4 Reasons to Take a Route 66 Road Trip Through Missouri

Learn more about Route 66 and how it shaped the culture of the USA in museums and heritage sites statewide. Begin in St. Louis at the Gateway Arch – the tallest human-made monument in the USA. Visitors can ride a tram 192 meters high for panoramic views above the city and the Mississippi River, then visit the free Museum at the Gateway Arch for exhibits tracing more than 200 years of St. Louis history. Stop by the colorful Neon Museum of St. Louis to admire electric relics from the historic highway, and don’t miss the National Museum of Transportation, home to vintage trains, planes and automobiles. Extend your museum journey across Missouri with more must-see stops like the restored Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center in Pacific and the nostalgic Route 66 Museum in Lebanon. Wrap up your Route 66 history tour at the History Museum on the Square in Springfield, the Birthplace of Route 66.

Throughout your journey, look for roadside art celebrating the highway's legacy, from the oversized Route 66 Rocker near Cuba to the 14 vibrant murals that give the town its "Mural City" nickname. In St. Robert, the outrageously themed Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store offers dozens of flavors of homemade fudge and a quirky sideshow museum. Nearby, Route 66 Neon Park dazzles the night sky with glowing signs restored to their original splendor. Fuel your nostalgia at Gary's Gay Parita, a restored 1930s Sinclair gas station with vintage pumps, classic cars and Route 66 memorabilia from the highway's heyday. Wander through Red Oak II, where artist Lowell Davis recreated his hometown as a living open-air time capsule, or catch a movie under the stars at the historic 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage. Indulge your sweet tooth at Supertam on 66 in Carterville, an ice cream parlor with an impressive collection of Superman memorabilia. In Joplin, the Route 66 Mural Park and World Street Painting 3D artwork offers a colorful tribute to the legacy of the Mother Road before heading to your next adventure.

Missouri's stretch of Route 66 offers breathtaking natural beauty and historic viewpoints that provide perfect opportunities to pause your journey. Start in St. Louis at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, where you can walk or cycle across this former Route 66 access road stretching across the mighty Mississippi River. Just outside the city, Route 66 State Park in Eureka offers peaceful picnic spots and trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Venture deeper into the Ozarks to discover Meramec Caverns near Stanton, where guided tours reveal spectacular underground formations. Local legend has it that the notorious James Gang, led by outlaw Jesse James, used these caverns as a hideout during their robberies in the 1800s. For one of the route's most picturesque scenes, visit Devil’s Elbow Bridge to see stunning views of the Big Piney River and the surrounding Ozark hills from the nearby scenic overlook.

Even when you take a break for a meal or an overnight stay, you can keep the vintage vibes going with down-home dining and historic lodging. Treat yourself to something sweet at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, where the thick, creamy “concretes” are famously served upside down. Savor the state's renowned slow-smoked barbecue at beloved spots like Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba and Dowd’s Catfish & BBQ in Lebanon. For more retro-inspired treats, head to Soda and Scoops in Rolla, where you can step into a classic soda fountain serving floats, sundaes and more. During happy hour, Hoppers Pub in Waynesville offers a laid-back atmosphere for cold drinks and friendly conversation. Or head to St. James Winery, where you can stroll the vineyard, relax in the wine garden and enjoy a meal from the adjoining Public House Brewing Company.

Ready to rest? Stay at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, one of the oldest continuously operating motels on Route 66, or head to Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, where mid-century style meets modern comfort. For a special stay, spend the night in the Elvis Suite at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven in Springfield to sleep where the King of Rock & Roll himself stayed during a 1956 tour. A nostalgic experience awaits at Boots Court in Carthage, a beautifully restored motor court from the 1930s.

Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and rent a car to begin exploring the Mother Road.