Must See

Frog Rock

Waynesville, Missouri

MissouriRoadside Attraction

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As you head west into the rolling hills of Waynesville, Missouri, along historic Route 66, keep an eye out on the right side of the road. Just east of downtown, you’ll spot one of the town’s most beloved roadside sights: a big green frog perched on a hillside, affectionately known as W.H. Croaker, better recognized by travelers as Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri.

In the 1990s, when road crews were widening this stretch of the Mother Road, they uncovered a boulder that might have ended up as rubble. But local tattoo artist and Army medic Phil Nelson saw something more. With the city’s blessing, and tools in hand, he spent nine months shaping the stone into something unforgettable.

Nelson carved, painted, and brought to life a wide-grinning frog overlooking the town he loved. It was named W.H. Croaker, short for Waynesville Hill, and gifted it to the community.

Since then, Frog Rock has become a local mascot and a Route 66 roadside attraction worth pulling over for. It even hopped into the federal Geographic Names Information System in 2016. Every October, Waynesville throws Frogtoberfest in this frog’s honor, celebrating with games, music, and plenty of green-themed fun.

Today, W.H. Croaker is maintained by local volunteers, given fresh paint now and then, and supported by custom lily pad-style braces.

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Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri Route 66 roadside attraction

Frog Rock

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Address:

1201-4 U.S. Rte 66, Waynesville, MO 65583

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri

Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri Route 66 roadside attraction
Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri Route 66 roadside attraction
Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri Route 66 roadside attraction
Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri Route 66 roadside attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri, here are some things to know before you go.

What is Frog Rock in Waynesville, Missouri?

Frog Rock is a large roadside boulder painted and sculpted to resemble a giant frog overlooking Historic Route 66 in Waynesville, Missouri. Officially nicknamed W.H. Croaker, the quirky roadside attraction has become one of the best-known Route 66 icons in Pulaski County.

Where is Frog Rock located?

Frog Rock sits on a hillside along Historic Route 66 in Waynesville, Missouri, near the eastern side of downtown. The attraction overlooks the roadway and is visible to travelers driving through town.

Is there parking at Frog Rock?

Parking is limited. Travelers usually pull off briefly along Historic Route 66 to photograph the attraction, but visitors should use caution because the road can be busy and the shoulder is narrow. It’s easier to see Frog Rock early in the morning before traffic gets heavy.

Does Waynesville celebrate Frog Rock?

Yes. Waynesville hosts an annual event called Frogtoberfest, celebrating the town’s famous frog mascot with community activities and entertainment.

Where to Stay Near Frog Rock

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest on your road trip with a stay at one of these Missouri hotels near Route 66.

Wagon Wheel Motel

The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri is the oldest continually operated motel on Route 66. This iconic motel has offered lodging to travelers since 1938 and is now fully restored.

The Manor House Inn

The Manor House Inn (formerly The Lenz HoMoTel and The Lenz Manor) was built in 1903. In 1932, it opened as a motel and continues serving travelers until 1975. In 2028 it was acquired by new owners who restored and updated the property, allowing them to open their doors to travelers once again.

Attractions Near Frog Rock on Route 66

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Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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