If you’re looking for classic roadside attractions, iconic diners, informative museums, and nostalgic nod to the past, a road trip on Route 66 in Missouri offers everything you’re looking for. Pull over at any and all of the stops on this complete list of Missouri Route 66 Attractions and start planning your road trip on the Mother Road today.
Historic U.S. Route 66 (AKA US 66, the Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America, and the Mother Road) was established on November 11, 1926. It was the primary road that travelers took while moving west during the dust bowl. Covering around 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 took travelers through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
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Although Route 66 was removed from the United States Highway System in 1985, it is still a popular road trip route for travelers looking for a sense of nostalgia.
Over 300 miles of the road’s stretch runs through Missouri. At every turn you’ll find something new and fun to see. Whether it’s funky cave, a classic diner, a weird roadside attraction, or an informative museum, Missouri Route 66 attractions abound on the Mother Road.
Explore below to find a complete list of Missouri Route 66 attractions to add to your Route 66 in Missouri itinerary. Want just the highlights? Find the Top 10 Missouri Route 66 Attractions. Planning to drive the entire length of Route 66? Check out our list of Route 66 Must See Stops in every state of the route.
Route 66 in Missouri: a complete list of Missouri Route 66 Attractions
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
10820 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, MO
This Missouri Route 66 attraction was once an essential part of the cross-country journey, taking travelers from Illinois, across the Mississippi river, and into Missouri (or vice versa). While you can no longer drive the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, it’s still worth a trip to walk (or bike) across and admire.
The Gateway Arch
St. Louis, MO
At 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch is the nation’s tallest monument. It was built to reflect St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO
Ted Drewes is a family-owned frozen custard company that has been serving sweet treats since 1929. Stop for a frozen concrete!
National Museum of Transportation
2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO
Since 1944 the National Museum of Transportation has devoted to protecting and interpreting North America’s transportation heritage. Explore the more than 190 exhibits of transportation vehicles and rail and transit collections.
Route 66 State Park
1628, 97 N Outer Rd, Eureka, MO
This small day-use park encompasses 419 acres on the the Meramec River. There’s a visitor center with Route 66 and Times Beach exhibits, picnic areas, shelters, and even a small section of original Route 66 road.
Big Chief Roadhouse
17352 Manchester Rd, Glencoe, MO
Big Chief Motel’s Spanish Mission Revival styled building opened in 1928 as a cabin hotel. The hotel and original restaurant are long gone but it now operates as Big Chief Roadhouse, serving locally grown fare.
Red Cedar Inn
1047 E Osage St, Pacific, MO
The Red Cedar Inn opened on Route 66 in 1934, just after Prohibition was repealed. It was once a full-service restaurant and bar and was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 2003. The restaurant is now closed but you can still see the restaurant’s exterior.
Gardenway Motel SIgn
Pacific, MO
The Gardenway Motel opened on Route 66 in 1945. After nearly 70 years in operation, it abruptly closed in 2014. The neglected building is no longer open but the iconic sign still stands.
Meramec Caverns
1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO
Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri is a staple site on Route 66. You will see billboards for miles and miles beckoning you to explore these sandstone caves. Follow the signs and take a tour, you won’t regret visiting this road trip stop.
Wagon Wheel Motel
901 E Washington Blvd, Cuba, MO
The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri is the oldest continually operated motel on Route 66. It has offered lodging to travelers since 1938 and is now fully restored.
Route 66 Rocker
5957 State Hwy ZZ, Cuba, MO
In 2008, the “World’s Largest Rocking Chair” was erected on historic Route 66 outside the Fanning Outpost General Store in Cuba, Missouri. Though the official title has since been relinquished, and it is now known as the Route 66 Rocker — this big chair still rocks!
Route 66 Mural City
Cuba, MO
Cuba, Missouri is known as the town “where art meets history” and you can see the spirit of that moniker on nearly every street corner. The Route 66 murals in Cuba depict historic scenes with both local and national themes.
