Around 317 miles of Route 66 wind through Missouri, the fifth longest stretch out of the eight states on your Mother Road journey. Starting at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River from Illinois into St. Louis and ending at the Kansas state line, just west of Joplin, there are quintessential Missouri Route 66 attractions to see at every turn of the road.
You’ll find quirky roadside attractions, historical museums, vintage diners and drive-throughs, fun souvenir shops, and classic motels and hotels on this stretch of your road trip.
Looking for the best Missouri Route 66 attractions to add to your road trip itinerary? Use the filters below to search our Missouri directory by location, attraction type, or keyword to fill your travel plan, whether you’re spending a weekend in Springfield, taking a day trip from St. Louis, or traversing all 317 miles of The Main Street of America across the state.
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Search Missouri Route 66 Attractions
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Buc-ee’s in Springfield, Missouri
Need gas, snacks, or souvenirs on your Route 66 road trip? Springfield, Missouri is home to the very first Buc-ee's in Missouri. The popular travel center and road trip stop has made a home in the "Birthplace of Route 66." Buc-ee's is a popular chain of travel centers that was founded in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1982.
Must SeeGary’s Gay Parita in Ash Grove, Missouri
Gary’s Gay Parita in Ash Grove, Missouri, is a can’t-miss stop along Route 66. This replica of a 1934 Sinclair station is packed with original gas pumps, classic cars, vintage signage, and one of the biggest Route 66 shields you’ll find anywhere on the road. It's so famous that it even made a splash in 2023.
Hubcaps on Route 66 Sculpture in Springfield, Missouri
The Hubcaps on Route 66 Sculpture in Springfield, Missouri pays homage to the city’s place as the "Birthplace of Route 66" in a unique way. The Hubcaps on Route 66 Sculpture was created by Joe and Terry Malesky of New Adventure Sculptures LLC. It was installed at the Northeast corner of Broadway Ave and College St.
Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon, Missouri
Dowd's Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon, Missouri is a casual Bayou-themed restaurant on Route 66. Dowd's is best known for their delicious southern fried catfish, available in both standard and spicy varieties. But the full menu also offers barbecue dishes, burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, and chicken along with sides such as fries, cheesy corn, fried okra, coleslaw, and barbecue beans.
World’s Second Largest Fork in Springfield, Missouri
Located in the parking lot of an office complex in Springfield, Missouri is the World's Second Largest Fork. This 35-foot tall, 11-ton utensil was once the biggest fork in the world. It might have lost the title (with longer, but lighter, ones in Colorado and Oregon), but it will still be one of the biggest forks you'll ever see.
Missouri Route 66 Welcome Center Rest Area in Conway, Missouri
Travel old Route 66 without leaving Missouri…and get some snacks and a bathroom break while you’re there. The Missouri Route 66 Welcome Center Rest Area in Conway has a definitive theme alongside its amenities. When you exit your car at this Route 66-themed rest stop in Missouri you’ll first be greeted with a light-up sign.
Must SeeRoute 66 Mural Park in Joplin, Missouri
Located at the corner of 7th and Main Streets, on the south side of the Pearl Brothers Hardware building, Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin, Missouri, is a popular photo op and colorful tribute to Route 66 and the town's place in its history.The park first opened in 2013 with the unveiling of two large tiled murals.
College Street Great Mosaic Wall in Springfield, Missouri
Across the street from the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park is another Springfield, Missouri Route 66 attraction: the College Street Great Mosaic Wall. These Route 66 mosaics were created by Springfield artist Christine Schilling with the help of local children. The project was dedicated in September 2001 with dozens of mosaic images reflecting on the Mother Road.
Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri is officially recognized as the birthplace of Route 66. It was via telegram at a 1926 meeting of highway officials at the Colonial Hotel that Springfield businessman John T. Woodruff and Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery first proposed U.S. 66 as the name of the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. The Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park in Springfield, Missouri pays respects to the city's roots.
Must SeeSuperTAM on 66 Ice Cream Parlor and Superman Museum in Carterville, Missouri
If you’re taking a Route 66 road trip and looking for a sweet treat with a side of superhero, SuperTAM on 66 Ice Cream Parlor And Superman Museum in Carterville, Missouri is the place for you. SuperTam on 66 is a small ice cream parlor and Superman museum featuring Route 66 signs and photos.
Lost Along the Mother Road
Not every stop along Route 66 has stood the test of time. Over the decades, some Route 66 attractions have faded from the map, leaving behind ghost towns, relics, and memories of what once was. These sites may be gone, but they are not forgotten, living on through photos, memories, and the travelers who still seek their traces.
