2 Weddings in 2 States and 38 Counties Along the Way

After our last trip, Victoria and I were more comfortable taking cross-country trips. So we planned to go to my buddy's wedding in Dallas. If you've been reading this blog for a while, this is the buddy who is a Dallas police officer. It's where I went on that crazy ride-along where our first call was an active shooter.

I've known my buddy since middle school, and his twin brother is the reason I moved to Texas in the first place. At the wedding, I would see both of them and a few other friends. We would also be able to visit with some of Victoria's family and some of our other friends in the area.

This time, Victoria was comfortable flying, so the plan was for me to drive down and pick her up at the airport. Of course, I would be stopping at country courthouses along the way. For the first part of this trip, I had to drive 150 miles north to drop Maya off at my parents. She got to hang out with her buddy Jordy.

Two pets, a tricolor cat and a smooth-coated dog, resting on a floral patterned bed near a window

I visited for a while and hit the road in the early afternoon. My goal was to get to the Missouri Welcome Center and sleep the night there in my car.

Blue Missouri state welcome sign reading 'Missouri Welcomes You' photographed at night with buildings in background

Being that the sun is coming up later, I actually was able to sleep in a bit. I got a good night's sleep and was ready for a day of visiting courthouses.

Dawn or dusk sky over a public park featuring brick entrance pillars, gazebo, and covered pavilion structures

I planned to roughly follow US-69 all the way down to Texas. I'd effectively split the U.S. in half for visiting counties if I played my cards right.

My first country was Harrison County, Missouri.

Harrison County courthouse, a limestone Art Deco building with American flag, blue spruce trees flanking the entrance

I followed MO-13 to Daviess County.

Straight rural highway at golden hour stretching toward horizon with telephone poles and autumn fields on both sides

Neoclassical courthouse with cream-colored exterior, prominent white columns, central dome with clock, and manicured landscaping

I made sure to watch for Amish buggies on my way to Caldwell County.

Curved rural road with yellow deer crossing warning sign, bare trees and water visible alongside pavement

Historic three-story red brick courthouse with Romanesque Revival architecture featuring arched windows and domed tower

Up next was taking the highways and then narrow streets of Plattsburg to get to Clinton County.

Empty rural highway under dramatic cloudy sky with flat agricultural fields extending to distant farmhouse

Small town main street with historic two-story brick commercial buildings, parked vehicles, and quiet roadway

Modern single-story municipal building with tan metal siding, brick base, and flagpole displaying American flag

Soon I was taking some of the lettered secondary roads to Clay County.

Straight country road with chevron curve warning sign and white letter 'A' road sign amid autumn farmland

Contemporary curved government building with tan exterior, horizontal window bands, and brick accent section

I noticed a place called Cody's Quick Stop, so I had to check it out and get an energy drink.

Cody's Quick Stop convenience store with dark vertical siding, brick base, and distinctive storefront signage

Convenience store interior displaying mounted taxidermy including moose, deer, and antelope heads above product shelves

Convenience store interior with extensive shelving displaying variety of chips, snacks, and candy products

Now it was time to hit the big city of Kansas City, Missouri, and visit Jackson County.

Kansas City downtown skyline with modern glass office towers and historic brick buildings under overcast sky

Tall Art Deco courthouse or government building with vertical limestone facade and symmetrical setback design

Kansas City, Missouri, soon became Kansas City, Kansas, and I was in Wyandotte County.

Neoclassical courthouse with limestone facade, tall columns, multiple American flags, and formal landscaping

I would continue going south in Kansas. Then, with a little more driving, I was in Johnson County.

Contemporary courthouse with angular glass and concrete facade, featuring vertical window patterns and modern architectural design

Up next was Miami County.

Victorian Romanesque Revival courthouse with red brick exterior, prominent clock tower, arched windows, and decorative stonework

The roads soon became much more open on my way to Linn County.

Straight rural highway stretching to horizon under dramatic stratified cloud formation with fenced pastureland on both sides

Linn County Courthouse, compact red brick building with white trim, central tower with pointed roof, and weathered identification sign

Bourbon County would be the next county on my list.

Neoclassical courthouse with white limestone facade, tall columns, decorative pilasters, and stone balustrade at entrance

Since I got Crawford County on my last trip to Texas, I just drove by it.

