Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri, by Carol Highsmith.
The “Show Me State” of Missouri has some of the most scenic views of the Mother Road and dozens of vintage icons along the old highway, many of which can still be visited today.
From the Mississippi River in St. Louis to the plateau region beginning at Springfield and ending at the Kansas border, Missouri’s 300-odd-mile journey provides many picturesque scenes along old Route 66.
The old highway closely follows the route of an ancient pre-Civil War stage line, and today, it parallels and zigzags across Interstate 44. Many signs of the old highway survive on the stretches of the original ribbon of highway, but if you prefer the interstate, every exit will land you within a moment’s drive of the original Route 66.
Meramec Caverns Entrance, Stanton, Missouri, by Kathy Alexander.
Along the way, you will see some of the Mother Road’s best tourist attractions, including the Route 66 State Park and Meramec Caverns, as you wind across the “Show Me State” of Missouri. Vintage icons such as the Chain of Rocks Bridge and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, and the Boots Motel in Carthage provide great photo opportunities.
In addition, the Missouri route offers numerous side trips to great travel destinations, such as the Lake of the Ozarks and historic Branson, Missouri.
Much of what was once Route 66 in Missouri is still under state jurisdiction as primary or secondary state highways. While its “official” state designation may not always be “66,” Missouri has more miles of the old highway under state management than any other state.
The State of Missouri has done an excellent job installing commemorative Route 66 signs along the old highway; however, you will still need a map, as these signs will not always indicate when the road turns.
Ted Drewes in St. Louis, Missouri by Kathy Alexander.
Beginning your journey in St. Louis, check out the Chain of Rocks Bridge before you venture into the city, where you’ll see numerous historic buildings and the St. Louis Arch. On your way out of St. Louis, don’t miss Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, dazzling taste buds since 1929.
Moseying down the road, you will soon approach Route 66 State Park. This park was once the site of Times Beach, which was completely evacuated and “mowed down” due to chemical contamination. At the park, you can see Route 66 exhibits that chronicle the history of the Mother Road and the story of the ill-fated town.
In Gray Summit, you can stretch your legs among the Missouri wildflowers at the Shaw Arboretum of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Continuing your journey, a “must-see” is Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, which has enticed visitors since 1933. While in Stanton, you can also visit the Jesse James Museum.
Devil’s Elbow Inn by Kathy Alexander.
Be sure to peek at the Wagon Wheel Motel and the former Midway Restaurant and Garage as you travel through Cuba. Along this stretch of the road, one of Missouri’s finest wine- and grape-producing regions begins. Some vineyards can be observed from the road, and you’ll find several roadside stops selling grapes, grape juice, wine, honey, and other locally produced products in the summer and fall months.
Rolla, Missouri, offers several vintage views of Route 66 and a popular auto museum, Memoryville USA. For a fascinating look at something else, visit the Rolla Stonehenge, a partial reconstruction of the ancient megalith built by students at the University of Missouri at Rolla.
Continuing towards Devil’s Elbow, your journey offers an incredibly scenic route along the bluffs above the Big Piney River. Sheldon’s Market and the Elbow Inn Bar and Barbeque Pit, both vintage Route 66 businesses, are interesting stops in Devil’s Elbow.
Soon, you’ll arrive in the historic town of Waynesville, Missouri, which offers vintage glimpses of the Mother Road and several historic buildings dating back to the Civil War.
Wrink’s Market in Lebanon, Missouri, October 2004, Kathy Alexander.
In Lebanon, you can see the 1940s Munger-Moss Motel, still open today, and the old Wrink’s Market building, which stood as a Route 66 institution for over half a century. As you continue your westward journey to Springfield, you will see outstanding architecture.
Beyond Springfield is an extremely vintage portion of the highway that was bypassed long ago. Along this stretch, you will see several sad and forgotten towns that died at the hands of newer transportation routes. These old towns include Halltown, Paris Springs Junction, Spencer, Heatonville, and others.
Soon, you will enter the historic town of Carthage, filled with Victorian homes and a wealth of history – from the Civil War to an abundance of Route 66 icons. Continue your asphalt trip through Webb City and Joplin before entering the state of Kansas, with its “full” 13 miles of Route 66.
As always, enjoy the ride!!
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated September 2025.
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