Find out where to find the best Route 66 stops in the Ozarks. From the Gateway Arch in St Louis to old fashioned drive in theaters, antique gas stations, and motels along the way, we’ll show you the way.
The iconic All-American road trip spans 2,400 hundred miles stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Originally, Route 66 was a main artery of transportation from east to west. Today, only remnants of time past remain.
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Jump Ahead: St Louis | Sullivan | Cuba | Springfield | Carthage | Roadtrippers App
Along the way, travelers spend a significant amount of time traversing through the Ozarks, which means that there is no shortage of commemorative stops you can still enjoy today. The Route 66 project officially began construction in 1926, but it was in the 1950s that this route built its legendary history.
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In later decades, major interstates like I-44, I-10, and I-55 would draw commercial traffic away from Route 66 and lead to the consolidation of hotels, gas stations, and many other convenience merchant services.
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Noteworthy Route 66 Stops in the Missouri Ozarks
From St Louis to the corner where Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma meet, you can travel Route 66 across the Ozarks. Our points of interest begin on the eastern edge of Missouri in St Louis.
St Louis Area
St. Louis, Missouri, is the second-largest city in the state and home to plenty of Route 66 history. Unofficially, it’s known as the ‘Gateway to the West’ as you cross the Mighty Mississippi river.
The first stop to put on your itinerary is the iconic Gateway Arch. This is the landmark that the city of St. Louis is most well-known for. The arch was built between 1963 and 1965 so it wasn’t part of the 1950s-era Route 66 experience, but it has become the beacon of St. Louis, Missouri, for Roadtrippers since then. Estimated time: 1.5 hours.
Next, grab a bite to eat at Blueberry Hill Cafe. It’s not what you think! It’s a historical hub of American Grub and pop-culture memorabilia. It’s also where music history is made. Since 1972, Blueberry Hill Cafe has been showcasing live music in its legendary Duck Room.
After lunch, do a little Route 66 sightseeing with Taylor’s Gas Station and Nelson’s Garage on the North side of the city. Or, see the Gas Stations on Gravois on the South side. Along the 1926 Alignment, you’ll also find an Old Texaco Station and a Dodson Service Station.
Grab a quick afternoon refreshment at St Louis’ oldest soda fountain: Crown Candy Kitchen. This staple predates Route 66, serving up sodas and fine chocolates in its original 1900s storefront at 1401 St. Louis Ave.
Finally, make a stop at the St Louis Car Museum or the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to round out your afternoon. While history buffs and those looking for a traditional Route 66 road trip experience will enjoy the St Louis Car Museum, brewery tours can be a lot of fun for older crowds. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.
Spend the night in the charming St. Louis suburb of St. Charles, Missouri. You’ll find a walkable downtown area with plenty of options for drinks and dining.
In the morning, you can head to Route 66 State Park for some time outdoors or continue traveling west to the next noteworthy stop in Sullivan, Missouri.
Find a vacation rental to park your tires for the night along Route 66 >>
Sullivan Area
As you head west, you’ll come to the town of Sullivan, Missouri. We make the road trip between Central Illinois and Northwest Arkansas frequently; traveling I-44 and Sullivan has sort of become our unofficial halfway point.
There are two points of interest to make a stop at, filling at least a half day’s itinerary in this area. The first is the Jesse James Wax Museum which operates with seasonal hours, so make sure that you check times beforehand. Here you will find a bit of legendary history on one of the most notable criminals of the Wild West (which obviously predates this American highway but is still a fun way to pass the time).
Then, head over to Meramec Caverns, which is just another few miles down the road. Here you can tour one of Missouri’s finest public cave systems, sink your teeth into a juicy burger, ride a zipline, or float on the river.
Check out our full review of Meramec Caverns for a complete list of everything there is to see and do.
Cuba, Missouri
Just another few miles (18 miles to be exact) down the road, you’ll find Cuba, Missouri. This is a quaint small town along the Route 66 trail that has plenty to offer. Cuba is known as the Route 66 Mural City. The biggest draw to this small town is unarguably the beautiful street art that adorns the historic downtown area.
Just be aware that most GPS seems to be a little misleading, and if you’re trying to gawk from the car, you’ll probably get a lot of honking. It’s best to grab a map and take the mural tour on foot.
When the sun sets, catch a movie at the Highway 19 Drive-In Theater and then spend the night at the historic Wagon Wheel Motel.
As you get back on the road, be on the lookout for Uranus Fudge Factory. It’s a road trip stop you won’t want to miss!
Springfield
In the morning, you’ll continue your trek west to Springfield, Missouri, which is roughly a two-hour drive. Although we’ve seen other cities claim this title in one regard or another, Springfield is officially recognized as ‘The Birthplace of Route 66.’
It was from Springfield, Missouri’s Colonial Hotel, that a telegram was sent to propose the idea of a national highway extending from the West Coast to the Midwestern hub of Chicago, Illinois.
While here, we recommend that you indulge in some traditional Route 66 nostalgia. But don’t forget to leave some time for more kid-friendly fun as well because Springfield, Missouri, is home to plenty of both.
Route 66 Stops include:
- Rest Haven Court Motel
- Mural on Route 66
- Route 66 Car Museum
- Sander’s Service Station
- Alli’s Family Restaurant
Other notable attractions include:
- Gray-Campbell Farmstead
- General Sweeny’s Museum
- Wonders of Wildlife Museum + Aquarium
- Railroad Historical Museum
- Fantastic Caverns
- Red Oak II
Check out our full review of the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.
Carthage
One more hour on the road, and you’ll reach Carthage, Missouri, which offers a few more Route 66 delights. Visit the Jasper County Courthouse or see a show at the Route 66 Drive-In Theater while you’re here. Also, don’t miss a look at Boots Hotel in Carthage and Route 66 Mural Park in nearby Joplin, Missouri.
Start Planning Your Family Route 66 Roadtrip with the Roadtrippers App Today
The Route 66 road trip is a classic All-American experience. While many prefer to hit the open road on two wheels, there is really no right or wrong way to make these memories. From minivans to motorhomes, the Route 66 road trip is a great way for families of all ages to spend a little time together.
Discover more to see and do as you plan your routes, gather ideas, and connect with fellow roadtrippers along the way. It’s time to ditch your collection of multiple apps, documents, and bookmarks and bring them all together in one convenient app.
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