🏛️ 1. St. Louis – The Gateway to the West

  • Chain of Rocks Bridge – An iconic old Route 66 bridge with a unique 22-degree bend. Walk or bike it—cars no longer cross.

  • Route 66 State Park (Eureka) – Located on the site of the former Times Beach town, this park has a great visitor center in a vintage roadhouse full of artifacts and history.

  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – Serving up delicious custard since 1941; it’s a landmark and a tradition.

🧱 2. Cuba – “Mural City”

  • Historic Murals of Cuba – Over a dozen murals painted around town tell the stories of Cuba’s people and Route 66 history.

  • Wagon Wheel Motel – One of the oldest continuously operated motels on Route 66, beautifully restored with vintage charm.

🛤️ 3. Rolla – Railroad & Route 66 Blend

  • Totem Pole Trading Post – Established in 1933, this is Missouri’s oldest continuously operating Route 66 business. Tons of vintage road signs, gas station memorabilia, and old photos.

🏚️ 4. Devils Elbow – Scenic & Historic Stop

  • Old Route 66 Bridge over the Big Piney River – Built in 1923 and still standing; it's one of the most scenic and photo-worthy stops on Missouri's Route 66.

  • Shelden’s Market & Post Office – Historic general store with original touches from the 1950s.

🛢️ 5. Lebanon – Museum Central

  • Route 66 Museum (inside the Lebanon-Laclede Library) – Excellent small museum with recreated 1950s scenes, old road signs, gas pumps, and more.

  • Munger Moss Motel – A 1946 classic neon-lit motel that still welcomes travelers. Great photo stop and steeped in Route 66 stories.

🏭 6. Springfield – The Birthplace of Route 66

  • History Museum on the Square – Named one of USA Today's best new museums. Huge Route 66 exhibit including a recreated 1920s streetscape.

  • Gillioz Theatre – 1926 vaudeville and movie house that’s been beautifully restored and still hosts events.

  • Red’s Giant Hamburg – The world’s first drive-thru restaurant (though the original is gone, there’s now a nostalgic tribute diner on the same site).

🕯️ 7. Carthage – Victorian & Civil War Roots

  • Boots Court Motel – Built in 1939 with restored Art Deco features. Claimed Clark Gable stayed here!

  • Carthage Courthouse Square – Historic Civil War courthouse and beautiful architecture.

  • 66 Drive-In Theatre – One of the last working Route 66-era drive-ins. Catch a movie if the season’s right!

⛏️ 8. Joplin – Mining Town Turned Route 66 Gem

  • Murphysburg Historic District – Stroll through one of Missouri’s best-preserved Victorian neighborhoods.

  • Route 66 Mural Park – Great spot for photos, with colorful murals depicting the Mother Road's legacy.