Get your kicks on Route 66 this summer in Missouri. The historic Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois and ends in Santa Monica, California. Along the way, it runs through Missouri beginning in St. Louis and ends in Joplin covering 292 miles. After the interstate systems opened across the U.S. many of the small towns that were along Route 66 suffered, some are now simply a name on the map. Take some time this summer to experience all the Mother Road has to offer and visit these 11 iconic stops along Route 66 in Missouri.
- Chain of Rocks Bridge - St. Louis
Chris Yunker/Flickr The Chain of Rocks Bridge connected the Illinois and Missouri sections of Route 66. Famously known for its 22-degree bend occurring at the middle of the crossing, it is now only accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard - St. Louis
Philip Leara/Flickr Ted Drewes is an iconic stop along Route 66. The Chippewa location has been serving frozen treats to those traveling the Main Street of America since 1941. Stop and enjoy the world’s best custard at 6726 Chippewa, St. Louis.
- Meramec Caverns - Sullivan
el-toro/Flickr Meramec Caverns is the most visited cave in the state of Missouri. It is also one of the most popular destinations on the entirety of Route 66. Known for being one of Jesse James’ hideouts from the law, the caverns are about 4.6 miles long and have been attracting tourists since 1935.
- Route 66 Red Rocker - Fanning
Serge Melki/Flickr Standing over 42 feet tall, the Route 66 Red Rocker was erected in 2008 at the world’s largest rocking chair. The first Saturday in August is “Picture on Rocker Day,” and is the only time visitors can sit on the rocker.
- Missouri S&T Stonehenge Replica - Rolla
stannate/Flickr Dedicated in 1984, the Stonehenge replica on the campus of Missouri S&T was created to showcase the stone carving capabilities of its High Pressure Water Jet Lab. While it can’t be view directly from the roadside due to the addition of campus buildings, it’s definitely worth the stop. Find Missouri’s Stonehenge off State St. in Rolla.
- Route 66 Car Museum - Springfield
Route 66 Car Museum/Facebook The Route 66 Car Museum is a private collection of classic and luxury sports cars. With about 70 cars in the collection there is sure to be something you have never seen before. Visit the museum at 1634 W College St, Springfield.
- Route 66 Gary’s Gay Parita Gas Station - Paris Springs
MaxPixel/Flickr This old Sinclair gas station is now a small roadside museum dedicated to all things Route 66. Relive the glory days of the Mother Road with proprietor Gary and check out all the amazing memorabilia. Find it at 21118 Old 66, Paris Springs.
- Route 66 Drive-In - Carthage
openroads.com/Flickr The Route 66 Drive In is one of the few remaining drive in theaters left in Missouri. The season typically runs from the first weekend of April and runs through mid-September. Catch a double header and load up on snacks at intermission. Catch the show at 17231 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage.
- Boots Motel - Carthage
Tony Hisgett/Flickr Boots Motel opened in 1939 to serve the boom of travelers on Route 66. The motel was extremely modern at the time and had a carport for every room! The motel has been restored to it’s former glory and is still available to travelers down Route 66. Find the Boots Motel at 107 S Garrison Ave., Carthage.
- Jasper County Courthouse - Carthage
TheWhitePelican/Wikimedia The Jasper County Courthouse was built in 1895 and is on the National Register of Historical Places. Stop and see this beautiful courthouse at 302 South Main St., Carthage.
- Route 66 Mural Park - Joplin
Route 66 Joplin/Facebook The two large tile murals are the main aspects of the park. The 1964 replica corvette makes it a great spot to snaps some pics. Find the murals at 619 S. Main St., Joplin.
Have you visited any of theses attractions along Missouri’s alignments of Route 66? Let us know what other gems along the Mother Road we should visit or your experiences of these 11 attractions in the comments below!lo
Chris Yunker/Flickr
The Chain of Rocks Bridge connected the Illinois and Missouri sections of Route 66. Famously known for its 22-degree bend occurring at the middle of the crossing, it is now only accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Philip Leara/Flickr
Ted Drewes is an iconic stop along Route 66. The Chippewa location has been serving frozen treats to those traveling the Main Street of America since 1941. Stop and enjoy the world’s best custard at 6726 Chippewa, St. Louis.
el-toro/Flickr
Meramec Caverns is the most visited cave in the state of Missouri. It is also one of the most popular destinations on the entirety of Route 66. Known for being one of Jesse James’ hideouts from the law, the caverns are about 4.6 miles long and have been attracting tourists since 1935.
Serge Melki/Flickr
Standing over 42 feet tall, the Route 66 Red Rocker was erected in 2008 at the world’s largest rocking chair. The first Saturday in August is “Picture on Rocker Day,” and is the only time visitors can sit on the rocker.
stannate/Flickr
Dedicated in 1984, the Stonehenge replica on the campus of Missouri S&T was created to showcase the stone carving capabilities of its High Pressure Water Jet Lab. While it can’t be view directly from the roadside due to the addition of campus buildings, it’s definitely worth the stop. Find Missouri’s Stonehenge off State St. in Rolla.
Route 66 Car Museum/Facebook
The Route 66 Car Museum is a private collection of classic and luxury sports cars. With about 70 cars in the collection there is sure to be something you have never seen before. Visit the museum at 1634 W College St, Springfield.
MaxPixel/Flickr
This old Sinclair gas station is now a small roadside museum dedicated to all things Route 66. Relive the glory days of the Mother Road with proprietor Gary and check out all the amazing memorabilia. Find it at 21118 Old 66, Paris Springs.
openroads.com/Flickr
The Route 66 Drive In is one of the few remaining drive in theaters left in Missouri. The season typically runs from the first weekend of April and runs through mid-September. Catch a double header and load up on snacks at intermission. Catch the show at 17231 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage.
Tony Hisgett/Flickr
Boots Motel opened in 1939 to serve the boom of travelers on Route 66. The motel was extremely modern at the time and had a carport for every room! The motel has been restored to it’s former glory and is still available to travelers down Route 66. Find the Boots Motel at 107 S Garrison Ave., Carthage.
TheWhitePelican/Wikimedia
The Jasper County Courthouse was built in 1895 and is on the National Register of Historical Places. Stop and see this beautiful courthouse at 302 South Main St., Carthage.
Route 66 Joplin/Facebook
The two large tile murals are the main aspects of the park. The 1964 replica corvette makes it a great spot to snaps some pics. Find the murals at 619 S. Main St., Joplin.
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