Outdoor & Thrill-Seeking Adventures

1. Meramec Caverns (Stanton, MO) – Explore the legendary hideout of Jesse James! Take a cave tour through stunning limestone formations, or go ziplining above the caverns.

2. Onondaga Cave State Park (Leasburg, MO)– One of the best cave systems in Missouri, with underground lakes, towering stalagmites, and hiking trails above ground.

3. Hiking at Route 66 State Park (Eureka, MO) – Walk trails through the remains of Times Beach, a once-thriving town turned ghostly after an environmental disaster.

4. Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Near Lebanon, MO) – A slight detour, but worth it! Hike to castle ruins perched above stunning karst formations, caves, and a natural bridge.

5. Elephant Rocks State Park (Belleview, MO) – Climb massive boulders and explore a unique geological playground of ancient granite formations.

6. Floating the Current or Meramec Rivers – Rent a kayak or canoe for an epic float trip through scenic Ozark landscapes.

Ghost Towns & Abandoned Places

7. Devil’s Elbow (Pulaski County, MO) – A legendary stop on Route 66 with an eerie, almost-forgotten bridge over the Big Piney River.

8. Abandoned Gas Stations & Motels – From the **John’s Modern Cabins** ruins to old Sinclair stations, Route 66 is filled with decaying relics perfect for urban exploration.

Quirky Roadside Attractions & Oddities

9. Uranus, MO – A bizarre roadside stop with an over-the-top humor theme. Don’t miss the fudge factory and the world’s largest belt buckle!

10. World’s Largest Rocking Chair (Fanning, MO) – At 42 feet tall, it’s an obligatory weird Route 66 photo op.

11. Red Oak II (Carthage, MO) – A perfectly restored ghost town filled with historic buildings, antique cars, and folk art.

12. Route 66 Drive-In Theater (Carthage, MO) – If you’re up for a nostalgic night under the stars, catch a flick at this vintage drive-in.