Explore MISSOURI with Route 66 Association
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis, Missouri was opened in 1929. The eastern end of the bridge is on Chouteau Island, (part of Madison, Illinois), while the western end is on the Missouri shoreline. The bridge was part of U.S. Route 66 and linked two states: Illinois and Missouri. The bridge is short and narrow, only 1 mile long by 24 feet wide. It towers more than 60 feet above the water, and features a unique 30-degree turn midway across the river. Construction cost of the bridge was over $2.5 million, twice its original estimate. The bridge had beautifully landscaped approaches. A park-like setting around a pool and a large, ornate toll booth anchored the Missouri end. On the Illinois side, 400 elm trees lined the approach. The bridge brought travelers into St. Louis by way of the picturesque Chain of Rocks amusement park on the Missouri hills overlooking the river. The bridge became an official part of the Route 66 experience in 1936, when the Mother Road was rerouted over the bridge. In 1966, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge was built immediately to the old bridge's north in order to carry I-270; the old Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in February of 1970. The bridge is currently open daily for pedestrians and biking; permits are required for automobile traffic for special events.
Uranus Missouri, St Robert
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
WiUranus Missouri, often called simply "Uranus," is a tourist attraction located in the rural area of Pulaski County, Missouri. It is a shopping mall featuring a sports bar, nightclub, tattoo shop, festival food truck lot, and an outdoor store with a gun range and pro-shop. It's also home to a Fudge Factory and General Store.
A welcome stop for sweet-toothed lovers of fudge and other candy - the Fudge Factory is a particularly popular destination. There are lots of Uranus and Route 66 souvenirs available - particularly tee shirts that play on the inherent innuendo in "Uranus"!
SPOTLIGHTS
Spotlight Tour of Missouri's Towns
Your journey begins in St. Louis. A city brimming with rich history,vibrant culturer and exciting attractions. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch,the the one-of-a-kind City Museum or the interactive National Blues Museum. Enjoy its brewing history past and present, its thriving art scene and world-class eats.
St. Louis
Your journey begins in St. Louis. A city brimming with rich history, vibrant culture and exciting attractions. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, the nothing-like-it City Museum or the interactive National Blues Museum. Enjoy its brewing history past and present, its thriving art scene and world-class eats
Pacific
Pacific has something for everyone. Are you a nature lover? A history buff? A connoisseur of coffee or microbrews? Want to see the first monster truck in history? How about vintage motels and diners? It’s all right here for you to discover.
Sullivan
Here, you can tour underground in Meramec Caverns, a stunning network of limestone caves. Adventure above ground at scenic Meramec State Park or Route 66 Splash Park. Or get the real Route 66 experience at one of the diners or memorabilia shops.
Cuba
This quaint town is home to the famous Route 66 Mural City that brings history to life. Step back in time at the Fanning 66 Outpost and Feedstore and see the world’s second-largest rocking chair. Or stay at Wagon Wheel Motel, the oldest continuously operating motel along Route 66.
Rolla
Welcome to Rolla. This charming stop along Route 66 combines a lively college-town atmosphere with beautiful natural landscapes like Mark Twain National Forest. Get lost in its local history, classic diners and quirky attractions, including the half-scale replica of Stonehenge.
Waynesville
This town along Route 66 really is frozen in time. Snap a photo at the Route 66 shield on the square or the iconic Devil’s Elbow Bridge, built in the 1920s. Or step back into the 19th century at the Old Stagecoach Stop Museum, an actual stop on the Old West stagecoach routes.
Lebanon
Your next must-visit stop is Lebanon. It’s all classic Americana with its Route 66 Museum and Munger Moss Motel, a staple for travelers since the 1940s. Its retro diners, vintage shops, scenic views and local attractions give you the complete Mother Road experience.
