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

Why go: Missouri’s biggest city blends Route 66 history with a modern, urban vibe.
Urban Explorer Highlights:

  • Chain of Rocks Bridge – An old Route 66 icon, once used by cars, now open to walkers and bikers. Its unique 22-degree bend makes it a standout.

  • Old North St. Louis – Gritty meets revival with art studios, community gardens, and murals.

  • Delmar Loop – Vibrant entertainment district full of record shops, funky boutiques, street art, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

  • City Museum – An epic, adult-friendly playground made from reclaimed materials inside a former shoe factory. Climb through tunnels, buses, and a rooftop Ferris wheel.

  • Union Station – A massive 19th-century train station turned entertainment hub with a Ferris wheel, aquarium, and light shows.

🌆 2. Springfield, MO – Birthplace of Route 66

Why go: A mid-sized city with deep Route 66 roots and a booming downtown revival.
Urban Explorer Highlights:

  • Route 66 Car Museum – Retro cars in an industrial-style space.

  • Downtown Springfield – Murals, breweries, historic theaters, coffee shops, and the hipster-chic Hotel Vandivort.

  • College Street Historic District – Route 66 signage and buildings preserved in their vintage glory.

  • Gillioz Theatre – A restored 1926 theater for live shows and film events, full of golden-age charm.

🧱 3. Rolla – College Town with Character

Why go: Home to Missouri S&T, Rolla is a small but dynamic city with historic gems.
Urban Explorer Highlights:

  • Phelps County Courthouse – Historic architecture with a preserved Route 66-era vibe.

  • Downtown Rolla – Cozy coffee spots, vintage signage, and the Totem Pole Trading Post, one of Missouri’s oldest Route 66 shops.

  • Stonehenge Replica – A quirky, photo-worthy stop on the Missouri S&T campus.

🎨 4. Cuba – The "Mural City"

Why go: This small town packs a big punch for street art lovers.
Urban Explorer Highlights:

  • 12 Outdoor Murals – Scattered through the walkable downtown, these massive paintings tell local and Route 66 history.

  • Historic Wagon Wheel Motel – One of the oldest still-operating Route 66 motels, with preserved neon signs and retro architecture.

  • Cuba’s Old Jail & Viva Cuba Garden – Quirky, photo-ready spots full of local character.

🏭 5. Joplin – Industrial Grit Meets Revival

Why go: This southwestern Missouri town is experiencing a downtown renaissance.
Urban Explorer Highlights:

  • Downtown Joplin – Restored red-brick buildings, hip coffee shops, local breweries, and loft-style apartments.

  • Murals and Street Art – Vibrant public art projects throughout the city.

  • Route 66 Mural Park – Insta-worthy murals and vintage-style displays paying tribute to the Mother Road.

  • Bonnie & Clyde Apartment Hideout – Snap a photo where the infamous duo holed up in 1933.

🛣️ 6. Route 66 Roadside Relics (Along the Way)

Why go: Urban explorers love decaying beauty, vintage signs, and offbeat finds.
Must-See Relics:

  • The Giant Rocking Chair (Fanning) – A whimsical roadside stop near Cuba.

  • Red Oak II (Carthage) – A ghost town-style art installation by Lowell Davis, perfect for photographers and nostalgia junkies.

  • Munger Moss Motel (Lebanon) – Neon-lit perfection with original 1946 charm.

🎥 7. Route 66 Drive-In Theatres

  • Carthage's 66 Drive-In Theatre – A classic Americana experience—watch a flick under the stars in a restored 1940s drive-in.

🧭 Urban Explorer Travel Tips:

  • Get Off the Main Road – Look for alleyways, old warehouses, and overlooked corners of downtowns for the best finds.

  • Bring a Camera – Missouri’s Route 66 is rich in textures, murals, vintage signs, and moody lighting.

  • Ask Locals – They often know where the hidden gems are—think underground bars, street art alleys, or off-menu bites.