Travel Guide to Lebanon, Missouri: A Route 66 Classic

Introduction

Lebanon, Missouri, holds a cherished place in the story of Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America.” Situated in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Lebanon became a key stop for travelers making their way between Chicago and Los Angeles during the golden age of American road trips. The city’s stretch of Route 66 has preserved that mid-century magic, echoing with the sounds of vintage tires on pavement and the neon hum of roadside motels.

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The Arrival of Route 66 in Lebanon

When Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, it followed existing roads through Missouri, linking urban centers like St. Louis and Springfield. Lebanon, already an established market town on the Ozark Trails system—a predecessor to the federal highway—found itself along one of the most famous highways in the world.

Because of its strategic location midway across the state and roughly halfway between St. Louis and Tulsa, Lebanon quickly emerged as a natural overnight stop for weary motorists. The town capitalized on this opportunity, developing an infrastructure of tourist accommodations and services that defined the golden era of Route 66.

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Lebanon in the Golden Age of Route 66 (1930s–1960s)

As tourism surged, Lebanon’s business community responded with enthusiasm. Motels, diners, gas stations, and souvenir shops multiplied along the route. The most iconic of these was the Munger Moss Motel, originally opened in 1946 and still in operation today. It quickly became synonymous with hospitality and nostalgia, offering clean rooms and vibrant neon signage to attract travelers day and night.

Another institution was Wrinks Market, a beloved general store operated by Glenn Wrinkle, who served customers from 1950 to 2005. The store was more than just a pit stop—it was a place where travelers could chat, get local advice, and feel at home.

Lebanon also benefitted from Boswell Park, which hosted community events and later became home to the city’s celebrated Route 66 mural. Local events, including car shows and festivals, celebrated the route’s importance and fostered a unique identity tied to the highway.

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The Decline of Route 66 and the Bypass Era

The completion of Interstate 44 in the 1970s, which bypassed portions of Route 66, dramatically altered the traffic flow through Lebanon. As with many towns along the old road, businesses that once thrived on constant traffic struggled to survive the loss of visibility and customers. Many of the original motels, eateries, and gas stations closed, and some structures were demolished or abandoned.

However, Lebanon managed to preserve key pieces of its Route 66 past. The Munger Moss Motel adapted and remained open thanks to the stewardship of longtime owners Bob and Ramona Lehman, who became vocal advocates for Route 66 tourism.

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Preservation and Route 66 Revival

The resurgence of interest in Route 66 in the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought new attention to Lebanon’s legacy. Enthusiasts from around the world began traveling the route in search of nostalgic Americana. Lebanon embraced this renewed energy, establishing the Route 66 Museum inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library. The museum showcases classic cars, neon signs, and period-authentic scenes like a 1950s gas station and diner.

Community efforts led to the installation of historical markers, the preservation of murals, and the celebration of events like the Route 66 Festival, which draws car clubs and tourists alike. Today, Lebanon is not only a historical waypoint—it is an active participant in the preservation and celebration of America’s most legendary highway.

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Legacy and Significance

Route 66 in Lebanon stands as a tribute to the resilience of small-town America. While many communities faded after being bypassed by the interstate, Lebanon has managed to thrive by embracing its heritage and offering travelers a genuine connection to the past.

The town’s motto could easily be: “Where the Mother Road Still Lives.” With iconic stops like the Munger Moss Motel, the Route 66 Museum, and its well-preserved stretch of vintage roadside architecture, Lebanon remains a pilgrimage site for anyone tracing the ribbon of highway that once defined a nation.