These 13 sights are must-see stops on “The Mother Road”. Find out our top picks for attractions on Route 66 in Missouri by reading the list below!
Route 66 Mural Park
Joplin, Missouri
A quick stop at the Route 66 Mural Park, which was dedicated in 2014, is the perfect photo opp. Pose in front of a mural of the historic route with a ’64 Corvette!
“Carthage Route 66 Drive-in” by Abe Ezekowitz – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
66 Drive-In Theater
Carthage, Missouri
Open on weekends April – September, this remaining drive-in theater is a family favorite. There’s nothing like enjoying a historic attraction like this along the country’s favorite highway.
Grand Falls
Joplin, Missouri
It’s a little tricky to get to the largest falls in Missouri. Try typing “Joplin Water Supply Lake” or “5613 Riverside Dr” into your GPS, then look for the small sign that says “Park Hours 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.”
Fantastic Caverns
Springfield, Missouri
Take a tour of America’s only ride-through cavern. That’s right, a tour of incredible underground formations can be enjoyed from the comfort of an open-air vehicle.
Via SpringfieldMO.org
Pythian Castle
Springfield, Missouri
This certified haunted castle is a must-see for all ages. Whether you’re interested in a spooky ghost tour or an informative history tour, you’ll be amazed by this 40,000-square-foot castle.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum
Mansfield, Missouri
Located about an hour outside of Springfield, this detour off Route 66 it worth it for those looking to tour a beautiful historic home and of course fans of Little House on the Prairie.
Route 66 Museum
Lebanon, Missouri
This little gem is one of many Route 66 museums along the famous highway, and it’s definitely worth stopping by. This small museum boasts lots of interesting displays.
Old Stagecoach Stop
Waynesville, Missouri
This free historic attraction is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for public tours April – September.
“Umr stonehenge” by Ghubing – Ghubing. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Missouri S&T Stonehenge
Rolla, Missouri
Located on the Missouri S&T college campus, this reconstruction of the famed and ancient Stonehenge is the type of quirky roadside attraction we love!
Meramec Caverns
Stanton, Missouri
These beautiful caverns are known best as an infamous Jesse James hideout! Guided tours of the Meramec Caverns are accessible along well-lit pathways.
“Chain Of Rocks Bridge, St Louis, Missouri” by Chris Yunker – Flickr: Chain Of Rocks Bridge. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
St. Louis, Missouri
Though older routes of the historic highway crossed the Mississippi River using the Chain of Rocks Bridge, now it’s a pedestrian bridge with some of the best views of the city.
Museum of Transportation
St. Louis, Missouri
This awesome museum has a collection of more than 70 trains, plus hundreds of other vehicles including cars, buses, trolleys, aircrafts, and much more.
Gateway Arch
St. Louis, Missouri
We’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest a stop at the iconic Gateway Arch! Take the tram to the top of the arch for spectacular views from 630 feet above the city.