UMR Stonehenge Replica
Corner of Hwy 72 and 14th St., Rolla, MO
The Stonehenge replica at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) campus is half the size of the ancient original.
Mule Trading Post Hillbilly Sign
11160 Dillon Outer Rd, Rolla, MO
The whirlygig hillbilly sign in Rolla was originally located at the Sterling Hillbilly Store in Hooker, Missouri. After that store closed in 2000 Carl and Zelma Smith restored it and installed it at the Mule Trading Post.
Tater Patch
103 Bridge School Rd, Rolla, MO
Since 1965 this rustic restaurant has been serving a full menu of comfort foods. The Tater Patch‘s specialty: stuffed baked potatoes. Come for a meal and stay for nightly entertainment.
Totem Pole Trading Post
1413 Martin Springs Dr, Rolla, MO
The Totem Pole Trading Post opened on Route 66 in 1933 and has been located at its current location since 1977. The store sells Missouri Souvenirs, personalized items, and antiques.
A Slice of Pie
1106 Old Rte 66, St Robert, MO
If you’re hungry for something sweet or savory, stop in for A Slice of Pie on Route 66. The menu has specials of quiches, salads, pot pies, soups, and, of course, delicious pies.
Larry Baggett’s Trail of Tears Memorial
State Hwy D, Jerome, MO
Larry Baggett’s folk-art rock creations were set up as a monument to the Cherokee Trail of Tears, which crossed his land. After he died in 2003 the property closed but is now open with limited hours. You can still pull over to see his self-portrait rock sculpture in front of the gate.
Wooden Railroad Trestle Bridge
21050 Teardrop Road, Devils Elbow, MO
A scenic overlook and 1941 wood railroad trestle bridge that overlooks the Big Piney River Valley.
Uranus Fudge Factory
14400 State Hwy Z, St Robert, MO
If you’re looking for a unique Route 66 attraction, you’ve got to pick Uranus. Uranus, Missouri that is. Visit the town, stop for fudge at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store, and check out all of the weird roadside attractions while you’re there!
Mega Mayor Muffler Man
14400 State Hwy Z, St Robert, MO
What do you do when you already own one of the weirdest stops on Route 66? Make it more weird! Find this Mega Mayor Muffler Man in Uranus, Missouri.
Frog Rock
599-799 U.S. Rte 66, Waynesville, MO
A frog-shaped rock painted to mimic its shape can be found on a hill overlooking Route 66.
Giant Bowling Pin
25915 MO-17, Waynesville, MO
A giant bowling pin towers over Buckhorn Lanes in Waynesville, Missouri. The bowling alley was built by Ted Williams in 1976.
Munger Moss Motel
1336 U.S. Rte 66, Lebanon, MO
The Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri was built in 1946 and you can still stay at this classic Route 66 motel on your Route 66 road trip. The site originally operated as a filling station and restaurant (Munger-Moss Sandwich Shop) and the motel was added on after the business relocated, though it is the only part of the business that has survived today.
Route 66 Museum
915 S Jefferson Ave, Lebanon, MO
The Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri is made to look like a vintage service station, with a classic car, gas pumps, and Route 66 exhibits.
Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ
1760 W Elm St, Lebanon, MO
Dowd’s is a must-stop for a meal on Route 66, stop in for delicious southern fried catfish, barbecue dishes, burgers, steaks, chicken. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Missouri Route 66 Welcome Center Rest Area
110619 I-44, Conway, MO
Exit your car at the Missouri Route 66 Welcome Center Rest Area, a Route 66 themed rest stop, and you’ll first be greeted with a light up sign modeled after the Munger Moss Motel sign and enclosed picnic areas that come with facades reminiscent of classic Route 66 businesses: Pete’s Garage, Larry’s Motel, Floyd’s Barber Shop, Meramec Caverns, a Phillips filling station, and more.
Replica of the Hubble Space Telescope
140 S. Clay St., Marshfield, MO
Edwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953) was an accomplished American astronomer. His scientific work eventually led to the posthumous launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990. Hubble was born in Marshfield, Missouri and is the town’s most famous former resident. To honor his legacy this 1,200 pound, scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope was erected in front of the local courthouse.
