Cruising Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 is like flipping through pages of mid-century Americana. From neon-lit motels and retro diners to quirky roadside attractions and scenic byways, the "Show-Me State" offers a nostalgic journey of things to do along the heart of the Mother Road.
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
This one-mile pedestrian bridge was named after a series of rocks in the river that made navigation difficult. It sits right on the border of Illinois and Missouri, connecting the two states, and features a unique 30-degree turn right in the middle of the bridge. Make sure you stop here, as this is one of the most interesting bridges in America!
See MoreThe Gateway Arch
Also known as the "Gateway to the West," the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and the world's tallest arch, standing at 630 feet! The arch stands within the Gateway Arch National Park and symbolizes historic westward expansion. Stop here and ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for an unrivaled view that stretches for miles!
See MoreTed Drewes Frozen Custard
For over 90 years, Ted Drewes has been serving their beloved concretes, custard concoctions, and sundaes to locals and visitors alike. The Cardinal Sin (tart cherries and hot fudge), the Dutchman (chocolate, butterscotch, and pecans), and the Hawaiian Delight (pineapple, bananas, coconut, and macadamia nuts) are all favorites. The thick treat is even served upside down!
See MoreRoute 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park in Eureka, Mo., is a great roadside stop for a breath of fresh air and the perfect place to stretch your legs. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the green, forested area, or hit the trails like Outer Loop, and Kircher and Flat Creek if you want to get moving. Make sure you stop in the visitor’s center to check out the Route 66 exhibits!
See MoreRed Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center
Stop here to get your Route 66 passport stamped! Pacific’s historic Red Cedar Inn was once a popular restaurant along Missouri’s Route 66. Built in 1934 using logs and rustic materials from the owner’s family farm, the restaurant and tavern opened just after the repeal of Prohibition, providing a big boost to the town’s economy. Now, the Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about Route 66 history. Note: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
See MoreMeramec Caverns
A refreshing 60 degrees year-round, Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile-long cave system near Stanton, Mo., and one of the biggest attractions on Route 66. A stop here gives you the opportunity to explore one of the rarest and largest cave formations on Earth.
Back in the 1890s, this was a hot ... er, cool ... spot for locals looking to beat the heat and dance the night away. Known for its famous cave parties and rumored to have been a hideout for Jesse James, these caverns gained fame thanks to their ahead-of-the-curve advertising styles: bumper stickers, roadside signs, and “billboard”-style notices painted on barn roofs across several states.
Today, there are seven levels to explore of the ever-changing cave’s underground limestone landscape. After checking out the cavern, try the zipline, climbing wall, take a float trip on the river, camp, or check in to the Meramac Caverns Motel!
See MoreFanning 66 Outpost Llc
The 42-foot-tall red rocking chair, known as the Route 66 Red Rocker (once the world’s largest rocking chair), is hard to miss at the Fanning 66 Outpost. Inside, the charming general store features a variety of gifts, a large selection of candies, more than 250 glass bottle sodas, 75 flavors of homemade fudge, and over 300 flavors of gourmet popcorn.
See MoreUranus Fudge Factory And General Store - Uranus Missouri
You can imagine the gift selection is pretty fun at Uranus Fudge Factory. Neon signs light the way on Route 66 as travelers stop in for a sweet treat and a laugh or two. The t-shirt selection is ... out of this world. Don't leave without trying the homemade fudge. They have popular favorites, like chocolate, as well as non-traditional flavors, including blueberry cheesecake and toffee bar fudge.
See MoreHistory Museum on the Square
Step back in time at the History Museum on the Square, located in the historic heart of downtown Springfield, Mo., the birthplace of Route 66. There are six permanent exhibits with interactive and immersive elements at the museum, including one dedicated to Route 66 and another to the first documented “Wild West” shootout between Wild Bill Hickock and Davis Tutt. Other exhibits explore Springfield through the Native American experience, the Civil War, pioneers, and transportation through the years. Make sure you check out the time-traveling trolley, the shoot-out re-enactment chamber, and a collection of brightly lit Route 66 icons.
See MoreRoute 66 Car Museum
Race over to the Route 66 Car Museum to see a collection of classic automobiles, vintage sports cars, and celebrity rides that span 100 years. There are more than 75 cars to see, including the Batmobile, a 1907 REO Model G, the iconic Ghostbusters ambulance, and more.
See MoreGary’s Gay Parita
A visit to this recreation of an old Sinclair gas station is like a time capsule to the golden days along Route 66. Gary’s Gay Parita is an iconic stop along the Mother Road and has several buildings chock-full of memorabilia and vintage items. The former owner and operator, Gary Turner, was known for saying, “You are off to the adventure of your life." Fun fact: Gary’s Gay Parita was also recently featured in singer-songwriter Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” music video!
See MoreRed Oak II
You can actually step back in time in the “town” of Red Oak II near Carthage, Mo.! This one-of-a-kind open-air museum was created and preserved by artist Lowell Davis, originally from the real Red Oak, a once-booming rural community that became a ghost town after people began moving away to cities. Several buildings from the early 20th century, which have been restored and are now privately owned, make up Red Oak II. Stop here to check out the vintage Phillips 66 station, an old school house, and the general store.
See More66 Drive-In Theatre
Go back to the '50s at this classic drive-in movie theater along historic Route 66! Playing a mix of old-time classics, Disney favorites, and recent releases, watching a film on the big screen under the stars at the 66 Drive-In Theatre is an unforgettable experience. The drive-in is located in Carthage, Mo., and plays a double feature every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from April through mid-September! Tip: Arrive an hour before the movie begins. The locals love this theater, too, so the line can get long. Note: Tickets for the films are payable per person, not per car, and they only accept cash at the ticket gate.
See MoreSupertam On 66 Ice Cream Parlor And Superman Museum
It’s a museum ... it’s an ice cream parlor ... it’s a Superman museum and an ice cream parlor! Supertam on 66 is a fun, unique place to stop in for a sweet treat and a trip down memory lane. Fun flavors include the Yippee Skippee (peanut butter ice cream with salted caramel, soft brownie pieces and chocolate-covered pretzels), the Fat Elvis (banana ice cream mixed with peanut butter ripple and chocolate chips), and of course, the Superman (a mix of cherry, bright "blue moon,” and vanilla ice cream). Grab a scoop at this "dessert museum," and browse over 30 years' worth of Superman memorabilia!
See MoreRoute 66 Mural Park
Two large tile murals, “Cruisin’ into Joplin” and “The American Ribbon,” line the main street of downtown Joplin, Mo., at the Route 66 Mural Park, memorializing the booming presence of the Mother Road. Complete with a replica Corvette for photo ops, this is a must-stop for Route 66 enthusiasts!
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