Route from Midwest to Southwest

[skyl4rk]

Does anyone have recommendations on routes from the midwest (generally Chicagoland) to the southwest?

We are looking for non-interstate options as much as possible, with boondocking options along the way.  We are not looking to move fast, in fact, we want to find reasons to get out of the car and walk around (although in winter we may interstate it south until things warm up a bit).

I have not done it, but was thinking the Mississippi River road would be interesting, with the old towns on the river.  Route 66 is another option. 

I like to plan routes that follow the empty areas in the middle of the rectangles and triangles that the interstate system creates.  

Years ago, we did Route 56, starting in Wichita and going to NM.  This was an excellent road, probably somewhat like Route 66 used to be like.  We always get excited about travelling when things start to look different than in the midwest.  We love not seeing any civilization for miles. Mountains are a novelty for us.

The road between T or C and Silver City, NM is a favorite way to get closer to AZ.

So are there any roads or regions between here and there that you have enjoyed and would recommend?

 

[cyndi]

Go straight south and follow the intercoastal highway (parts of which are called the migratory bird trail, you don't even have to get out of your car to see all kinds of water fowl. And there's a new beach every day to walk) through TX. Don't miss camping on the beach in Port Aransas. It'll cost you $12 for an annual pass.

then travel north through Big Bend. Once I get up to the panhandle in TX I travel on 10 to get out of TX.

That's the general route I take heading east, in the spring

 

[wagoneer]

route 66 or 40 is not what it was heavy construction on my last visit. I will not be going there anytime soon.

 

[StarEcho]

160 is a pretty decent road (at least on the Colorado section) and goes east west for the most part until you get to the four corners area, then it angles southwest to almost Flagstaff. Mountain passes in Colorado, 2 lanes with passing lanes every so often. Beautiful scenery.