I-49 may be one of the smaller interstates in the country, but it still passes through plenty of stop-worthy history, restaurants, and sights along its three-state run. From the National World War I Museum and Memorial to a tour through the Cajun bayous, there truly is no shortage of unique experiences to have on this highway.

A road trip through I-49 is one of the best ways to discover and take in the gems of this Southern US route. To make the most of your journey, we've put together everything you should know about this short but sweet interstate.

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What is an interstate highway?

As the name suggests, an interstate highway is a roadway that connects larger metro areas across multiple states.

Each interstate highway uses a numbering system based on direction and importance. Most interstate highways use only one or two-digit numbers. Odd numbers indicate a north-south route, like I-49, and even numbers indicate west to east. Interstates that play a more major role in nationwide traffic typically end in a zero or five.

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What states does I-49 run through?

I-49 carves a short path from the middle of the US toward the South, passing through three states along its way:

Missouri

—178.96 miles

Arkansas

—109.81 miles

Louisiana

—239.25 miles

I-49 was originally envisioned as a lengthier 850-mile route from Kansas City to

New Orleans

. However, today it currently exists in segments between Kansas City and Lafayette with a large gap from

Alma

Texarkana, AR

There are plans for “Future I-49” to fill in this gap and extend the interstate southeast from Lafayette toward Westbank Expressway and onto New Orleans—but these plans have made slow progress since 1999.

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The best Southern road trip for foodies

Major interchanges on I-49

I-49 is a useful changing point for several connecting major interstate highways. Here are some interchanges that might be helpful when planning your travel route:

I-44 in Duenweg, MO

I-40 in Alma, AR

I-30 in Texarkana, AR

I-20 in

Shreveport, LA

I-10 in Lafayette, LA

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Best places to eat along I-49

From classic southern barbecue to Louisiana’s cajun cuisine, I-49 has an absurd amount of great restaurant options. While it’s truly impossible to point out every great food joint from Kansas City to Lafayette, here are a few places you won’t want to miss:

Beer Kitchen

(Kansas City, MO): Kansas City’s first true gastropub, Beer Kitchen features creative, authentic cuisine in the heart of historic Westport. From Kansas City-style burnt ends to cornflake-crusted chicken and waffles, there’s not much on this menu that doesn’t make your mouth water.

Buzz’s BBQ & Steakhouse

(

Nevada, MO

): Home of the famous “Betty” baked potato, Buzz’s BBQ originally began as a deli in 1998 and quickly evolved into the most hopping BBQ joint in town. If you’re a lover of smoked meats and local charm, this is the spot for you.

Big R’s BBQ

(

Joplin, MO

): With a menu boasting “the meat you can’t beat” and “the pie you can’t deny”, Big R’s serves big portions and big personality in a family-owned, memorabilia-rich setting.

Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese

(

Fayetteville, AR

): Fayetteville is serious about its grilled cheese, and Hammontree’s has the fix for every connoisseur. With 26 kinds of cheese to choose from along with sauces, veggies, spreads, and bread options, this local sandwich shop is a big favorite amongst travelers and residents alike.

Hugo’s

(Fayetteville, AR): Located in a basement in historic Fayetteville Square, Hugo’s offers an eclectic “beer and burgers” menu with a funky 1970s vibe.

Herby K’s

(Shreveport, LA): This tiny, hole-in-the-wall seafood joint is wildly famous for a trademark shrimp po’boy Herby K came up with himself back in 1945.

Pro Tip Be sure to check the working hours of the restaurants you plan on visiting during your I-49 road trip. No one wants to arrive at a joint hungry only to find that it’s already closed!

What is there to do on I-49?

Despite its gap, I-49 covers plenty of activity-rich ground—passing through several diverse and distinct cities like Kansas City, Fayetteville, and Shreveport just to name a few.

Here is a small selection of the many stops you can see and experience along I-49.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

in Kansas City, MO

Arabia Steamboat Museum

in Kansas City, MO

—open only in summer

Old Spanish Treasure Cave

in Sulphur Springs, AR

The Walmart Museum

Bentonville, AR

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

in Bentonville, AR

Popeye Statue

in Alma, AR

Shreveport Water Works Museum

in Shreveport, LA

Natchitoches National Historic District

Natchitoches, LA

Bayou Vermilion District

in Lafayette, LA

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How bad is Lafayette traffic?

Find affordable car insurance with Jerry

Whether you’re making road trip plans along I-49, or you’re just a regular commuter—you’ll want to protect yourself during your travels with quality

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