Pulaski County, Missouri: Offbeat Attractions and Scenic Beauty Along Route 66

The halfway point between St. Louis and Joplin, Pulaski County’s portion of the Mother Road will surprise and delight with an abundance of quirky and quintessential things to do and see.

Tucked away in the heart of Missouri’s breathtaking Ozark Mountains is the quaint and often surprising Pulaski County. In addition to offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Pulaski County is home to a 53-kilometer stretch of the infamous Route 66 with whimsical neon signs and vintage diners. Stop by the Pulaski County Visitors Center to plan your Route 66 adventure with turn-by-turn driving directions and personalized recommendations for the best sights, adventures and tastes the county has to offer.

Neon Lights and Fascinating Sights in St. Robert

Looking for the perfect basecamp along Route 66 in Pulaski County? Look no further than St. Robert. With more than 20 hotels and hundreds of local businesses, you’ll find all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay while exploring the Mother Road. Begin your Missouri adventure at the delightfully eccentric Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store, where the sweet aroma of handmade fudge mingles with the classic charm of Route 66. This beloved local attraction doesn’t just serve up creamy confections – it’s a treasure trove of Ozark crafts, playful apparel and authentic Route 66 memorabilia. Step into their sideshow museum featuring more than 100 exhibits to discover vintage circus artifacts, exotic animals and an enchanting magic shop.

For a glowing experience, plan your travels for the grand opening of the St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park in Spring 2025. Set within the historic George M. Reed Roadside Park, this open-air museum will showcase restored neon signs that once illuminated America’s most famous highway. Book an overnight stay at one of St. Robert’s welcoming hotels to witness the park’s luminous displays transform the evening into a photographer’s paradise.

Diners and Dancing Along the Byway

With nearly 150 restaurants ranging from retro diners to international hotspots, there’s something for everyone in Pulaski County. Step back in time at the 1950s-themed Route 66 Diner to enjoy a hearty breakfast or indulge in a delicious burger, fries and milkshake. For more roadside classic fare, Route 66 Taco & Wing Company is a popular pitstop for tacos, burritos, hand-tossed wings and a self-serve salsa bar. After nightfall, unwind at The Office Cigar Lounge & Bar, a cozy hangout with leather furniture, classic cocktails and an impressive cigar selection. In more of a dancing mood? Club Rodeo Midway is the largest nightclub in Pulaski County and a great place to capture the vintage Americana spirit with country line dancing and cold beers. Play a round of pool, enjoy the weekend piano bar or belt out a tune during keyboard karaoke night.

History and a Hopping Good Time

The Ozark Highlands are filled with natural and manmade wonders. Hop in the car to make your way through Devil’s Elbow, one of the most scenic stretches of Route 66 and don’t miss Devil’s Elbow Bridge, a photo-worthy, steel-truss structure dating back to 1923. Just a short drive away in the Ozark Hills, the historic town of Waynesville awaits. Embark on a guided walking tour to learn more about its rich past as the “Birthplace of the Byway.” Before you go, head over to Hoppers Pub, a local favorite with more than 66 beers on tap. See if you can spot Frog Rock along the way, the quirky roadside attraction that inspired the pub’s name. It can be found perched on a hill between Ousley Road and Cusick Drive just east of Waynesville.

Getting There

Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) in Missouri, pick up a rental car and drive two and a half hours west of St. Louis. For an alternative route, consider taking a connecting flight from St. Louis to the Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport (TBN). Pulaski County is centrally located right along Missouri’s Route 66 and Interstate 44.