Route 66 in Missouri

Missouri offers one of the most scenic and diverse stretches of Route 66, winding through the Ozark Mountains from St. Louis in the east to Joplin near the Kansas border. This section of the Mother Road is packed with historic landmarks — including the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, and Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station in Paris Springs. The Missouri alignment passes through charming small towns, crosses the old Chain of Rocks Bridge, and follows winding two-lane roads through forested hills that feel worlds away from the interstate. Whether you’re looking for classic motels, roadside Americana, or just want to drive a beautiful stretch of American highway, Missouri’s Route 66 delivers. This section covers all the must-see attractions, towns, and stops along the Show-Me State’s portion of the historic route.

Gateway Arch on Route 66 in St. Louis Page Hdr
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 Attractions & Landmarks Route 66 in Missouri

Gateway Arch St. Louis: Route 66’s Greatest Starting Point

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Ben Anderson

Gateway Arch: The Door to Route 66 in St. Louis Route 66 begins — or ends, depending on your direction ...

Strafford, Missouri Page Hdr.
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Route 66 in Strafford, Missouri: Complete Travel Guide

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Ben Anderson

Introduction Not every stop on Route 66 announces itself with a landmark or a famous roadside attraction. Some towns matter ...

Rolla, MO Page Hdr
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Route 66 in Rolla, Missouri: Complete Travel Guide

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Ben Anderson

Introduction By the time Route 66 reaches Rolla, Missouri, the road has shed the last traces of the St. Louis ...

Eureka, MO Page Hdr.
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Route 66 in Eureka, Missouri: Complete Travel Guide

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Ben Anderson

Introduction Some Route 66 towns earn their reputation through a single landmark so compelling it justifies the detour all by ...

Fenton, MO Page Hdr
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Route 66 in Fenton, Missouri: Complete Travel Guide

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Ben Anderson

Introduction Fenton, Missouri occupies a stretch of the Route 66 corridor that most travelers pass through without realizing what they’re ...

Kirkwood MO, on Route 66 Page Hdr.
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Route 66 in Kirkwood, Missouri: Complete Travel Guide

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Ben Anderson

Introduction Kirkwood, Missouri doesn’t announce itself the way some Route 66 towns do. There’s no giant fiberglass figure on the ...

White's Court Carthage Missouri
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

White’s Court on Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri: A Forgotten Motor Court Treasure

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Ben Anderson

Traveling Route 66 through Carthage, Missouri, is like stepping back in time. The town is filled with classic Mother Road ...

66 Drive-In Theatre on Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 Attractions & Landmarks Route 66 in Missouri

66 Drive-In Theatre Carthage Missouri – Route 66 Drive-In Movie Experience

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Ben Anderson

66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, Missouri – A Timeless Route 66 Icon Introduction 66 Drive-In Theatre Carthage Missouri – Route ...

Route 66 Drive In Carthage Missouri Page Banner
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Exploring Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri: A Complete Travel Guide

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Ben Anderson

Carthage, Missouri, is one of the most charming and historically rich towns along Route 66. Known for its Civil War ...

Boots Court Motel Remodel Carthage Mo 2023
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 Attractions & Landmarks Route 66 in Missouri Vintage Route 66 Motels & Historic Motor Courts

Boots Court Motel – A Classic Route 66 Icon in Carthage, Missouri

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Ben Anderson

Introduction Travelers along Route 66 often seek out the most authentic stops, and few places embody the golden age of ...

Lebanon Missouri
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Travel Guide to Lebanon, Missouri: A Route 66 Classic

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Ben Anderson

Welcome to Lebanon, Missouri Tucked into the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Lebanon welcomes travelers with its perfect blend of ...

Sprague's Super Service Station, Normal, Illinois
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Tracing the Mother Road: The History of Route 66 in Normal, Illinois

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Ben Anderson

Welcome to Normal, Illinois Nestled in the heart of central Illinois, Normal is a thriving town that blends the energy ...

Joplin Missouri Murals
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Discover Joplin, Missouri: A Historic Gem on Route 66

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Ben Anderson

Welcome to Joplin, Missouri Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, Joplin, Missouri welcomes travelers with its blend of ...

Wagon Wheel Motel Cuba Missouri
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 in Missouri

Discover Cuba, Missouri: A Colorful Stop on Historic Route 66

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Ben Anderson

Welcome to Cuba, Missouri Nestled in the Ozark foothills along America’s Mother Road, Cuba, Missouri, is more than just a ...

The Rail Haven Motel, Springfield, MO
Missouri Route 66 Articles & Guides | History, Attractions & Road Trip Info Route 66 Attractions & Landmarks Route 66 in Missouri Vintage Route 66 Motels & Historic Motor Courts

The Historic Rail Haven Motel on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri

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Ben Anderson

The Rail Haven Motel in Springfield, Missouri, stands as a cherished emblem of America’s golden age of road travel. Situated ...