Tree-shaded courthouse square with mature deciduous trees, parked vehicles, and government building visible in background

My last county in Kansas would be Cherokee County.

Contemporary three-story courthouse with tan and rust-colored brick exterior, modern window placement, and stone base

I was soon in Oklahoma!

Rural highway approaching Oklahoma state border with dusty roadside conditions and welcome billboard visible ahead

First up in Oklahoma was Ottawa County.

Ottawa County Courthouse, modern brick facility with green glass accent panels and covered entrance with multiple flags

Then was Delaware County.

Art Deco limestone courthouse with geometric window patterns, multiple flagpoles, and manicured lawn at dusk

I had to wait for a train, but I still made decent time to Craig County.

Union Pacific locomotive number 8944 crossing railroad intersection with active crossing signals and warning gates

Modern brick courthouse with central clock emblem, symmetrical design, and flagpoles photographed during golden hour

You could tell daylight was getting limited when I hit Mayes County.

Multi-lane highway at sunset with dramatic cloud patterns and distant exit sign under colorful evening sky

Single-story municipal courthouse with brick exterior, green metal roof, large windows, and covered portico entrance

Wagoner County would be my last county for the day.

Modern courthouse complex with pale yellow exterior, multiple stories, and illuminated windows photographed at twilight

I then drove to a Super 8 in Muskogee. Muskogee County would be the first courthouse of the day, and I figured I'd get a hotel room not too far from it.

Super 8 motel drive-through canopy with illuminated signage and decorative rope lighting at night

Budget hotel room featuring queen bed with capitol building photograph as headboard artwork and open bathroom vanity

I guess I should have sprung a few more bucks, as this hotel was disgusting. It was dirty, and when I went looking for an outlet by the bed to charge my phone, I found a bra hiding behind the nightstand.

Discarded towel or undergarment on hotel room floor corner revealing housekeeping oversight or maintenance issue

I was able to eke out an alright night's sleep despite this sketchy hotel. In the morning, I stopped at QuikTrip for some breakfast tacos.

QuikTrip convenience store and gas station exterior at twilight with prominent red illuminated QT signage and outdoor seating

Two flour tortilla burritos wrapped in aluminum foil displayed on reflective foil surface

After eating, I made it to the Muskogee County Courthouse.

Neoclassical limestone courthouse with arched ground floor windows, black awnings, and illuminated street lights photographed at dusk

Some construction made me overshoot my exit. So I ended up taking the scenic route to McIntosh County.

Highway bridge crossing reservoir or lake at sunrise with metal guardrails, utility poles, and golden light reflecting on water

Two-story dark brick Art Deco courthouse with war memorial monument featuring eagle sculpture in front courtyard

Up next was Pittsburg County.

Symmetrical courthouse with twin red brick towers flanking limestone central section, stone balustrade, and law enforcement vehicles parked outside

Then I made it to Atoka County.

Brutalist tan brick courthouse with angular concrete columns, dramatic overhanging entrance canopy, and flagpoles under stormy sky

US-69 and US-75 came together and ran concurrently. So that brought me to my last county on the trip down, Bryan County.

Straight rural highway under gray stratified clouds with Route 69 and Highway 75 junction signs and flat agricultural landscape

White neoclassical courthouse with four prominent Corinthian columns, ornate cornice and pediment, double-door entrance, and green lawn

Now it was time to haul my way to the Dallas airport. Time was tight with Victoria's flight coming in.

Google Maps navigation screenshot showing W Evergreen St toward N 5th Ave with street grid and remaining travel time display

I made it to Texas and decided to stop quick at Buc-ee's to fuel up before I hit the Dallas metro area.

Multi-lane divided highway with concrete median barriers, light traffic, overhead directional signage, and roadside vegetation

Buc-ee's convenience store and gas station in shopping center parking lot with distinctive branding and numerous parked vehicles

Soon, I was fighting typical Dallas traffic.

Urban freeway with moderate traffic, concrete lane dividers, and modern glass office towers visible in background skyline

I made it to the airport a little early and ended up having to go into a parking garage. The cell phone lot was closed for construction.

Interior vehicle view through windshield showing elevated highway overpass structure with industrial or airport facilities beyond

Victoria's flight came in, and we made it to the La Quinta we were staying at in Plano.

