Once you cross the Mississippi River and leave Illinois behind, Route 66 in Missouri shifts gears. The skyline fades, the Ozarks begin to roll, and the Mother Road starts to feel a little wilder, a little quirkier, and a little more adventurous. This is where bridges curve unexpectedly, neon flickers to life at dusk, and roadside stops lean fully into their larger-than-life personalities.
Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 balances natural beauty with pure roadside Americana. Scenic river crossings give way to cavern tours, vintage motor courts, playful photo ops, and towns that proudly celebrate their place in Route 66 history. Whether you’re drawn to nostalgic roadside architecture, classic diners and dessert stands, or the kind of attractions that make you laugh out loud, this stretch offers a little bit of everything that makes the Mother Road endure.
These top ten things to do on Route 66 in Missouri highlight the experiences that define the Show-Me State’s chapter of the highway: iconic stops, scenic moments, and unforgettable roadside memories that carry you further west, mile by mile.
Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in Missouri
1. Walk From Illinois to Missouri
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was once an essential part of the cross-country Route 66 journey. Connecting Illinois to Missouri, the bridge was known for it’s unusual 30-degree bend that made for an interesting drive as travelers crossed the Mississippi River. Long decommissioned, road trippers can no longer drive across it, but they can park their cars and make the the on foot. Enjoy reproduced motel signs, benches, vintage Texaco pumps, and an incredible view.
Bonus!
This isn’t the only bridge to cross on Route 66 in Missouri! Explore the 1932 Route 66 Meramec River Bridge in Eureka, the 1870 Devils Elbow Bridge, and the Gasconade River Bridge. Each one was once a vital part of Route 66, allowing travelers to trek across the Show-Me State.
2. Eat Fudge in Uranus
No Route 66 road trip through Missouri is complete without a stop for fudge at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store in St. Robert. The shop offers souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and their world-famous fudge with a punny twist. When you order a hunk or two of traditional chocolate, peanut butter, or blueberry cheesecake flavored fudge, prepare for some potty-humor as they offer to “pack your fudge” or thank you for “picking Uranus.” It’s a funny stop that beckons road trippers to pull over, enjoy a sweet treat, and share a laugh.
Bonus!
The fudge isn’t the only thing Uranus is known for! While you’re there explore a whole strip mall of weirdness. Take selfies with the big neon sign, play a round at Putt Pirates mini golf, explore the Uranus Sideshow Museum, look for the giant belt buckle and rocket ship, grab ice cream at the Uranus Ice Cream Company, wonder at the giant neon map mural, and say hello to the Mega Mayor Muffler Man.
3. Bask in the Glow of a Neon Sign
Route 66 and neon go hand in hand and one of the best places on all of the Mother Road to gawk at a glowing sign is the Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert. Nestled in George M. Reed Roadside Park in the Ozarks, this roadside attraction brings vintage neon signs from Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 back to life, glowing just like they did in their heyday. It’s the first park of its kind in the state, featuring a growing collection of restored neon signs that once flickered outside motels, diners, garages, and more from St. Louis to Joplin. Plan your visit for sunset to watch the signs come to life and light up this stretch of Route 66.
Bonus!
You can find neon signs lighting the way across Missouri Route 66. Look for more famous Route 66 neon signs at Donut Drive-In in St. Louis, Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake in Springfield, and Boots Court Motel in Carthage.
4. Head into the Caverns
Meramec Caverns in Sullivan is the collective name for the 4.6 mile cavern system that runs through the Ozarks near Stanton. At 400 million years old, it’s probably the oldest attraction in Missouri, though it has only been open as a tourist attraction since 1933. Take a guided tour and head below ground to take in the breathtaking natural formations, patriotic light shows, and outlaw history.
Bonus!
With around 150,000 annual visitors, Meramec Caverns is the most visited cave in Missouri. But it’s not the only cave on Route 66 to explore! Springfield, Missouri is home to both Fantastic Caverns (which you can enjoy on a ride-through tour on a Jeep-drawn tram) and the Crystal Cave.
5. Turn Your Concrete Upside Down
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis has been scooping up sweet frozen treats for over 90 years, making it a must-stop for Route 66 road trippers! Known for inventing the “concrete,” this iconic dessert stand draws locals and travelers alike for its thick custard that’s famous for holding steady when flipped upside down. Frozen custard isn’t your average ice cream—it’s made with milk, cream, sweetener, and a touch of egg yolk, plus it’s churned slower, so it’s thicker and richer. At Ted Drewes, you’ll find everything from malts and shakes to sundaes and floats, but the real star is the concrete. Created in 1959, this dense dessert blends frozen custard with candies, fruits, or cookies for a flavor-packed treat that stays thick. Customers went wild for it, and soon the concrete became a nationwide craze.
