Rider August 2026 | Page 28

28 2026 ROUTE 66 TRAVEL GUIDE

317 miles

CROSSING THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER into Missouri feels like crossing an invisible threshold. The agricultural landscapes of Illinois are replaced by rolling hills, dense forests, and winding roads.

The state occupies a special place in Route 66 history. Springfield, Missouri, proudly claims the title“ Birthplace of Route 66.” It was here, in 1926, that officials finalized the now-famous highway number. A century later, Springfield remains one of the route’ s most significant destinations, celebrating its connection to the Mother Road through museums, festivals, historic businesses, and preserved landmarks.

Missouri is also home to some of the longest and best-preserved stretches of original Route 66 pavement, retaining numerous original alignments. Twisting through the Ozarks, these sections offer some of the most enjoyable riding on the entire route. The landscape itself is a major attraction. Route 66 winds through forests, climbs gentle ridges, and follows valleys carved into the Ozark Plateau.

Missouri also helped define roadside tourism during Route 66’ s golden age. Family-owned motels, diners, service stations, caves, and quirky attractions flourished here as businesses competed for travelers’ attention. Many survive today. The historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba remains the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, while Meramec Caverns continues to attract visitors.

Towns such as Cuba, Lebanon, Rolla, and Carthage embrace their Route 66 heritage with murals, museums, restored neon signs, and beautifully preserved downtown districts. Of course, Route 66 has always balanced history with humor, and Missouri delivers plenty of both, like the tongue-in-cheek Uranus stop.

What makes Missouri special is its variety. One moment you’ re exploring a historic neighborhood in St. Louis. A few hours later, you’ re carving through Ozark hills, touring a cave, sleeping in a stone cottage motel built in the 1930s, or pulling over to take a selfie with a giant rocking chair.

Missouri captures an authentic Route 66 experience: equal parts history, scenery, roadside oddities, and open-road freedom. It’ s where the Mother Road comes alive.

Pass through the 20th-century engineering marvel that is Hooker Cut – where plunging dolomite embraces the road – on your way to the small hamlet of Devils Elbow, named by railroad tie rafters for the wicked bend in the Big Piney River below. Here, the iconic 1923 steel truss bridge serves as a welcome to the legends that have called Pulaski County home. Admire the majestic Hiawatha Bluffs rising over the crystal-clear waters and stop for a can’ t-miss photo op at the former Devils Elbow Café.

In Saint Robert, enjoy some belly laughs and delicious, handmade fudge from Uranus Fudge Factory & General Store, a unique and giggle-worthy attraction cut from the cloth of roadside curios that have drawn in motorists for generations. Just down the road, dazzling neon signs light up the night sky once again at Route 66 Neon Park. Get up close with authentic signs lovingly restored to their former mid-century glory and casting a warm glow over the Mother Road just as they did in their heyday.

Waynesville – the Birthplace of the Byway – bears the heritage of Route 66 at numerous historical sites. The 1903 Courthouse Museum, one of just two period courthouses on Missouri’ s stretch of the highway, immerses visitors in the history of Pulaski County, as does the Old Stagecoach Stop, the oldest standing structure in the county. Additionally, outdoor artworks by muralist Ray Harvey – as well as locals – adorn city streets in vibrant colors, while the 8-foot Route 66 Shield on the courthouse lawn provides an unforgettable photo op before you head out on the road again.

Set out on the open road in Pulaski County. Check out our handy Scenic Motorcycle Rides itinerary and plan your road trip today.

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