Traverse City, MI → St. Louis, MO
485 mi · 9h 42m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Heavy snow in Traverse City all day — consider delaying
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Traverse City
36°
Michigan
39°
Cook County
43°
40.2°
42°
St. Louis
41°
Wind gusts up to 16 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 485 mi · 9h 42m
Weather
🌧️ Moderate drizzle
39°F, wind 16 mph
Rest Stops
7
Restrooms
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Cadillac Rest Area 306 🚻
- ● Tustin Rest Area 305 🚻
- ● Big Rapids Rest Area 534 🚻
Hazards Ahead
2 road closures may affect your route · 44 construction zones on route
44 Construction Zones on Route
US 20 in both directions (Mile Point 48.79 - 51.76): Long term road construction. Between IN 39 and Fail Rd.
US 12 in both directions (Mile Point 45.12 - 42.39): Utility work. Between IN 212 and N 600 W.
US 20 in both directions (Mile Point 45.21 - 46.66): Long term road construction. Between US 35 and N 400 W.
US 35 (Mile Point 203.02 - 202.24): Gas main work. Between N 325 W and W 450 N.
US 20 westbound (Mile Point 41.2 - 40.47): Lane closed. Between Woodland Ave and US 421.
US 421 (Mile Point 229.08 - 229.06): Lane closed. Between W 125 N and I-94.
+ 38 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
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Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via US-31 (East Grandview Parkway) → M 37 North (East Grandview Parkway) → ... → US-40 West → I-64 West
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I-80-94/14.2 GRAND AVE
Lake Station, IN ·
I-94 MP 12.7 CENTRAL AVE
Lake Station, IN ·
I-94 MP 11.0 MLK/I-65 CONNECTOR RAMPS
Gary, IN ·
I-80-94/9.9 SR 53/BROADWAY
Gary, IN ·
I-80-94/9.0 GRANT ST
Gary, IN ·
I-80-94/6.5 BURR ST
Gary, IN ·
SR 912/CLINE AVE
Gary, IN ·
I-80-94/3.3 KENNEDY AVE
Hammond, IN ·
I-55: I-55 SB at Mile Post 223.0 (looking south)
IL · SB
I-55: I-55 NB at Mile Post 183.5 (looking south)
IL · SB
I-55 SB: I-55 at Grand (looking north)
IL · SB
I-55 SB: I-55/70 @ MP 19.2 (looking north)
IL · SB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
85 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 85
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow advisory in effect - leave 2 hours earlier to avoid accumulation
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Traverse City, MI to St. Louis, MO covers 485 miles in roughly 9h 42m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 85 rest areas, 2 reported incidents and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
39° / 34°
50% precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
41° / 38°
32% precip
Sun
Nov 15
43° / 37°
2% precip
Mon
Nov 16
48° / 35°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
52° / 42°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
55° / 46°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
54° / 43°
17% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌧️ Moderate drizzle at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Traverse City, MI
36°F
Wind: 13 mph
St. Louis, MO
41°F
Wind: 9 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Traverse City, MI to St. Louis, MO
The 485-mile drive from Traverse City, Michigan to St. Louis, Missouri takes approximately 9h 42m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Michigan into Missouri, connecting Traverse City and St. Louis. Covering 485 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Traverse City to St. Louis
For medium-distance drives like this 485-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 485-mile drive from Traverse City to St. Louis takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Traverse City to St. Louis?
The drive is approximately 485 miles and takes about 9h 42m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Monday, Nov 16 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Traverse City to St. Louis today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Traverse City to St. Louis route?
Yes, there are 85 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-80, I-55 South. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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