Route 66 Visitor Center
815 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO
The Springfield Route 66 Visitor Center provides all the information and inspiration you need for your journey through Route 66 in Missouri. Find maps, guides, directions, and even souvenirs.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
203 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO
After a day behind the wheel, stopping at all of the Mother Road’s iconic roadside attractions, museums, restaurants, and more, a good shower and a comfy bed is always a welcome sight. Take that and add modern amenities, vintage charm, and a touch of Elvis, and you have the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven motel in Springfield, Missouri. Try to stay in the Elvis Suite!
Red’s Giant Hamburg
2301 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO
Red’s Giant Hamburg first opened its doors on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri in 1947. The tiny restaurant was allegedly the world’s first drive-through restaurant, While the original closed in 1984 and was demolished in 1997, a brand new Red’s opened in 2019.
Route 66 Food Truck Park Muffler Man
1530 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO
The Route 66 Food Truck Park opened in February, 2020 and features food trucks with a variety of different cuisines, a full-service bar, and a giant muffler man out front.
Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park
1200 W College St, Springfield, MO
The Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park in Springfield, Missouri offers a small pullover with an homage to the past. The star attraction is a replica of the “Giant Hamburg” sign that was once a Route 66 attraction in itself.
College Street Great Mosaic Wall
1200 W College St, Springfield, MO
These Route 66 mosaics were created by Springfield artist Christine Schilling with the help of local children. The project was dedicated in September 2001 with dozens of mosaic images reflecting on the Mother Road.
World’s Largest Fork
2215 W. Chesterfield Blvd, Springfield, MO
Just a short detour from Route 66 find this famed Springfield roadside attraction: the world’s largest fork.
Route 66 Car Museum
1634 W College St, Springfield, MO
Peruse a selection of classic and unique cars from America and Europe at the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield.
The Historic Gillioz Theatre
325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO
The historic Gillioz Theatre is a historic theater was built in 1926. The building features exquisite architecture and ornate paintings and is still a premiere destination for concerts, theatre, film festivals, and more.
Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake
1158 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO
The historic Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake (St. Louis Street Steak In Shake) opened in 1962 and is listen on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gary’s Gay Parita
21118 Old Route 66, Ash Grove, MO
Bonjour and welcome to Gary’s Gay Parita. This Missouri tourist attraction is a replica of a 1930s Sinclair service station complete with original pumps and Route 66 memorabilia.
Sweetwater Bar-B-Que
14076 Hwy Z, St Robert, MO
Sweetwater Bar-B-Que offers “A Taste of the Ozarks” on Route 66. The menu features hillbilly beans, spuds, sandwiched, smoked meats, and barbecue dinners.
Jasper County Courthouse
301-399 Grant St, Carthage, MO
This historic courthouse was built in 1894 in a Richardsonian Romanesque style. Inside is a mural depicting the history of Jasper County.
66 Drive-In Theatre
17231 Old 66 Blvd, Carthage, MO
66 Drive-In first opened on September 22, 1949. It closed in 1984 but reopened in 1998 after being renovated. You can still drive in for a feature film when in season.
Boots Court Motel
107 S Garrison Ave, Carthage, MO
The Boots Motel opened in 1939. It is a historic Route 66 motor hotel that hosted actor Clark Gable numerous times.
SuperTAM on 66
221 W Main St, Carterville, MO
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…SuperTam? It’s you’re taking a Route 66 road trip and looking for a sweet treat with a heavy dose of Superman nostalgia, SuperTam on 66 in Carterville, Missouri (an ice cream parlor and Superman Museum) is the place for you.
Route 66 Mural Park
629-621 S Main St, Joplin, MO
You won’t find any swings, slides, or greenery in this roadside park. But you will find an artful tribute to the past. Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin, Missouri celebrates the town’s history with the Mother Road with two murals and the perfect selfie photo op.
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