21 Counties in Northeastern Missouri and Western Illinois

My original plan was to go to Kentucky and Tennessee and then work my way back up through Indiana. Victoria was able to pick up Austin from daycare, so I'd be able to leave right at noon when I got done with work. This would buy me some more time. I was planning to drive to near Paducah, Kentucky, and stay at the rest stop I did on my last visit.

Everything was all good to go on the Friday of the planned trip until I watched the morning news. Unfortunately, the weather did not look good for that area.

Weather Channel broadcast showing severe weather threat map with tornado risk (EF3+) across central United States, highlighting areas around Memphis, Little Rock, and Tupelo with enhanced and moderate risk zones

Weather Channel broadcast displaying widespread flooding forecast through tonight with tropical moisture plume moving north from Gulf of Mexico across southeastern United States

Weather Channel broadcast showing flash flood risk map for today and tonight across midwest and mid-Atlantic states, with moderate risk zone spanning from Indianapolis to Charleston

Knowing how dumb Google Maps is with directions (more on that later), I needed a new plan. If I didn't get caught in the line of tornadoes, I'd probably end up on some flooded back road. I quickly devised a new plan. It appeared Northeastern Missouri would be spared from the weather. I quickly put together an itinerary.

After work, I got some fish sandwiches from Kwik trip and headed west on US-151.

Fish patty sandwich with cheese on hamburger bun held in hand inside vehicle, with fast food bag and green beverage bottle visible

View from car dashboard of rural highway approaching US Route 60 shield sign under overcast sky with power lines along roadside

I was soon in Iowa and later in Missouri.

Interstate highway view approaching Iowa state line with "Welcome to Iowa" overhead sign visible, Eagle Point District exit information shown

Two-lane highway entering Missouri with blue "Missouri Welcomes You" state welcome sign beside road under cloudy sky

Clark County was my first stop.

Clark County Courthouse, modern brick building with arched windows, white trim accents, columned entrance portico, and American and Missouri flags flying

The two-lane highways were peaceful on the way to Scotland County.

Rural two-lane highway stretching into distance under dramatic cloudy sky with Route 136 shield sign visible, farm buildings in background

Scotland County Courthouse, white neoclassical building with central clock tower, columns at main entrance, flanked by bare trees on front lawn

I made sure to watch for Amish buggies on the way to Schuyler County.

Rural road with yellow diamond Amish buggy crossing warning sign showing horse-drawn carriage silhouette, farm buildings visible in distance

Schuyler County Courthouse, two-story brick building with white trim, central cupola, symmetrical facade facing main street

Putnam County was my last county for Friday. There was a cool crosswalk near the courthouse.

Painted parking space mural with "For the Defense" text and military-themed artwork on town square pavement

County courthouse, three-story gray stone neoclassical building with ornate cornice details, central entrance with steps, bare trees flanking structure

Since I threw together my itinerary quickly, I wanted to ensure I had a decent place to stop. Despite it being a ways out of the way, I knew I could get a good night's sleep at the Missouri Welcome Center. I've stayed there many times.

Google Maps screenshot on iPhone showing 1 hour 17 minute route (69 miles) to Eagleville Welcome Center with traffic conditions and navigation options displayed

The route was going to bring me back into Iowa a bit. However, before crossing into Iowa, I stopped at a gas station since gas was much cheaper there.

Randy's ShortStop gas station price sign displaying unleaded at $2.86, on-road diesel at $3.49, and off-road diesel at $3.09 per gallon

I also got a snack.

Bag of Jalapeño Cheddar Spicy Chex Mix snack held in hand inside vehicle with steering wheel visible in background

Despite seeing all the signs in Missouri, I saw my first Amish buggy in Iowa.

Rural highway at sunset with Amish horse-drawn buggy traveling ahead on road under dramatic cloudy sky with orange horizon glow

I made it to Lamoni, Iowa. I was hungry and wanted to grab something to eat. Lamoni is a small town, so there wasn't much, but I saw there was a Subway. But, of course, Google Maps gave me the wrong directions.

It claimed Subway was downtown, but there was no Subway to be found.

