personal with some of the coolest animals from all over the world—we’re talking lions, tigers, bears, and more!
And did I mention they’ve got one of the biggest collections of wild cats in North America? Trust me, it’s pretty impressive and definitely worth a pit stop!
2. Nebraska State Capitol
Address: 1445 K St., Lincoln, NE 68508, United States
Website: https://capitol.nebraska.gov/
Phone: 402 471 0448
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8 – 5 pm, Saturday: 10 – 5 pm, Sunday: 1 – 5 pm
The Nebraska State Capitol, built in 1932, boasts a majestic limestone tower soaring 400 feet into the sky. When you see it, it’s like something out of a fairytale, all castle-like and surrounded by courtyards.
But it’s not just about the impressive exterior. Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by some seriously stunning artwork.
There are mosaics, murals, and intricate tilework that’ll leave you in awe. And what makes it even cooler is that you can explore it all at your own pace!
Now, here’s the cherry on top: head up to the top floor, and you’ll find yourself on an observation deck. The view from up there is something else!
Panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding area stretch out before you, making it the perfect spot to snap some envy-inducing photos for Instagram.
3. Patee House Museum and Jesse James Homes
— Media credit: cheveyo_ford
Address: 1202 Penn St., St. Joseph, MO 64503, United States
Website: http://ponyexpressjessejames.com/
Phone: 816 232 8206
Operating hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9 – 4 pm, Thursday: 12 – 4 pm
Patee House Museum and Jesse James Homes used to be the headquarters for the Pony Express back in the day and even served as a Union outpost during the Civil War.
Here, they’ve got all sorts of Western artifacts on display, and the exhibit on the Pony Express and a Main Street walkthrough can really give you a feel for what life was like during that era.
Now, don’t rush through this place; just take your time and read up on each description—they really add to the experience.
And if stairs aren’t your thing, no worries! They’ve got an elevator to take you up and down the different levels.
4. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
— Media credit: vividsnaps_aydan
Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: https://www.nelson-atkins.org
Phone: 816 751 1278
Operating hours: Monday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 – 5 pm, Thursday and Friday: 10 – 9 pm
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a renowned institution in the heart of Kansas City. It has two stunning buildings, one with that classic, grand look and the other all sleek and modern.
Inside, it’s like stepping into a time machine that spans over 5,000 years of art history. You’ll see everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to timeless Greek sculptures, not to mention the mesmerizing pieces from Rome and the Etruscans.
5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Address: 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221, United States
Website: https://www.opkansas.org/deanna-rose-childrens-farmstead/
Phone: 913 897 2360
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 – 5 pm
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park is like a little slice of countryside heaven in Kansas.
It features a charming one-room schoolhouse, winding nature trails, friendly farm animals just waiting to say hi, and colorful butterfly gardens that’ll make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
And there are even majestic birds of prey and stunning show gardens to explore!
Now, here’s the deal: this place is only open from April to October, so you’ll want to time your visit right. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with the whole family, there’s something here for everyone.
It’s the kind of place where you can let your inner child run wild and make some unforgettable memories along the way.
Where to Eat During the Winnipeg to Dallas Road Trip
1. Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House
Address: 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Website: https://www.jackstackbbq.com/
Phone: 816 472 7427
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 – 9 pm, Friday to Saturday: 11 – 10 pm, Sunday: 11 – 8:30 pm
Must-order menu items: Pork Spare Ribs, Honey-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket
Price range: $$ – average
You’ve got to stop by Jack Stack Barbecue in Kansas City during your road trip from Winnipeg to Dallas! Their pork spare ribs are a hit with everyone who tries them.
They’re so tender and flavorful, and the portion size? It’s definitely generous enough to satisfy any hungry traveler.
Now, as per the sauce, Jack Stack is all about that classic Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. It’s not like those tangy Carolina sauces you might be used to.
Here, it strikes just the right balance—not too sweet, but with a lovely smoky kick. You’ll taste hints of tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, and a whole bunch of other deliciousness in there.
And let me tell you, it’s not just for chicken.
Slather it on ribs, brisket, pulled pork—you name it. It’s a game-changer!
2. Au Courant Regional Kitchen
Address: 6064 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104, United States
Website: https://www.aucourantrestaurant.com/
Phone: 402 505 9917
Operating hours: Sunday and Thursday: 5 – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday: 5 – 10 pm
Must-order menu items: Half Dozen Oysters, Swordfish, Tagliatelle
Price range: $ – $$ cheap to average
For a great place to eat, I highly recommend stopping at Au Courant Regional Kitchen in Omaha. One dish people are raving about here (that you should try) is their Chovy’s Egg.
It’s a soft-boiled egg that’s perfectly cooked, and they pair it with gochujang, which is this amazing sweet and spicy Korean red chili paste.
It also comes with fresh spinach and crispy bacon, creating a delicious mix of flavors and textures.
Where to Stay During the Winnipeg to Dallas Road Trip
1. Sheraton Kansas City Hotel
Address: 2345 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcicr-sheraton-kansas-city-hotel
Phone: 816 841 1000
Operating hours: Check-in time: 4 pm, Check-out time: 12 pm
The Sheraton Kansas City Hotel is a 4-star inn located downtown and just a stone’s throw away from the Crown Center shopping and entertainment complex, which means you have plenty of options for dining, shopping, and just having a good time.
After a long day on the road, you can unwind at the lodge’s outdoor pool or keep up with your workout routine in their fitness center. And don’t worry about meal options; their on-site dining is top-notch.
And when it comes to the rooms, they are really comfy too, with flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi, so you can relax and stay connected. It’s a great spot to break up your trip and enjoy a bit of luxury before hitting the road again.
2. Hilton Omaha
Address: 1001 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
Website: https://www.hilton.com/
Phone: 402 998 3400
Operating hours: Check-in time: 3 pm, Check-out time: 11 am
Hilton Omaha is another great option if you’re looking for a hotel to stay at during your trip from Winnipeg to Dallas. It has a modern vibe with over 600 guest rooms.
When it’s time to relax, you’ve got plenty of choices here. The on-site restaurant and bar room are perfect for loosening up after a very tiring day on the road.
And if you’re in need of a caffeine fix or a quick snack, the Corner/Market has recently been redesigned and features Starbucks, which is always a win.
But if you’re up for a little exploring, the hotel is close to some cool spots like the Riverfront, the Skate Ribbon, and the Kiewit Luminarium.
I have to admit, it’s a pretty nice place to take breaks from your trip and enjoy a homey stay with plenty of amenities.