On Missouri’s Route 66, neon diners and roadside nostalgia lead to Springfield’s Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven — home to the Elvis Suite, where the King stayed in 1956.
Let nostalgia take the wheel as Route 66 winds its way through Missouri. Known as the Mother Road, the legendary highway was established in 1926, originally stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica across nearly 2,500 miles. Over time, it has come to symbolise American freedom and the romance of the open road, linking small towns, historic landmarks, classic diners, motels and quirky roadside attractions.
In Missouri, the experience feels distinctly local — from St. Louis icons and comfort classics to roadside curiosities, mural-filled small towns, vintage motels, milkshakes and drive-in movies. Here, Route 66 proves it isn’t just a drive — it’s a mood.
St. Louis
Begin your journey in St. Louis, a dynamic city layered with history and culture, and home to the second-highest number of free attractions and museums in the U.S. after Washington, D.C. From the airport, make your way to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a defining landmark for Route 66 travellers. A leisurely walk across this pedestrian bridge offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, before the route draws you downtown to Gateway Arch National Park.
The soaring Gateway Arch, a symbol of America’s westward expansion, still marks the gateway to the frontier — and today, visitors can ride a tram 190 metres to the top for panoramic views over the city. From here, head towards the leafy Forest Park area to explore the Missouri History Museum and wander through the nearby Missouri Botanical Garden.
A stop in Maplewood adds another layer of nostalgia, where sidewalk plaques in the historic downtown honour its legacy as a key Route 66 thoroughfare. For transport enthusiasts, the National Museum of Transportation offers a deep dive into history, housing the world’s largest collection of railroad artefacts.
When it’s time to eat, lean into Americana. Big Chief Roadhouse delivers classic comfort fare, while Salt + Smoke serves up authentic St. Louis barbecue. For something sweet, head to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, birthplace of the famously thick dessert known as the concrete, or step into the past at Crown Candy Kitchen, where a retro soda fountain keeps old-school indulgence alive.
After a full day on the Mother Road, settle into The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, a storied hotel that has welcomed both Route 66 travellers and celebrities, blending heritage with timeless luxury.
Cuba
Continue southwest and the landscape begins to shift, blending natural beauty with delightfully offbeat stops. A good first pause is Route 66 State Park, where the visitor centre brings the story of the Mother Road to life through exhibits tracing its evolution. From here, the drive leads further southwest to Meramec Caverns, a sprawling network of limestone caves best explored on a guided tour that unpacks both geology and legend — including tales that the outlaw Jesse James once used the caverns as a hideout.
Arriving in Cuba, refuel with a hearty lunch at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que, then step next door to the Wagon Wheel Motel, the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, perfect for a nostalgic photo stop.
Back on the highway, make time for the Fanning 66 Outpost & Feedstore, an essential roadside detour. Outside stands the playful Route 66 Rocker, a towering 12-metre structure that once held the title of the world’s largest rocking chair. Inside, the mood stays whimsical — browse souvenirs, sample scratch-made fudge, and choose from over 300 flavours of popcorn, a fittingly eccentric tribute to the spirit of Route 66.
Pulaski County and Lebanon
As the drive continues through Pulaski County, the road leans deeper into Route 66 lore. You’ll pass through Hooker Cut, an original stretch carved into a rocky hillside, followed by the Devil’s Elbow Bridge — the only curved approach bridge still in use on the Mother Road and one of its most scenic viewpoints. Along the way, indulge your sweet tooth with a stop at the Uranus Fudge Factory, a playful roadside classic before rolling onward to Lebanon.
In town, step into the Route 66 Museum inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library, where exhibits trace the evolution of this legendary highway. A walk through Boswell Park reveals murals celebrating local heritage, alongside the historic Camp Joy Cabin, a reminder of the region’s earliest tourist camps.
By evening, continue on to Springfield for the night. For a stay steeped in nostalgia, check into the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, home to a specially themed Elvis Suite — originally room 409 — dedicated to the King himself. Elvis Presley stayed here in 1956, and today the suite leans fully into its rock ’n’ roll legacy, complete with memorabilia, a pink Cadillac-inspired bed frame, and even a hot tub. It’s a playful yet immersive way to step into music history while tracing the legendary curves of Route 66.
Springfield
Start early — Springfield is packed with Route 66 history and roadside icons. Begin at the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center, then head to the History Museum on the Square, where eight interactive galleries explore the city’s Wild West roots and its legacy as the Birthplace of Route 66. Just steps away, the Route 66 Car Museum offers a striking collection spanning a century of automotive design, including vehicles featured in iconic Hollywood films.
Another standout is Springfield Wonders of Wildlife, located next to the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters. Spread across 350,000 square feet, the immersive space celebrates hunting, fishing and conservation, honouring those who protect land and water.
When hunger strikes, lean into nostalgia with a classic burger and milkshake at Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake, still operating from its original St. Louis Street location since the 1960s. After a day steeped in history and Americana, settle in for the night at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, a fittingly retro stay on the Mother Road.
Carthage and Joplin
Fuel up with breakfast at College Street Café in Springfield before setting out on the final stretch west. Along the way, pause at Gary’s Gay Parita, a lovingly restored 1930s-era service station where nostalgic memorabilia and souvenirs capture the spirit of Route 66.
Arriving in Carthage, the pace slows into small-town Americana. Bite into a classic burger at Whisler’s Drive-Up, then wander through Red Oak II, an outdoor art installation of retro-style buildings created by late Missouri artist Lowell Davis. Stop by the historic Boots Court Motel & Visitors Center to chat with locals, and continue soaking in the charm with a Downtown Historic District Walking Tour, rich in heritage architecture and character.
From here, continue to Joplin, a Route 66 hub with layered history. Explore the bold, larger-than-life murals at Route 66 Mural Park, then stroll down Main Street for a relaxed meal at the family-friendly Red Onion Café. As evening falls, circle back to Carthage for a classic Route 66 finale — catching a movie from your car at the 66 Drive-In Theatre, a nostalgic close to an unforgettable road trip.
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