Google Maps arrival notification screenshot showing "ARRIVING AT Subway, 600 E Main St" with trip rating feedback options

Small town main street at dusk with vintage brick storefronts, streetlights illuminated, quiet empty street stretching into distance

I knew I passed a Hy-Vee grocery store on the way, so I was going to just stop there and grab something. When I was looking for Hy-Vee, I found Subway. They didn't have anything lit up, so I can see why I missed it the first time, as I thought my directions were accurate, and I wasn't looking in that spot.

Subway restaurant sign on tall pole at dusk with bare trees and street lights visible in background

Subway restaurant building at dusk with white vinyl siding, illuminated interior windows, outdoor picnic table, and parking lot

Lo and behold, Subway didn't appear on the map there either.

Google Maps screenshot on iPhone showing Pizza Hut location marker on E Main St with Explore, Go, Saved, Contribute, and Updates navigation options

I was happy I found Subway. I got a tuna sub.

I ate and then headed to the Missouri Welcome Center, where I planned to stay.

Blue Missouri state welcome sign at night reading "Missouri Welcomes You" with stylized sun and river design elements

I see I made a good choice in terms of planning around the weather. Where I planned to go near Paducah, Kentucky, was getting nailed with storms.

Weather app map at 8:29 showing heavy precipitation band across midwest with purple and blue colors, temperature readings, and next-hour forecast at 7:42 PM displayed

Before going to bed, I experimented with some of the gear I bought. I have a few decent places to put my battery packs and my fan and light that clips onto the dashboard.

White rectangular portable battery pack with charging cable stored in mesh side pocket of black and red backpack

Car center console at night showing clip-on fan mounted near vents, charging smartphone, manual transmission shifter, and vehicle controls

I went to sleep and woke up around 5 AM. I see that Southern Wisconsin was getting nailed with some weather.

Weather app map at 5:07 showing 12-hour forecast for Saturday March 25, 2023 with severe weather system and precipitation across central United States from Texas to Great Lakes

For caffeine, I decided to do something a little different. Instead of coffee or an energy drink, I found these 40mg mints. 40mg is about what is in a normal soda. I could meter the amount of caffeine I took and take less.

Viter Energy spearmint flavor caffeine mints green container held in hand inside vehicle with dashboard visible in background

The rest stop was a bit out of the way to my first county, so I had a decent amount of driving to do.

Google Maps navigation in dark mode at 5:21 showing "Head south" instruction with 1 hr 35 min estimated arrival time of 6:56 AM for 88 mile route

This driving also took me past another courthouse I had already visited. This was Grundy County, Missouri.

Historic county courthouse at night, gray stone Romanesque Revival building with central tower, multiple peaked roofs, arched entrance, and bare trees

I took some back roads and eventually made it to Linn County.

Rural two-lane highway at predawn with vehicle headlights illuminating yellow center line, dark sky, and flat farmland on both sides

Linn County Courthouse, three-story tan brick neoclassical building with ornate cornice, classical columns at street-level entrance, and minimal landscaping

Victoria told me it was snowing hard in Belleville. The radar from before obviously showed that. It had rained a bit in Missouri the night before, but the worst weather I saw was a little fog.

Rural highway in dense fog at dawn with limited visibility, yellow center line visible, bare trees and power lines along roadside

That didn't slow me down any on my way to Sullivan County.

Art Deco style county courthouse, three-story tan brick building with geometric details, symmetrical window placement, black iron fence, and bare trees on front lawn

After the courthouse, I stopped at Casey's for some gas and also breakfast and lunch.

Iowa Smokehouse Spicy Jalapeño meat sticks package held in hand inside vehicle with manual transmission shifter visible

I was soon in Adair County.

Historic Romanesque Revival courthouse, tan sandstone building with multiple corner turrets, arched windows, ornate stonework, and prominent central tower

The speed limits increased a bit on my way to Macon County.

Highway view from dashboard showing speed limit 70 sign on right side, vehicles ahead, bare trees along roadside, overcast winter sky

Two-story red brick courthouse with white stone trim, symmetrical facade, arched entrance, decorative cornice details, bare trees, and front lawn

Up next was Randolph County.

Randolph County Courthouse, modern two-story building with tan and gray brick exterior, large windows, flat roof design, empty parking lot in foreground

Some more two-lane highway driving got me to Chariton County.

