A Roadside Icon on the Mother Road
Nestled just off Route 66 in the ghost town of Paris Springs, Missouri, Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station stands as one of the most beloved and photogenic landmarks along the historic highway. This meticulously recreated 1930s-era gas station serves as a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of American road travel and the spirit of Route 66.
History of the Original Gay Parita Station
The original Gay Parita Station was built in 1930 by Fred and Gay Mason, located on the shoulder of Route 66 in what was once the thriving community of Paris Springs. The station bore Gay Mason’s name and functioned as a Sinclair station, complete with classic green and white branding, a garage, and service bays. It served travelers on the Mother Road during its peak years, becoming a roadside fixture.
Unfortunately, the original station was destroyed by fire in 1955. For decades, only memories and a few remnants remained. But that all changed thanks to a man named Gary Turner.
The Rebirth by Gary Turner
In 2005, Gary Turner, a passionate Route 66 advocate and collector, rebuilt Gay Parita on the original site using vintage materials and period-correct Sinclair branding. His goal was to bring back the charm and atmosphere of the original stop—not as a working gas station, but as a Route 66 museum and visitor center.
Gary and his wife, Lena, transformed the space into a welcoming hub for travelers. They filled the station with antique signs, gas pumps, oil cans, memorabilia, and restored vehicles, creating an immersive slice of mid-century Americana. Gary was known for his warm hospitality—he welcomed guests from around the world, shared stories, handed out postcards, and never charged an entrance fee.
Continuing the Legacy After Gary
After Gary Turner passed away in 2015, his daughter Barbara and son-in-law George continued operating Gay Parita, preserving both the property and the spirit of Gary’s warm welcome. Today, the station remains open to visitors, offering free tours, a photo-rich stop, and an authentic Route 66 experience.
Visitors can explore the station grounds, admire restored vintage cars, browse through classic signage, and even pick up souvenirs or snacks. The site is a magnet for photographers, nostalgia seekers, and international tourists eager to feel the magic of Route 66.
Relationship to Route 66
Gary’s Gay Parita is more than a roadside attraction—it is a symbol of the preservation movement that keeps Route 66’s legacy alive. Located along an original alignment of the Mother Road west of Halltown, Missouri, this station sits on one of the most scenic and rural stretches of Route 66, known for its gently curving roads, lush greenery, and small-town charm.
The station captures the independent spirit that made Route 66 famous: a place where mom-and-pop businesses once lined the road, providing not just services, but stories and smiles. Gary’s dedication to reviving and maintaining the station turned it into one of the most visited and beloved spots in Missouri on Route 66.
What It’s Like Today
Today, Gary’s Gay Parita continues to serve as a living museum, roadside attraction, and community of memory. Visitors describe it as a time capsule—a place where the clock seems to have stopped in the 1940s. You’ll often find classic rockabilly music playing, vintage cars out front, and travelers swapping stories under the canopy of an old gas pump.
The station doesn’t offer gas anymore, but what it fuels is the imagination and the road trip spirit. There are clean restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and plenty of Route 66 merchandise available for purchase. Most importantly, there’s still a heartfelt welcome waiting for every traveler, just as Gary intended.
Directions to Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station – Route 66, Missouri
Address:
Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station
21118 Old 66, Paris Springs, MO 65734
Located on the historic Route 66 between Halltown and Spencer, Missouri.
From Springfield, Missouri (approx. 25 miles, ~30 minutes):
- Take I-44 West toward Joplin.
- Exit at Exit 58 (Missouri Highway 96 / Halltown).
- Turn left (south) onto MO-96 / Old Route 66.
- Drive west through Halltown.
- Continue on MO-96 (Historic Route 66) for about 7 miles.
- Look for Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station on your left, just past Paris Springs.
From Joplin, Missouri (approx. 60 miles, ~1 hour):
- Take I-44 East toward Springfield.
- Exit at Exit 49 (Missouri Highway 96 / Avilla).
- Turn right (east) onto MO-96 / Route 66.
- Continue east for about 11 miles.
- Look for the station on your right, just before reaching Paris Springs.
Tips:
- GPS Note: The station is a roadside attraction, not a commercial gas station—your GPS may list it as “Gay Parita” or “Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station.” There is no gas available at this location.
- The property is privately owned but open to the public for Route 66 travelers and history fans.
- There is limited cell service in the area—download your map ahead of time if possible.
Final Thoughts
Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station is more than a landmark—it’s a living love letter to Route 66 and its enduring place in American culture. Whether you’re exploring Route 66 for the first time or returning for another nostalgic trip, this stop is a must-see highlight in Missouri. It honors the past while offering joy to the present, one story—and smile—at a time.