Bonus!
Ted Drewes isn’t the only place to get your licks on Route 66! There are plenty of other Route 66 Ice Cream Shops to pull over for a cool treat in Missouri. Enjoy a cup, cone, or sundae at Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, Soda & Scoops in Rolla, Taylors Dairy Joy in Lebanon, or Supertam On 66 in Carterville!
6. Sleep Where Elvis Slept
Sleep like a King…or The King…at Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel in Springfield. The Rail Haven was built in 1938 and for many years was a true Route 66 institution that attracted Route 66 travelers and celebrities alike. The motel’s biggest claim to fame is that Elvis Presley, before he was even a star, once spent the night in room 409. The Rail Haven Elvis Suite pays homage to the room the singer once slept in through decor, a giant mural, artwork, memorabilia and a Pink Cadillac shaped bed.
Bonus!
There are so many iconic Route 66 motels in Missouri that you’ll want to spend several nights exploring the state! Book a room at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Boots Court Motel in Carthage, or Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield.
7. Explore a City Full of Murals
Plan some time in your road trip itinerary to explore “where art meets history.” Cuba, Missouri, showcases murals on nearly every corner in town, depicting historic scenes with both local and national themes. Created between 2001 and 2007, the public art in this “Route 66 Mural City” memorializes celebrity visits from Harry S. Truman, Amelia Earhart and Bette Davis; revisits the Civil War; and celebrates the golden age of travel on The Mother Road.
Bonus!
Cuba in home to more than just murals! Spend a day and night exploring everything to do in Cuba, Missouri. Visit the Cuba Visitor Center, take photos with the towering Route 66 Rocker, enjoy dinner at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que, get breakfast at Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe, and spend the night (or at least check out the neon sign) at Wagon Wheel Motel.
8. Go Frog Wild!
One of the most unique roadside attractions in Missouri, and all of Route 66, is Frog Rock in Waynesville. This beloved local landmark (also known as W.H. Croaker, short for Waynesville Hill) is a large stone on the side of a hill painted to look like a bright green frog. It is so popular that Waynesville throws a Frogtoberfest ever October in its honor. Each year the town comes together for a celebration with games, music, and plenty of green-themed fun.
Bonus!
Frog Rock isn’t the only quirky roadside attraction on Missouri Route 66! Keep a lookout for the other quirky wonders, like the Former World’s Largest Rocking Chair, the Praying Hands Memorial, the World’s Second Largest Fork, the giant bowling pin, and the Hubble Telescope Replica Statue.
9. Get H-O-T-T-O-G-O at a Vintage Service Station
Gary’s Gay Parita is one of the most recognizeable vintage service stations on 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 as the backdrop for Chappell Roan’s HOT TO GO! music video. You won’t be able to fuel up your car here anymore, but you will fill up on nostalgia. Keep an eye out for the Sinclair dinosaur, antique memorabilia, and vintage vehicles. If the doors are open, step inside for a chat, a souvenir, or a cold drink for the next leg of your journey.
Bonus!
Vintage service stations abound on Route 66. While most of them now run dry, they still make fun stops to explore. Explore the newly-renovated Spencer Station in Miller or all of the refurbished buildings in the old town of Red Oak II in Carthage. Or, pull over at The Downtown Service Station in Waynesville, the last fully operational vintage full-service gas station on the original Route 66.
10. Explore the Birthplace of Route 66
Springfield, Missouri, is not just on Route 66, it’s the Birthplace of Route 66, where the iconic highway’s name was officially christened in 1926. And, today, Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri is still a must-visit, with its its rich history, charming atmosphere, and abundance of Route 66 landmarks to explore. Stop by the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park, grab breakfast or lunch at College Street Café, see a show at the old Gillioz Theatre, and explore the History Museum on the Square. And don’t forget to take a selfie at the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument and visit Birthplace Plaza!
Bonus!
Each year, the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival brings enthusiasts together in Springfield to celebrate the legacy of America’s most iconic highway. This free, family-friendly festival features a packed schedule of events, including a massive car and motorcycle show, a Route 66 parade, live concerts, a talent show, and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Mother Road. Browse vendor booths, meet artists and authors inspired by Route 66, and enjoy fantastic food from local eateries.
Missouri may be home to the Birthplace of Route 66, but the journey doesn’t stop here. Keep rolling west and discover the top things to do in every state along the Mother Road. Each stretch brings new landscapes, new legends, and a fresh batch of roadside classics—proof that Route 66 is best experienced one state at a time.
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in Illinois
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in Kansas
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in Oklahoma
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in Texas
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in New Mexico
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in Arizona
- Top Ten Things to Do on Route 66 in California.