Rural two-lane highway with West Route 24 and Route 3 North shield signs visible on right roadside, power lines, overcast sky, flat terrain

Brick courthouse annex building with white columned portico entrance, arched windows with white trim, parking lot, bare trees along side

Before you knew it, I was in Howard County.

Historic Second Empire style courthouse, red brick with white stone trim, mansard roof, ornate central clock tower, tall arched windows, front stairs with monument

Then came Boone County in the big city of Columbia.

Neoclassical courthouse, cream-colored stone, three stories with tall fluted columns at entrance, pediment with balustrade, American and Missouri flags flying

I was soon on the rural lettered highways to Monroe County.

Rural highway stretching into distance under blue sky with white clouds, white square sign with "C" on right roadside marking county road

County courthouse, gray stone construction with red tile domed tower, three stories, neoclassical elements including columns, front lawn with black bench

For some reason, they still had their Christmas decorations up.

Small decorative "Santa's House" display structure with red and white paint, pitched roof, white picket fence railing, positioned on courthouse lawn

I see that Shelby County has taken their Christmas decorations down.

Romanesque Revival courthouse, red brick with white stone accents, large arched entrance window, symmetrical facade, white cupola tower, bare trees flanking building

Google Maps wanted to tell me that it could do offline maps now. But, honestly, I don't know how much I'd trust it (I always have my Garmin handy for backup).

Google Maps iPhone screenshot displaying offline maps notification at 1:27, showing "107 N 4th" address with Dismiss and Manage buttons, street grid visible

Thankfully, things were smooth on my way to Knox County.

Art Deco courthouse, tan brick with vertical emphasis, three stories featuring tall arched windows in center section, geometric ornamentation, front entrance with stairs

I decided to pick up supper at another Casey's. The jerky was going to be for my high protein sustained energy. The gummies were for my “cheap energy”. I was tapering off having caffeine, so having a sugar boost typically helps.

Gummy Airheads Original Fruit candy bag and Casey's Original beef jerky red package on gray vehicle seat

I then made it to Lewis County.

Two-story red brick courthouse with white trim, central octagonal clock tower with cupola, arched main entrance, American flag, evergreen shrubs and bare trees

The sun was definitely shining on my way to Marion County.

Dashboard view of rural highway intersection stretching to horizon, minimal development, power lines, distant highway signage visible under clear blue sky

Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse, tan sandstone, asymmetrical design with prominent corner tower featuring peaked roof, multiple arched windows, ornate architectural details

Google Maps wanted me to take some back roads instead of staying on the main US Highway. I refused and stayed on US-61 on my way to Ralls County.

Google Maps navigation screenshot at 3:02 showing 18 minute route covering 14 miles with 3:19 PM ETA, speed limit 65 mph indicator, Exit button visible

Greek Revival courthouse, white painted stone, prominent front portico with tall columns supporting pediment inscribed "ESTABLISHED 1835 ORGANIZED 1831", white cupola

I also stayed on US-61 on my way to Pike County.

Highway view from dashboard showing divided roadway through flat agricultural area, large billboard on right, scattered trees, blue sky with white clouds

Neoclassical courthouse, white stone, three stories with classical pediment and columns, American flag on pole, bronze statue monument on front lawn walkway

I started to realize I was getting short on time. I also knew that I could be running into some bad roads in Wisconsin. I looked at my itinerary and decided to cut out four stops and head directly to Pike County, Illinois. This would be the best straight shot back toward home.

iPhone Reminders app showing "March 25 Trip" list at 3:53 with numbered courthouse locations in Missouri and Illinois (entries 22-27), Google Maps links, "New Reminder" option

Highway view from dashboard approaching green Illinois state welcome sign, metal guardrail on right side, flat farmland on both sides under clear blue sky

Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse, dark gray stone with ornate facade, prominent central clock tower with spire, multiple corner turrets, arched entrance, bare trees flanking building

Since I was cutting my trip short, I decided to get some easy carbs. I got some pizza on my way to my final county, Scott County, Illinois.

Large slice of pepperoni pizza in clear plastic container on vehicle seat with red napkin and smartphone visible beside it

Second Empire style courthouse, red brick with white stone trim, ornate central clock tower displaying multiple clock faces, symmetrical facade with arched windows, front entrance stairs

Now it was a matter of a little under 5 hours home. Luckily, it would be mostly interstate driving the whole way.

