Mile 301 — 618
Missouri
Where Route 66 Was Born
Missouri is where Route 66 got its name. Christened in Springfield in 1926, Missouri's 317-mile stretch of the Mother Road runs from the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Mississippi River to the Kansas border at Joplin — passing through St. Louis, the Ozarks, and some of Route 66's most iconic roadside attractions.
317
Miles
10
Cities
26
Attractions
100
Years
Featured Guides
Essential Missouri Reading
Missouri Route 66: The Complete 2026 Centennial Guide
Missouri holds the birthplace of Route 66's name. In 2026, the state celebrates 100 years with new heritage signage, restored roadside stops, and special Centennial events.
January 15, 2026
St. Louis to Joplin: Missouri Route 66 Mile by Mile
From the Chain of Rocks Bridge to the Kansas border, we break down every must-stop across Missouri's 317-mile stretch of the Mother Road.
February 1, 2026
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: A Route 66 Tradition Since 1929
Ted Drewes on Chippewa Street has been serving frozen custard to Route 66 travelers since 1929. The 'concrete' is so thick they serve it upside down.
February 10, 2026
Pappy's Smokehouse: St. Louis BBQ That Rivals Kansas City
Pappy's ribs have been called the best in America by multiple national publications. Arrive before 10:30 AM — they sell out daily.
February 15, 2026
Meramec Caverns: Missouri's Underground Wonder on Route 66
Meramec Caverns has lured Route 66 travelers underground since the 1930s with its dramatic formations, outlaw legends, and famous barn-roof advertising that once stretched across the Midwest.
March 1, 2026
How Springfield Gave Route 66 Its Name: The Cyrus Avery Story
In 1926, Cyrus Avery sat in a Springfield telegraph office and proposed naming the Chicago-to-LA highway 'Route 66.' That moment changed American travel forever.
March 10, 2026
Follow the road west — from the Gateway Arch to the Kansas border. Each stop has our curated picks for attractions, food, and hidden gems.
starCan't Miss
The Gateway Arch
America's tallest man-made monument at 630 feet. The tram ride to the top offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis.
$16 adults, $13 ages 3–15
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The Gateway Arch
starstarstarstarstar4.9Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
starstarstarstarstar4.7Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
starstarstarstarstar4.8City Museum
starstarstarstarstar4.8starCan't Miss
Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center
Start here — the center has original documents from the 1926 Route 66 naming, interactive exhibits, and free maps for a self-guided driving tour of Springfield's Route 66 landmarks.
Free
exploreThings to See & Do
Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center
starstarstarstarstar4.6Fantastic Caverns
starstarstarstarstar4.5History Museum on the Square
starstarstarstarstar4.4starCan't Miss
Bonnie & Clyde Hideout
In April 1933, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow rented an apartment in Joplin where they were ambushed by police. The apartment building still stands with bullet holes visible in the walls.
$5 donation suggested
exploreThings to See & Do
Bonnie & Clyde Hideout
starstarstarstarstar4.3Route 66 Mural Park
starstarstarstarstar4.5Joplin Museum Complex
starstarstarstarstar4.2starCan't Miss
Munger Moss Motel
One of the most iconic neon signs on Route 66. This motel in Lebanon has been welcoming travelers since 1946 — clean rooms, great rates, pure Americana.
Rooms from $55/night
exploreThings to See & Do
Munger Moss Motel
starstarstarstarstar4.5Route 66 Museum at Lebanon
starstarstarstarstar4.3starCan't Miss
Cuba Outdoor Murals
Over 20 large-scale outdoor murals depict Route 66 history, Ozark life, and small-town Americana. Pick up a free walking tour map at the visitor center for the full self-guided experience.
Free
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Cuba Outdoor Murals
starstarstarstarstar4.5Wagon Wheel Motel
starstarstarstarstar4.4Meramec Caverns
starstarstarstarstar4.6starCan't Miss
Stonehenge Replica
Missouri S&T students built this half-scale replica of Stonehenge using 160 tons of granite. Surprisingly impressive and free to visit. Located on the Missouri S&T campus.