La Quinta Inn hotel exterior featuring cream-colored stone facade, red clay tile roof, covered portico entrance, and mature landscaping

Contemporary hotel room with king bed, patterned carpet, work desk, yellow accent chair, maroon feature wall, and window seating

We were hungry, so we went to Whataburger for a light meal. I basically got a kid's meal.

Whataburger meal consisting of hamburger, french fries in orange and white striped container, and spicy ketchup packet on branded tray

We picked up a friend and went to Free Play Arcade in Richardson. I love this place since it's a single admission price, and everything is set to free play. So you can play as many games as you want!

Free Play retro arcade bar exterior with colorful rainbow striped signage reading 'beer and bites' and large storefront windows

Row of classic arcade game cabinets including colorful vintage titles under exposed ceiling industrial design with pendant lighting

Collection of illuminated pinball machines featuring licensed themes including Jurassic Park arranged in arcade setting with decorative wall stripes

We worked up a good appetite playing so many arcade games. We then went to one of my Dallas-area favorite restaurants, El Fenix. I got flautas, and Victoria got a smothered chicken burrito.

El Fenix Mexican restaurant illuminated neon sign at night with bright green, yellow, and red art deco-style lettering

Large enchilada covered in green tomatillo sauce served with Spanish rice, refried beans, lettuce, and pico de gallo

We dropped our friend off at their apartment and headed back for the hotel. We got a good night's rest and then had some La Quinta breakfast in the morning.

Breakfast plate with three breakfast sausage links, scrambled eggs, and diced seasoned potatoes on disposable dinnerware

We met up with Victoria's aunt and uncle. Then, for lunch, we went to a place called Rusty Taco.

Their chips, salsa, queso, and guacamole were spot on!

Tortilla chips served with trio of dipping sauces including salsa, guacamole, and yellow cheese queso on round platter

So were the tacos!

Two street-style tacos in white paper boats on yellow tray, one with cabbage slaw and one with shredded cheese toppings

We then went and checked out Downtown McKinney. I was able to see the old courthouse downtown. When I collected Collin County, I had gone to the current courthouse. It was cool to see they had preserved the old courthouse!

Neoclassical courthouse with tan brick exterior, prominent white columns supporting pediment entrance, and angled parking in front

The downtown was pretty vibrant and had a lot going on.

Historic downtown main street with two and three-story commercial buildings, decorative string lights overhead, pedestrians, and parked vehicles

Historic red brick commercial building with arched upper windows and vintage 'Smith Drug Co.' painted signage with modern awning

Downtown street scene featuring two-story brick buildings with neoclassical elements including building with prominent white columns

By now, it was getting to be dinner time. So we went to Uncle Julio's.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food restaurant in Mission Revival style with golden stucco walls, cylindrical tower, and terracotta roof tiles

I got the Tex-Mex combination dinner.

Mexican combination plate with cheese enchiladas in yellow and green sauces, crispy taco, Spanish rice, and refried beans

After eating, we went back to Victoria's uncle's house and visited a while longer. We then returned to the hotel and got a good night's sleep. The following day, we had another La Quinta breakfast.

Continental breakfast plate with three breakfast sausage links, scrambled eggs, and cubed breakfast potatoes on white disposable plate

We took it easy that morning and hung around the hotel. Then, for lunch, we headed to Chicken Express. This was another place we really missed from living in Texas.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store exterior featuring stone and brick facade with distinctive red trim and covered entrance portico

Cracker Barrel chicken tenders with french fries and buttermilk biscuit served in white disposable container

Soon, it was time to head to the wedding venue. We made it there with time to spare.

Paradise Inn single-story motel building with brown roof, tan exterior, and parking area with vehicles and landscaping

Lakeside park or golf course at golden hour with manicured lawn, solitary tree, and calm water body at horizon

The wedding went great, and it was good catching up with old friends. But, sadly, this Texas trip would be coming to an end soon. So, we went to bed, and when we got up in the morning, we decided to skip the La Quinta breakfast.

We saw a Tacodeli close to us, and we missed their food. We got some breakfast tacos.

Tacodeli restaurant in contemporary brick strip center with bright yellow awnings and outdoor patio furniture under umbrellas

Breakfast tacos in soft flour tortillas with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, diced ham, and steak fillings in paper-lined basket

We got back to the hotel, and I could see I would have to watch the weather on my way up. It appeared there might be a system developing.