Google Maps navigation screenshot at 5:18 showing I-72 E toward Springfield route with 4 hr 38 min estimated travel time, 311 miles, 9:57 PM arrival

Rural highway view from dashboard showing Interstate 72 and US Route 36 directional shield signs on right roadside, flat agricultural fields, clear blue sky

Interstate highway at sunset with orange and pink horizon colors, gentle curve ahead, bare trees silhouetted along roadside against colorful sky

I really didn't see much snow until I hit Rockford. The snow band must have been pretty narrow overall. There was an increasing amount of snow as I got closer to home.

After I passed Evansville, Wisconsin, Google Maps went into really stupid mode. You can literally take US-14 to WIS-92, and that'll take me to Belleville. In fact, you have to be on WIS-92 to get to my house. It is the only road that connects my street.

So common sense would tell you to take this very straight shot way of getting home. Google Maps lacks common sense. It would rather have you turn down potentially icy township roads instead.

Even if it weren't icy, these roads have more deer and the potential for loose farm animals. They're less trafficked if something goes wrong. It's just not a good idea to use these roads on a road trip unless it's a last-mile sort of deal. In the case of going home, WIS-92 is literally a last-mile road that gets me within blocks of my house.

So stupid directions #1 started:

Google Maps navigation in dark mode at 9:30 showing W Butts Corners Rd direction with 23 min ETA, 17 miles, 9:53 PM arrival, speed limit 55 mph

Thank you, but I'd rather stay on US-14. Google Maps wasn't having it.

Google Maps navigation in dark mode at 9:31 showing W Union Rd direction with 23 min ETA, 16 miles, 9:55 PM arrival, speed limit 45 mph

Sorry, I'm not taking those stupid directions. Google Maps wasn't entertained.

Google Maps navigation in dark mode at 9:32 showing W Holt Rd direction with 23 min ETA, 17 miles, 9:55 PM arrival, speed limit 55 mph

Well, here's a 4th attempt.

Google Maps navigation in dark mode at 9:33 showing W Holt Rd direction with 22 min ETA, 16 miles, 9:55 PM arrival, speed limit 55 mph

Finally, Google Maps gave up.

Google Maps navigation in dark mode at 9:33 showing WI-92 Trunk W direction with 22 min ETA, 16 miles, 9:56 PM arrival, speed limit 55 mph

When I got home, you could tell there was a lot of snow. Victoria told me earlier that a lot of it had actually melted.

Snow-covered vehicle hood and windshield with white residential garage door visible in background after snowfall

Nighttime view of snow-covered driveway with vehicle taillights illuminated, snow banks visible on sides, headlights lighting accumulated snow

I got home around 10 PM, so Victoria and Austin were in bed. Maya was too, but I could hear her get up and was excited to see me.

White dog with black spots on head and body standing on hardwood floor looking upward, person wearing jeans visible from waist down

We spent a little quality time together before I went to bed.

White dog with black spots curled up sleeping on gray upholstered couch with person's arm extended petting the dog

The following day, I cleaned things up.

Snow-covered residential driveway with parked vehicles, neighboring houses and snow-covered agricultural field visible in background under overcast winter sky

Crazily enough, we had broken a record for snow.

Television screen displaying First Alert Weather report showing "Saturday's Snowfall 12.1" Official Total for Madison" in yellow text on blue graphic

Unfortunately, that storm system I avoided by rerouting my trip was particularly deadly.

Television screen showing news coverage with headline "At least 26 dead after tornado hits Rolling Fork, MS" with nighttime disaster scene footage visible

The weather seemed to really define this trip. I avoided some dangerous weather in my original destination of Kentucky and Tennessee. The weather in Northeastern Missouri was beautiful overall. I got to enjoy that while at home was dumped with snow. I was happy the roads were cleaned up, and I could take care of everything in the morning.

I am happy I was able to fill in some more counties, and now I'm up to 787 total!

United States county-level map with cyan highlighted counties showing progress, concentrated in upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, and Texas, with "Traveled as of Date Here" notation

21 Counties in Northeastern Missouri and Western Illinois

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