Road Trip through Missouri on Historic Route 66

Dive into Missouri’s must-see cities and attractions on a journey down Historic Route 66.

Venture off-the-beaten-path to explore some of the state’s friendly small towns and discover unique hidden gems and nostalgic stops all along the way. Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and rent a car to begin your Route 66 road trip; you’ll see quirky roadside attractions, retro motor courts, classic diners and more without ever having to leave the state.

St. Louis: The Journey Begins

Start your adventure in St. Louis, a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty to offer. From the airport, make your way to the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a major landmark for travelers along Route 66. Take a scenic stroll across the pedestrian bridge for views of the Mississippi River, then head downtown to the Gateway Arch National Park. This symbolic structure marks the entrance to the USA’s Western frontier; today, you can ride a tram up 190 meters for panoramic views of the city from the top of the arch. Next, visit the beautiful Forest Park neighborhood to explore the Missouri History Museum and take a walk through the nearby Missouri Botanical Garden. Don’t miss a visit to the Maplewood neighborhood – a collection of sidewalk plaques in its historic downtown pay homage to the town’s history as a main thoroughfare during Route 66’s heyday. Get another dose of nostalgia at the National Museum of Transportation, home to the world’s largest collection of artifacts from railroad history. In addition to the array of activities, you’ll find plenty of good eats across the city. Dig into classic American fare at Big Chief Roadhouse and savor genuine St. Louis barbecue at Salt + Smoke. For dessert, treat yourself at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, where the thick, delectable frozen desert known as the concrete was invented. Crown Candy Kitchen invites you to step back in time and select something from their retro-style soda fountain. After a day exploring, unwind in luxury at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, a historic hotel that has hosted Route 66 travelers and celebrities alike.

Small Town Charm: Cuba, Pulaski County and Lebanon

Hit the road heading southwest and encounter a blend of natural beauty and quirky attractions. Make a pit stop at Route 66 State Park and see exhibits chronicling the history of Route 66 in the visitor center. Then, hop back in the car and drive southwest to Meramec Caverns. Learn more about the geology and history of these limestone caves on a guided tour – legend has it that they were once a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Make your way to Cuba and refuel with a delicious lunch at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que. Be sure to snap some photos at the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, the Wagon Wheel Motel, which neighbors Missouri Hick. Continue on the highway and pay a visit to the Fanning 66 Outpost & Feedstore. You’ll spot the Route 66 Rocker, a whimsical 12-meter-tall structure that was once the world’s largest rocking chair. Inside, shop for souvenirs and snacks. You’ll find fudge made from scratch and over 300 flavors of popcorn!

Continue your journey through Pulaski County, where you’ll pass through Hooker Cut, an original stretch of Route 66 cut deep into a rocky hillside, and the Devil’s Elbow bridge, the only curved approach bridge still in use on the Mother Road that offers some of its most beautiful views. Satisfy your sweet tooth sampling treats at Uranus Fudge Factory before continuing toward Lebanon, your next stop. Spend some time viewing the exhibits in the Route 66 Museum inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library. Then, visit Boswell Park to view murals honoring the town’s heritage and see the historic Camp Joy Cabin, a building that was a part of the area’s first tourist camp. Make your way to Springfield for the night. The retro-themed rooms at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven make it a perfect choice for your Americana adventure.

Dive Deep in Springfield

Get an early start today – there’s a treasure trove of Route 66 history and attractions to discover in Springfield. Start your day at the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center – take photos, pick up maps and souvenirs and strike up a conversation with one of their knowledgeable staff for some inside tips during your visit. Next, tour the History Museum on the Square, where eight galleries hold interactive exhibits exploring Springfield’s Wild West past and its significance as the Birthplace of Route 66. Head just down the street to the Route 66 Car Museum, whose remarkable collection of historic cars encompasses a century of auto history and includes several vehicles from iconic Hollywood films. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, indulge in a classic burger and a milkshake at Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake, operating in its original location on St. Louis Street since the 1960s. Once you’ve filled up on historical facts and sweet treats, tuck in for the night at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven.

Carthage and Joplin: Twin Gems

You’ll wrap up your Route 66 tour of Missouri with visits to Carthage and Joplin. Grab breakfast at the College Street Café in Springfield before hitting the road for the final leg of your adventure. On your way west, stop at Gary’s Gay Parita, a 1930s-era service station where you can shop for souvenirs and take photos with nostalgic memorabilia. Once you arrive in Carthage, you’ll find plenty to do: Savor a hamburger at Whisler’s Drive-Up and explore Red Oak II, an outdoor art installation of retro-style buildings by late Missouri artist Lowell Davis. Make a pit stop at the historic Boots Court Motel & Visitors Center and visit with the locals before enjoying more art and architecture on a Downtown Historic District Walking Tour.

Continue onto Joplin, a travel hub that boasts a multi-faceted heritage. Pay a visit to the Joplin History & Mineral Museum, where you’ll delve into the city’s mining history. Explore the Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Collection and come face-to-face with Missouri artifacts in the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum. Admire a larger-than-life collection of themed murals at Route 66 Mural Park, then head just down Main Street to enjoy a bite at family-casual Red Onion Café. For the evening, drive back to Carthage to experience a truly unforgettable night of entertainment – seeing a movie right from your car at the 66 Drive-In Theatre. As your adventure comes to a close, bid Missouri farewell and head to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to catch your flight home.