Wall-mounted television displaying weather forecast map with meteorologist on textured stone accent wall flanked by striped curtains

We hung around the hotel for a while and packed up. We would then catch lunch at Schlotzsky's deli, and I'd drop Victoria off at the airport.

Schlotzsky's sandwich on round sourdough bun with deli meat, lettuce, served with pickle spear and branded potato chip bag

Thin crust pepperoni pizza with melted mozzarella cheese showing charred spots in cardboard delivery box

After dropping Victoria off at the airport, I was going to take I-35. I'd see how many counties I could visit in Oklahoma before it got dark.

I had to fight traffic, but I was soon in Oklahoma and at the Love County courthouse.

Multi-lane urban freeway with moderate traffic, concrete barriers, and commercial buildings visible in distance under clear sky

Classical Revival courthouse with dark brown brick, prominent white pediment entrance with columns, and front steps

Up next was Marshall County.

Neoclassical white limestone courthouse with tall vertical windows, decorative pilasters, flags, and landscaped lawn

US-70 was much like an interstate and took me to Carter County.

Gently curving rural highway with 70 mph speed limit sign, pastoral fields, and scattered trees under blue sky

Classical Revival limestone courthouse with central dome, arched entrance, surrounded by mature shade trees casting shadows

I hit I-35 again and ended up behind a snail race of semis but was able to make it to Murray County.

Two-lane rural highway following semi-trucks under wispy cirrus clouds with flat agricultural landscape on both sides

Two-story tan brick courthouse with prominent white classical columns at entrance and decorative cornice details

My GPS took me down a few back roads, but maybe that was the fastest way to Garvin County?

Narrow rural paved road lined with utility poles and mature trees on both sides at early morning or late afternoon

Garvin County Courthouse, three-story gray limestone building with symmetrical facade and central entrance with identification sign

I realized I wouldn't be able to make another county before dark. I then drove straight through to the Lathrop, Missouri rest stop.

Rural highway at twilight with fading light, speed limit sign visible, and flat prairie landscape under darkening sky

Small town park at night with illuminated modern restroom facility, picnic tables, mature trees, and street lighting

From here, I wanted to get a bunch of counties in Southwest Iowa. Then, if possible, I'd also be able to get two more counties in the far northwest corner of Iowa. So I hit the road early and made it to Ringgold County, Iowa.

Straight rural highway at dusk with vehicle headlights illuminated traveling through rolling hills and farmland

Three-story dark brown brick courthouse with white limestone trim and corner quoins photographed during overcast evening

Next was Taylor County.

Romanesque Revival red brick courthouse with white limestone base, rounded arch entrance, and decorative window treatments

Then was Page County.

Victorian Second Empire courthouse with red brick exterior, mansard roof with clock tower, ornamental details, and autumn foliage

I took some county roads to Montgomery County.

Rural two-lane highway stretching into the distance through flat farmland with harvested fields on both sides under clear blue sky

Historic red brick Romanesque Revival courthouse with prominent clock tower, multiple turrets with conical roofs, and white stone foundation

Adams County was up on a big hill.

Small town street intersection with mature trees, parked vehicles, and low commercial buildings in background

Modern Adams County Courthouse with classical columns and cream-colored facade, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage on grassy lawn

Before you know it, I was in Union County.

Contemporary Kiowa County Courthouse with stark modernist design, tan panels, and geometric stepped entrance with communication tower

There were lots of windmills on the way to Adair County.

Rural highway with windmills visible on horizon, sparse trees along roadside, and harvested agricultural fields

Victorian-era red brick courthouse with elaborate architectural details, rounded arches, white stone trim, and steep-pitched roof with decorative elements

I didn't see any of the historical covered bridges on my way to Madison County. However, as a consolidation prize, their courthouse was very historical.

Classical stone courthouse with distinctive black cupola topped by decorative ironwork, large metal wheel sculpture on stone base in foreground

I went past John Wayne Drive on my way to Dallas County.

Beaux-Arts style courthouse with white limestone facade, red tile roof, corner turret with copper dome, and clock tower

Guthrie County was under construction, but I was able to get a decent shot of it.

Mid-century modern Stevens County Court House with orange brick facade, zigzag roofline, and minimal ornamentation

I took some more state roads to Audubon County.

Rolling prairie highway disappearing over gentle hills with minimal vegetation and dramatic cloud formations

Art Deco Anderson County Court House with tan brick, vertical pilasters, classical entrance portico, and symmetrical design

Soon I was in Cass County.

