Take a sleek and urban ride through the northern reaches of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex as we follow the Dallas North Tollway from Interstate 35E to Texas Highway 121. This 20-mile drive moves us through one of Texas’ fastest-growing regions, weaving through bustling commercial centers, upscale suburbs, and striking urban skylines, all while tracing the evolution of North Texas’ modern highway system.
Our journey begins at the southern terminus of the Dallas North Tollway, merging in just north of the massive highway interchange with Interstate 35E near downtown Dallas. From the outset, we’re surrounded by towering office buildings and high-rise apartments, a clear sign that we are in the heart of the city. The early miles take us through Uptown and Oak Lawn, two neighborhoods known for their vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and some of Dallas’ most expensive real estate. Skimming the western edge of Highland Park, we pass under Mockingbird Lane near the Southern Methodist University campus, with its stately buildings and collegiate charm giving a quick nod to history amidst the modern sprawl.
As we move further north, the landscape quickly transitions from the urban density of Dallas proper to the suburban sprawl of Addison. This section of the Tollway is perhaps most famous for the Addison Airport and the Addison Circle area, a bustling enclave of shops, eateries, and residential complexes built with walkability in mind. The Tollway, with its six to eight lanes, remains flanked by a corridor of corporate headquarters, including recognizable names from the tech and financial sectors. It’s a reminder of the Tollway’s role as a spine of corporate North Texas, connecting the inner city to the sprawling campuses and business hubs farther out.
Continuing northward, we pass through the city of Plano, long considered one of the DFW area’s flagship suburban cities. Here, the road subtly widens and the traffic ebbs and flows, typical of a route connecting both daily commuters and weekend travelers. Just beyond Legacy Drive lies Legacy West, one of the largest mixed-use developments in the state, home to corporate giants like Toyota North America. The shimmering glass buildings and manicured roadways here stand as a testament to the region’s rapid growth and prosperity.
Our journey culminates as we approach Frisco, one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Just before reaching TX-121, the landscape transitions once more into sprawling entertainment and retail complexes. We pass the impressive Ford Center at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters and practice facility, an icon of the city’s ambitions and pride. The Tollway ends at TX-121, a major east-west artery that continues the flow of North Texas’ constant motion, serving as a gateway to even more suburban development and corporate hubs toward McKinney and beyond.
From the inner city’s towers to the shiny corporate campuses of the northern suburbs, the Dallas North Tollway is more than just a highway—it’s a snapshot of North Texas’ growth, ambition, and relentless forward motion. It tells the story of a city always expanding, always building, and always dreaming bigger.
🗺️ Route Map
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