ROUTE 66

Route 66 was established in 1926 as a primary route for those migrating west. Route 66 covers over 2,400 miles, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Although Route 66 has several names—such as The Will Rogers Highway and Main Street America—it is widely known as the Mother Road, dubbed by the novelist John Steinbeck in his novel The Grapes of Wrath.

As the population and the desire to travel grew across the nation, two lane highways were filled beyond capacity and four lane interstates were created. These new roadways bypassed Route 66, leading to its demise. In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a federal highway.

Travel stops in Missouri going East:

• Eureka:

1. Route 66 State Park/Visitor Center-local area history including Times Beach dioxin disaster.  

• Saint Louis:

1. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard-Serving delicious custard for over 9 decades.
2. Union Station-Attractions include the Aquarium, a huge Ferris Wheel, a Carousel, and much more!
3. The Arch-Gateway to The West. Museum on site and rides to the top of the Arch. 
4. Chain of Rocks Bridge-known for its 22-degree bend. The new Chain of Rocks Park opened in April 2024 and includes parking and walking trails. 

Travel stops in Missouri going West:

• St Clair:
  1. Old Skylark Motel-now a VFW hall but still maintains its historic look. 

• Stanton:
  1. Meramec Caverns-Guided cave tours every 20-30 minutes on a well-lit walkway, featuring seven levels of natural underground mineral formations. Other attractions include ziplining, panning for gold, riverboat rides and more.

• Sullivan:
  2025. Shamrock Court-Currently being restored with the goal to be fully functional by 2025. Murals in town. 

• Fanning:
  1. Fanning 66 Outpost-Home of the World’s Largest Rocking Chair (2008-2016).  

• Cuba:
  1. Wagon Wheel Motel-The oldest continuously running motel on Route 66 is fully restored and accepting guests!
  2. Weir on 66: Restored service station with murals on the bay doors. Restaurant and bar located on the inside. 
  3. Cuba murals. Stop inside the Cuba Visitors Center to pick a map with descriptions and locations of all 14 murals. 

• Lebanon:
  1. Munger Moss Motel-Decorated Route 66 themed rooms with free Wi-fi. 
  2. Lebanon Route 66 Museum-Located inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library. Recreated gas station and related Route 66 memorabilia. 

• Rolla:
  1. Totem Pole Trading Post-Opening in 1933, it proclaims itself the longest running business on Route 66 in Missouri.  

• Devil’s Elbow:
  1. Devil’s Elbow Bridge-Historical landmark bridge.  

• Roberts:
  1. Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store-Visit for the laughs, souvenirs, sideshow museum or of course, their delicious fudge. While there, catch a photo op with the Patriotic Mayor Muffler Man. 

• Carthage:
  1. Route 66 Drive-In- Historic drive-in theater opened in 1949 and is still in operation. 
  2. Red Oak II-Open air museum created by internationally known artist Lowell Davis. Collections of early 20th century buildings; Phillips 66 stations, an old schoolhouse, even an old cemetery. Look for many other works of art as you stroll through Red Oak II  
  3. Boots Court Motel-Historic and iconic motel with covered carports, free Wi-Fi and keeping with authenticity, there is a radio in every room.  

• Springfield:
  1. Rockwood Motor Court-Authentic, newly renovated motor court. Themed rooms. 
  2. Route 66 Car Museum-showcases vintage sports cars and classic automobiles. 
  3. Chef Muffler Man-One of 12 statues along the Mother Road. 

• Joplin: 
  1. Murals-Joplin Mural Tour.10 murals located throughout downtown Joplin. 
  2. Joplin Mural Park-2 large murals and photo op with red sports car. 
  3. Bonnie and Clyde garage apartment 2 miles off Route 66. 

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