Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

If you’re thinking about a road trip along Interstate 55 from St. Louis to Springfield, you might have come across this self-guided audio tour. While we haven’t personally taken it, it seems like a straightforward way to add some storytelling and local flavor to your drive. It offers a way to explore at your own pace, with interesting stories and historical tidbits delivered through an app, making it both budget-friendly and flexible.

What we like about this tour is that it provides lifetime access, so you can revisit the content whenever you like, and it’s compatible with the VoiceMap app, which is generally easy to use. Secondly, the stops seem carefully chosen to give a taste of the region’s history and quirky local sights, like ancient earthworks and famous figures. The potential downside? The sign-in process has been described as a bit of a hassle, with some reviews mentioning difficulty getting started. So, if you’re someone who values a smooth start, this might be something to prepare for in advance.

Overall, we’d say this tour could be a good fit if you enjoy self-guided explorations and are interested in history and local stories. It’s ideal for travelers who like to customize their trip and aren’t bothered by minor technical hiccups. It might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a fully-organized tour experience or expecting a hassle-free start, but for those who value flexibility and a bit of storytelling along the way, it could be worth considering.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided experience with lifetime access
• Affordable price point at just $6.99 per group
• Interesting stops including prehistoric sites and local landmarks
• Requires a smartphone and app familiarity
• Potential sign-in challenges might require patience
• Great for history buffs or curious travelers who like customizing their route

Getting to Know the Interstate 55 Self-Guided Driving Tour

This tour offers an alternative way to experience the drive between St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, by blending storytelling with the scenery. It’s designed for those who prefer to set their own pace and explore at their leisure, using an audio guide that keeps the journey engaging. For just $6.99 per group (up to 15), it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t lock you into a set schedule, giving you the freedom to stop when something catches your eye.

The tour is hosted on the VoiceMap app, which you’ll need to download and have ready on your smartphone. Once you’re on the road, you’ll have access to audio tracks, maps, and geodata offline, making the experience smooth even if you lose cell service. This can be especially useful for travelers heading through rural or less populated areas, where connectivity might be spotty.

Two things stand out immediately. First, the price is quite attractive, especially considering the lifetime access—you could potentially do this trip multiple times or share it with friends. Second, the ability to customize your experience by pulling off the highway and exploring stops adds a layer of flexibility that many guided tours can’t match.

The itinerary features some fascinating and unusual stops. The first is a site linked to a prehistoric civilization known for large earthen mounds, including Monks Mound—the largest prehistoric earthen structure in the Americas. It’s a reminder of the deep history that predates modern cities by centuries. Next, there’s a stop at the Union Miners Cemetery in Mt. Olive, where Mother Jones is buried. She’s a historical figure celebrated for her advocacy for miners’ rights—a stop that adds a meaningful touch for those interested in social history.

Lastly, the colorful Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston offers a fun and whimsical contrast. Its fiberglass sculptures, including elephants, flying saucers, and ice cream cones, make for a lighthearted break in your journey. These stops suggest that the tour isn’t just about the past but also includes quirky local sights that add personality to your drive.

Detailed Breakdown of the Stops

Prehistoric Civilizations and Monks Mound

The journey begins with a look into the ancient past. The site was home to a civilization that thrived for 600 years before mysteriously vanishing around 1350 CE. The highlight here is Monks Mound, a massive earthen construction that’s the centerpiece of the site. As you listen to the stories, you’ll get a sense of what life might have been like and why these mounds hold such significance. If you’re into archaeology or just love imagining ancient peoples, this stop adds a layer of depth and curiosity to your trip.

Mother Jones at Union Miners Cemetery

Next, you’ll hear about Mother Jones, one of the most famous advocates for miners’ rights, who earned the nickname “the most dangerous woman in America.” Her grave in Mt. Olive is a quiet spot that connects you to the labor struggles of the past. One reviewer mentioned that the stories about her added a lot of interest, making the stop more than just a photo op. However, keep in mind that this is a historic cemetery, so visiting might involve some walking and standing.