PWA Moderne Riley County Courthouse with gray brick, vertical massing, and streamlined architectural details

Followed by Shelby County.

Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse with rough-cut golden sandstone blocks, arched entrance, turrets, and mansard roof elements

It was a long and straight road to Harrison County.

Straight rural highway through vast farmland with distant tree line and plowed black soil fields

Neoclassical courthouse with light gray limestone facade, symmetrical design, arched windows, and paired entrance columns

The last two counties that I wanted to visit were almost 2.5 hours away. I was hoping to maximize as much daylight as possible and was happy when I hit the interstate.

Google Maps navigation screen showing route along Highway 127 West with 2 hours 23 minutes remaining

Four-lane interstate highway stretching straight ahead through agricultural land with Interstate 80 marker visible

That didn't mean there wasn't a slowdown or two, especially when I got off the interstate. But, I got to Lyon County just in time to have enough light to take a picture.

Rural highway at dawn or dusk with tractor driving ahead on road, golden light across harvested fields

Neoclassical courthouse with gray limestone facade, prominent columned portico, and manicured lawn with foundation plantings

When I was visiting counties in Texas, I would often go after dark because I was on such a tight timeframe. Now my timeframe isn't as tight, so I try to visit the courthouses when it is light. I really wanted to get Osceola County to complete that top corner of Iowa.

I knew it would be dark, but I'm happy that the courthouse was lit up, and I could get a decent picture.

Art Deco courthouse photographed at night with tan banded stonework, symmetrical design, and illuminated entrance

It wasn't terribly late, so I started driving back towards Wisconsin. I eventually stopped at a Minnesota rest stop on I-90 for the night.

Silver sedan parked at night in parking lot with illuminated buildings and green dumpster in background

I hit the road somewhat early in the morning and made it back to Marshfield in the late morning.

Interstate highway view through windshield on overcast day with overhead green directional signs and concrete barriers

Straight two-lane highway through wooded area with mix of bare deciduous and evergreen trees on both sides

I was definitely excited to see Maya, and I think she was excited to get back home.

Black and white dog with floppy ears and white stripe on face sitting in car backseat looking at camera

Interstate highway at dusk with three route markers visible: Interstate 39, US Route 10, and US Route 51

We then settled into our regular routine for a Thursday and Friday. However, by Friday night, we were on the road again to go back to Marshfield for another wedding.

Small white dog on leash walking ahead on residential concrete sidewalk between green grass lawns

Open car trunk containing packed travel luggage including black backpack and red duffel bag

The wedding was at Hotel Marshfield. This is our preferred place to stay in Marshfield, and it is awesome they are dog friendly. We would be able to have Maya stay with us.

Modern hotel entrance at night with burgundy roof, white pillars, flagpoles with American and state flags, and circular driveway

Black and white dog lying relaxed on hotel bed with white linens and pillows

White portable air conditioning or heating unit placed on geometric patterned hotel room carpet beside furniture

We had the standard hotel breakfast and went to Lumberyard Bar & Grill for lunch. I got a cheese curd burger, and Victoria got a chicken tender melt.

Jim Bernard Bar & Grill restaurant exterior with brown brick facade, red awnings, and landscaped shrubs

Cheeseburger with melted yellow cheese on toasted bun served with golden french fries, lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion and pickle spear on checkered paper

Grilled sandwich halves cut diagonally with sweet potato fries, white dipping sauce and pickle spear on checkered paper

The wedding went well, and it was great everything was at the hotel.

Hotel ballroom or wedding venue with white draped stage area, purple uplighting, spiral LED light fixtures on ceiling, and round tables with red and white linens

We were able to walk to our rooms and got a pleasant surprise in the morning. It had snowed a bit the night before!

Snow-covered vehicles in hotel parking lot with several inches of fresh snow and modern two-story hotel building in background

Snow-laden tree branches creating winter canopy over landscaping with stone retaining wall and building visible through snowy scene

We hoped the drive home wouldn't be too bad and the roads would be clear. By the time we were halfway to Madison, there was no snow on the ground.

Interstate highway view with overhead green distance sign indicating exits for Portage and Baraboo under gray overcast sky

This trip definitely covered a lot of ground, and it was great to go to 2 different weddings in 2 different states!

2 Weddings in 2 States and 38 Counties Along the Way

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