Mile 301 — 618
Missouri
Where Route 66 Was Born
Missouri is where Route 66 got its name. Christened in Springfield in 1926, Missouri's 317-mile stretch of the Mother Road runs from the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Mississippi River to the Kansas border at Joplin — passing through St. Louis, the Ozarks, and some of Route 66's most iconic roadside attractions.
317
Miles
10
Cities
26
Attractions
100
Years
Featured Guides
Essential Missouri Reading
Missouri Route 66: The Complete 2026 Centennial Guide
Missouri holds the birthplace of Route 66's name. In 2026, the state celebrates 100 years with new heritage signage, restored roadside stops, and special Centennial events.
January 15, 2026
St. Louis to Joplin: Missouri Route 66 Mile by Mile
From the Chain of Rocks Bridge to the Kansas border, we break down every must-stop across Missouri's 317-mile stretch of the Mother Road.
February 1, 2026
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: A Route 66 Tradition Since 1929
Ted Drewes on Chippewa Street has been serving frozen custard to Route 66 travelers since 1929. The 'concrete' is so thick they serve it upside down.
February 10, 2026
Pappy's Smokehouse: St. Louis BBQ That Rivals Kansas City
Pappy's ribs have been called the best in America by multiple national publications. Arrive before 10:30 AM — they sell out daily.
February 15, 2026
Meramec Caverns: Missouri's Underground Wonder on Route 66
Meramec Caverns has lured Route 66 travelers underground since the 1930s with its dramatic formations, outlaw legends, and famous barn-roof advertising that once stretched across the Midwest.
March 1, 2026
How Springfield Gave Route 66 Its Name: The Cyrus Avery Story
In 1926, Cyrus Avery sat in a Springfield telegraph office and proposed naming the Chicago-to-LA highway 'Route 66.' That moment changed American travel forever.
March 10, 2026
Follow the road west — from the Gateway Arch to the Kansas border. Each stop has our curated picks for attractions, food, and hidden gems.
Gateway Corridor
Pacific
Pacific sits just 35 miles west of St. Louis at the eastern edge of the Ozarks. Jensen Point offers panoramic views of the Meramec River valley, and the town was home to the historic Red Cedar Inn — one of the first roadhouses on Route 66.
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Historic Crossroads
Carthage
Carthage is home to the 66 Drive-In Theatre — one of the last original drive-in theatres on Route 66, operating since 1949. The stunning Jasper County Courthouse (1894) anchors a beautiful town square with historic storefronts.
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Ozark Bend
Devil's Elbow
Devil's Elbow is named for a treacherous bend in the Big Piney River. The 1923 steel truss bridge here is one of the most photographed spots on Missouri Route 66, and the Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ Pit has been serving travelers since the 1920s.
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Fort Leonard Wood Country
Waynesville
Waynesville sits near Fort Leonard Wood and offers a blend of military heritage and Ozark small-town charm. The Route 66 Pulaski County Museum preserves local highway history, and the Roubidoux Spring is one of Missouri's largest natural springs.
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Route 66 Centennial
Missouri Events 2026
From Springfield's Birthday Bash to the Gateway Arch Centennial Gala — 5 events across the Mother Road. Don't miss the 100th anniversary.
View All Eventsarrow_forwardBest Time to Visit Missouri Route 66
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather. Summer is hot and humid but everything is open. The Centennial celebrations peak in November 2026.
Read more arrow_forwardHow Many Days for Missouri?
The 317-mile Missouri stretch can be driven in one long day, but 2–3 days is ideal: Day 1 St. Louis, Day 2 Cuba/Rolla/Lebanon, Day 3 Springfield/Joplin.
Read more arrow_forwardBudget Guide
Budget: $50–70/day (camping, diners). Mid-range: $120–180/day (motels, sit-down restaurants). Comfortable: $200–300/day (hotels, fine dining).
Read more arrow_forwardRoad Conditions & Tips
I-44 parallels much of Missouri Route 66 — the original road switches between county roads and service roads. The road is well-maintained but watch for narrow two-lane sections in the Ozarks. Cell service is spotty between Rolla and Lebanon.
Read more arrow_forwardFrequently Asked
Missouri Route 66 FAQ
How long is Route 66 through Missouri?expand_more
Missouri's stretch of Route 66 is 317 miles (510 km), running from the Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis to Joplin at the Kansas border. It passes through 6 major cities and dozens of small towns.
Why is Missouri important to Route 66 history?expand_more
Missouri is where Route 66 got its name. In 1926, Cyrus Avery and other highway officials met in Springfield, Missouri and proposed naming the new highway 'Route 66.' The designation was officially approved on November 11, 1926.
What are the must-see stops on Missouri Route 66?expand_more
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Meramec Caverns, Cuba's outdoor murals, Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, and Route 66's birthplace in Springfield.
How many days should I spend on Missouri Route 66?expand_more
We recommend 2-3 days minimum: Day 1 for St. Louis (Gateway Arch, Ted Drewes, Chain of Rocks Bridge), Day 2 for the small towns (Cuba, Rolla, Lebanon), and Day 3 for Springfield and Joplin.
Explore Missouri
Things To Do in Missouri
From Route 66 landmarks to outdoor adventures — discover everything Missouri has to offer.
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