Free
exploreThings to See & Do
Stonehenge Replica
starstarstarstarstar4.2Totem Pole Trading Post
starstarstarstarstar4.0starCan't Miss
Jensen Point
Stunning overlook of the Meramec River valley from high bluffs. A short hike from Route 66 rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in eastern Missouri.
Free
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Jensen Point
starstarstarstarstar4.3Pacific Palisades Conservation Area
starstarstarstarstar4.2starCan't Miss
66 Drive-In Theatre
One of the last original drive-in theatres on Route 66, operating since 1949. Double features every Friday and Saturday night from April through September. $8 per person — a true time-capsule experience.
$8 adults, $4 children
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66 Drive-In Theatre
starstarstarstarstar4.7Jasper County Courthouse
starstarstarstarstar4.5Route 66 Visitor Center at Boots Court
starstarstarstarstar4.4starCan't Miss
Devil's Elbow Bridge
This 1923 steel truss bridge over the Big Piney River is one of the most photographed spots on Missouri Route 66. Park and walk across for spectacular Ozark river views.
Free
exploreThings to See & Do
Devil's Elbow Bridge
starstarstarstarstar4.6Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ Pit
starstarstarstarstar4.5starCan't Miss
Route 66 Pulaski County Museum
Small but well-curated museum preserving the Route 66 heritage of Pulaski County. Old photographs, artifacts, and stories from the Mother Road's golden era.
Free
exploreThings to See & Do
Route 66 Pulaski County Museum
starstarstarstarstar4.1Roubidoux Spring
starstarstarstarstar4.4Route 66 Centennial
Missouri Events 2026
From Springfield's Birthday Bash to the Gateway Arch Centennial Gala — 5 events across the Mother Road. Don't miss the 100th anniversary.
View All Eventsarrow_forwardBest Time to Visit Missouri Route 66
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather. Summer is hot and humid but everything is open. The Centennial celebrations peak in November 2026.
Read more arrow_forwardHow Many Days for Missouri?
The 317-mile Missouri stretch can be driven in one long day, but 2–3 days is ideal: Day 1 St. Louis, Day 2 Cuba/Rolla/Lebanon, Day 3 Springfield/Joplin.
Read more arrow_forwardBudget Guide
Budget: $50–70/day (camping, diners). Mid-range: $120–180/day (motels, sit-down restaurants). Comfortable: $200–300/day (hotels, fine dining).
Read more arrow_forwardRoad Conditions & Tips
I-44 parallels much of Missouri Route 66 — the original road switches between county roads and service roads. The road is well-maintained but watch for narrow two-lane sections in the Ozarks. Cell service is spotty between Rolla and Lebanon.
Read more arrow_forwardFrequently Asked
Missouri Route 66 FAQ
How long is Route 66 through Missouri?expand_more
Missouri's stretch of Route 66 is 317 miles (510 km), running from the Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis to Joplin at the Kansas border. It passes through 6 major cities and dozens of small towns.
Why is Missouri important to Route 66 history?expand_more
Missouri is where Route 66 got its name. In 1926, Cyrus Avery and other highway officials met in Springfield, Missouri and proposed naming the new highway 'Route 66.' The designation was officially approved on November 11, 1926.
What are the must-see stops on Missouri Route 66?expand_more
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Meramec Caverns, Cuba's outdoor murals, Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, and Route 66's birthplace in Springfield.
How many days should I spend on Missouri Route 66?expand_more
We recommend 2-3 days minimum: Day 1 for St. Louis (Gateway Arch, Ted Drewes, Chain of Rocks Bridge), Day 2 for the small towns (Cuba, Rolla, Lebanon), and Day 3 for Springfield and Joplin.
Explore Missouri
Things To Do in Missouri
From Route 66 landmarks to outdoor adventures — discover everything Missouri has to offer.
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