Lebanon, Missouri - Trails Through the Ozarks

Lebanon, Missouri

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Nelsonville, as the locals called it was one of the best-known spots along Route 66

In 1931 Arthur T. Nelson built his 24-room hotel at the intersection of Route 66 and Missouri Highway 5. The Nelson Hotel and Dream Village soon became one of the best-known spots along Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. Each room featured a private bath and kitchen facilities, renting for $2-$3 a night. Across the street from the hotel, Nelson built his “Dream Village,” so named because the layout appeared to him in a dream. Twelve units of native Ozark stone surrounded a courtyard which featured a very special fountain. In the evenings it became the centerpiece of a light and music show. Cars would be lined up for blocks to see it. Nelsonville, as it was called by the locals, passed into history when Route 66 became I-44.

The Munger-Moss Motel was built in 1946 and still stands today as a Route 66 icon welcoming Mother Road history buffs. The complex originally consisted of seven buildings and provided garages next to the units for the customers’ convenience. Later the garages were made into additional rooms. The vintage motel has been owned by Bob and Ramona Lehman since 1971 and you will be hard pressed to find more true Route 66 enthusiasts than this friendly pair.

The Munger Moss Motel, October, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Route 66 in Lebanon was also was the site of some interesting restaurants. Perhaps the most unique was Andy’s Street Car Grill. It was housed in an actual street car, brought in from St. Louis, and its featured dish was “Andy’s Famous Fried Domestic Rabbit.” Though Andy's is long gone, you can still get a great plate of home fixins from the Bell Restaurant.

Andy's Street Car Grill, Lebanon Missouri Tourism.

Wrink's Market, October, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints

and downloads HERE!

Another Lebanon landmark along Route 66 is Wrink’s Market, which opened in June, 1950 and continued to operate up until owner, Glenn Wrinkle's death in March, 2005. This was a one of kind vintage market, where you would not only see groceries, but also collectibles, dry goods, and Route 66 memorabilia. However, the main attraction was always Glenn Wrinkle himself, who could astound the Route 66 traveler with his stories covering more than a half a century along the Mother Road. Alas, the road lost yet another paragraph in its history when Mr. Wrinkle died in March, 2005 and the family auctioned the contents of the store.

However, the Wrink's Market has been sold and continues to operate on Route 66 as a convenience store.

Glenn Wrinkle was at the helm of the market for more

than 50 years. Photograph of Mr. Wrinkle taken in October, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Bell Restaurant, October, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Located in south-central Missouri on the edge of the Ozarks, Lebanon straddles Interstate 44. Today this small town of some 12,000 souls, though nestled among flowering trees, cool streams, and rolling hills, is growing quickly, but yet, wonderful peeks of vintage America can still be found among the thriving franchise operated strip malls and hotels.

If you’re coming from the west to Lebanon on I-44, take Exit #127 to get onto Route 66. For the next five miles, you’ll get a taste of how Route 66 wound its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. (If you’re coming from the east on I-44, exit at #135 and follow the signs for old Route 66.)

Book your lodging in Lebanon HERE!

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