Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads in the USA. Missouri is home to over 280 miles of the route, featuring historic stop-offs and key attractions.
Day 1 – Joplin and Springfield
What better place to start than in Joplin, the town made famous by the shootout between notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde and local law enforcement. Trace the town’s history at the Joplin History & Mineral Museum, and get your art fix at Spiva Center for the Arts, host of PhotoSpiva, the USA’s oldest photography competition.
At the town’s Route 66 Mural Park, the road is celebrated with one-half of a 1964 Corvette replica embedded into a wall and two colourful tile murals.
Depart Joplin for Springfield on a 71-mile journey that takes you to the birthplace of Route 66. It was here on April 30, 1926, that officials declared 66 as the name of the new Chicago to Los Angeles highway. At the History Museum on the Square, visitors can encounter a Wild Bill Hickok shootout, ride a passenger train and learn more about American history.
Day 2 – Springfield, Lebanon and Rolla
Covering a distance of 110 miles, this part of Route 66 has something for everyone. At Fantastic Caverns, you’ll be taken on a journey by a Jeep-drawn tram to spot stalactites and stalagmites, cave pearls and awe-inspiring columns. If sport is more your thing, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame houses a vast collection of sports memorabilia and exhibitions.
Lebanon makes an excellent stop-off for lunch. Sample specialties like southern fried catfish, BBQ meats, seafood and salads. If you enjoy sweet treats, save room for the Gooey Butter Cake.
At St Robert’s Route 66 Neon Park, you can see beautifully crafted neon signs that once attracted travellers along the “Mother Road”. The signs, many left to decay in roadside fields, have been meticulously restored to their mid-century modern glory to the delight of visitors.
Bed down for the night in a classic roadside motel in or around Rolla – a must when driving Route 66.
Day 3 – Rolla, St James, Cuba and Stanton
You probably wouldn’t expect to see a replica of Stonehenge along Route 66, but it’s here at Missouri S&T – worth a look on your way out of town. It’s 80 miles from Rolla to the next stop, Eureka, and there’s plenty to see along the way. At the St. James Winery, visitors can sample 25 varieties of wine and juice.
Beer lovers may prefer a trip to the Public House Brewing Company next door. Just make sure you’re not driving.
Take Exit 203 and head along Route 66 towards Cuba to witness a 42-foot-tall rocking Chair, once a Guinness World Records holder for the world’s largest rocking chair. “The Route 66 Rocker” can be found at The Fanning 66 Outpost and has become something of a tourist attraction in its own right.
Don’t miss Meramec Caverns, a vast system of underground caves and caverns. Said to be a hideout for notorious outlaw Jesse James, the formations are a natural wonder.
Continuing with the nature theme, Route 66 State Park has several miles of hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails. The Visitor Center is housed in the former Bridgehead Inn, a roadhouse dating back to 1935, and features Route 66 memorabilia and the story of “The Main Street of America.”
Day 4 – Eureka and St. Louis
Driving the 28 miles from Eureka to St. Louis is a breeze. In St. Louis, you’ll find Grant’s Farm, housing more than 1,000 animals from six continents. Ride a tram through the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family or head to the Tiergarten to enjoy a petting zoo, carousel rides, plus food and drink outlets.
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the USA. Back in 1904 the St. Louis World’s Fair drew more than 20 million visitors from around the world. Today, it’s home to The Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and The Muny outdoor amphitheater.
After all that driving, you’ll be in need of a pick-me-up. Route 66 travellers have been enjoying Ted Drewes Frozen Custard since 1929. This St. Louis institution serves its famous “concretes” – shakes so thick you can turn them upside down and they won’t fall out of the cups.
Day 5 – St. Louis
Gateway Arch National Park is one of St. Louis’ main tourist attractions – and it’s easy to see why. This 91-acre urban oasis offers over five miles of paved paths and ramps, beautiful green spaces and innovative experiences both above and below ground.
Begin with a walk through the museum, located underneath the arch, celebrating America’s pioneering spirit. Then take an unforgettable tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. You’ll climb 630 feet up into the air and be treated to magnificent views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Few forms of American music have a history as long and rich as the Blues. With its origins in the Deep South, Blues is the root of virtually all American popular music from the last century, touching and influencing every corner of the USA. The National Blues Museum pays homage to the genre’s rich history in an engaging, inspiring way. A must-see for music lovers.
Fans of culture should save some time to view one of the largest mosaic collections in the world at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.
Of course, no trip to the USA would be complete without catching a game of baseball. At the city’s retro-style Busch Stadium, sports enthusiasts can watch the St. Louis Cardinals, said to have the best fans in baseball. Home games include batting practice, entertainment at Ballpark Village and (reportedly) the best hot dogs in town. An iconic ending to an iconic trip.