Livingston’s Pink Elephant Antique Mall

The third stop is more playful—living up to its name with larger-than-life fiberglass sculptures. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and snap some fun photos. The mall’s collection of fiberglass figures, including pink elephants and flying saucers, adds a touch of whimsy. It’s a reminder that roadside attractions can be both nostalgic and amusing.

The Experience: What to Expect

Most people who’ve used this tour seem to appreciate the entertaining stories delivered via the VoiceMap app. According to one reviewer, “once we were on the road, the narrative was very interesting,” which suggests that the audio content keeps you engaged. The tour is designed to last about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but you’re free to take longer if you want to linger at each stop or explore side roads.

One potential hiccup is the sign-in process, which some users found frustrating. It took multiple calls and emails for one reviewer to get everything sorted before they could start. So, be prepared for a little initial patience, and maybe give yourself extra time before starting the drive.

Because the tour is self-guided, you’ll need your smartphone, and you should be comfortable with downloading and using the VoiceMap app. Offline access is provided once you’ve downloaded the tour, so no need to worry about losing signal mid-drive.

The stops are well spaced, and the route makes for a pleasant drive through Illinois countryside, with enough interesting sights to break up the trip. Plus, the flexibility to pull off or skip certain stops means you can tailor it to your interests.

Is It Worth the Cost?

At $6.99, this tour is extremely affordable, especially when you consider the lifetime access. For small groups, the per-person cost is minimal, making it a good value for those who enjoy storytelling and local history. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t include entrance fees or food, so if you want to visit museums or buy souvenirs, you’ll need additional cash.

The main value here is in the experience itself—listening to stories, learning about local culture, and having the chance to personalize your drive. If you prefer guided tours with a live guide or more structured stops, this might feel a bit too loose. But if you’re comfortable with a bit of tech setup and enjoy exploring at your own pace, it can be quite a fun way to add some narrative to your road trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who appreciate a self-guided adventure and enjoy learning as they go. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable using apps and don’t mind a slightly more involved start-up process. If you’re traveling with others who like history, quirky roadside attractions, or just want a flexible way to explore, this tour could be a hit.

It’s less suited for travelers expecting a seamless, guided experience or those who prefer to avoid any technical setup. Also, if you’re traveling with little ones who need constant entertainment, keep in mind that the stops are more about history and quirky sights than interactive or child-friendly activities.

Final Thoughts

For a budget-friendly way to add some storytelling to your drive between St. Louis and Springfield, this self-guided tour offers a lot of charm. It’s a flexible, low-cost option that combines historical sites, local legends, and fun roadside attractions. The biggest hurdle might be the initial sign-in process, but once that’s sorted, you’re free to enjoy the drive and uncover some interesting stories along the way.

If you’re someone who loves exploring at your own pace and enjoys a good story, this tour could be a nice addition to your road trip toolkit. It’s not a high-energy tour, but it’s authentic and tailored for those who appreciate a relaxed, curious approach to travel.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is $6.99 per group, which makes it very affordable, especially considering you get lifetime access. It’s perfect for small groups of up to 15 people.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone to download the VoiceMap app and the tour. No additional transportation or tickets are included, and you should have your own food and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour features historical and quirky stops, but it isn’t specifically designed for children. It’s more about storytelling and exploration, so consider your kids’ interests and patience levels.

How long does the tour take?
The approximate duration is 1 hour and 20 minutes, but you can extend your trip by stopping or exploring more at each site.

Are there any technical issues I should be aware of?
Some users have experienced difficulties with signing in to activate the tour, which might require patience or an initial setup time. Offline access makes it easier once downloaded.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the tour allows you to pull off the highway at any point to explore stops or take detours, giving you control over your journey.

What if I don’t like it or it doesn’t work?
You can cancel for a full refund if done at least 24 hours in advance. However, keep in mind that some technical issues may occur, so plan accordingly.

If you’re comfortable with a little tech, enjoy learning about local history, and like the idea of a flexible, budget-friendly drive, this Interstate 55 self-guided tour could make your road trip a little more engaging. Just be prepared for a minor sign-in challenge, and you’ll have a story-filled drive to remember.