FYI, I traveled I-70 many times between Kansas and Indiana and I remember seeing the Ferguson exit sign while on 270. (And the Hooters restaurant in Columbia, but I haven’t pulled off there either.)
I always made sure I had a full tank of gas by Vandalia, Illinois when heading west, or by Wentzville, MO if heading east. I don’t even like to stop at rest stops in that area, unless it’s daytime and there are cars in the lot.
No offense to Ferguson, but travel has its own set of challenges, I’m not familiar with ‘Show Me’ state carry laws and I don’t need any ‘Clark Griswold’-type jackpot.
Same for KC. I know Indy, same. No country for old men, huh?
Horror movie rule #1: Stay on the interstate.
#2. If your cell phone shows, ‘No service’, get back asap on the interstate.
Good rules to live by.
I’ve never been to most of the Midwest; outside of one business trip to San Fran, I’ve been further west in Canada than I have been in the US.