Marshfield
Marshfield may be small, but it’s big on things to see and do. Find a bargain in the Antique Mercantile. Visit a working farm with two century-old barns listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the Missouri Walk of Fame. Or check out the scale-size replica of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Springfield
Get the complete Route 66 experience while you also find all the locations featured in Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” music video, like the Wild Horses mural, the world’s second-largest fork, the historic Gillioz Theatre and the iconic Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair station.
Carthage
Stop here to get the complete Route 66-in-its-heyday experience. Visit Red Oak II, a historic village showcasing mid-20th-century Americana. Swing by the town square that’s lined with shops and eateries frozen in time. Then take in the latest movie release under the stars at 66 Drive-In Theatre, one of the last operating drive-in theaters in the count
Joplin
Downtown Joplin is the place to experience Route 66 the way it used to be. Retro diners, cafes and restaurants make for great pit stops with classic Route 66 eats. Or get a selfie or several among the many murals and attractions.
NEXT TOP 9 ATTRACTION IN MISSOURI
St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park
Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station
Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station
The “St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park” will be located within the City of St. Robert’s George M. Reed Roadside Park, which is located in a wide median area between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 66 in Saint Robert, Missouri USA. The Route 66 Neon Park will be the first of its kind to be developed along the 2,448 miles of the Mother Road which runs from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA. The park will feature restored, orphaned Route 66 neon signs in an outdoor park-like setting with corresponding story boards to inform the public about the history of each sign.
Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station
Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station
Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station
The original structure on this site was built in 1930 by Fred and Gay Mason. Fred named the station "Gay Parita" after his wife Gay.
The station burned in 1955 and never reopened. It was later lovingly recreated by Gary and Lena Turner in 2005. Gary passed away in 2015, and the site is commonly known today as "Gary's Gay Parita". Barbara Barnes, Gary's daughter, and George Bowick continue to operate the station today.
It is located between Halltown and Spencer, Missouri, about 25 miles west of Springfield, and 3 miles west of Halltown. Route 66 visitors always make a stop at this station, at 21118 Old Highway 66, Ash Grove, Missouri
Gateway Arch, St.Louis
Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station
Gateway Arch, St.Louis
The Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River is the world’s tallest arch, and the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, “Gateway to the West,” administered by the National Park Service (NPS).
More than a million visitors ride to the top of the 630-foot Arch each year. It's a favorite stop for travelers on Historic Route 66!
Pacific Missouri
Route 66 State Park
Gateway Arch, St.Louis
The City of Pacific, Missouri, formerly the town of Franklin, is located in Franklin and St. Louis Counties. St. Louis is 30 miles northeast of Pacific. Pacific is located along Historic Route 66, also called Osage Street. The City calls itself "Train Town USA". Interstate 44 cuts through the northern part of the city. It is home to more than 7,000 residents.
U.S. 66 arrived in Pacific in 1932. The city soon developed a number of businesses to cater to the new traffic through the town. One of the first was the Red Cedar Inn, which continues to stand today. The Inn was built by James and Bill Smith in 1934, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, but closed in 2005.
In 2017, the City of Pacific purchased the building and is developing it as a new Welcome Center/Museum, which will open in August of 2023. And we at The UK Route 66 Association were one of the first visitors, sorry, just had to get that in.
Meramec Caverns
Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park
The best stop along old Route 66’s trek across Missouri, and one of the most enjoyable and charming roadside attractions along the entire Mother Road, Meramec Caverns (573/468-2283, daily, $23) is a set of limestone caves advertised by signs on barns and buildings all along the route, and all over the Midwest. First developed during the Civil War, when the natural saltpeter was mined for use in manufacturing gunpowder, the caves were later popularized as a place for local farmers to get together for dances.
The largest room in the caves is still used for Easter services, arts and crafts shows, and even the occasional chamber of commerce meeting. An hour west of St. Louis, Meramec Caverns was opened as a tourist attraction in 1935 by Lester Dill, who guided visitors through the elaborate chambers and, more importantly, was a true master of the art of garnering cheap but effective publicity for his tourist attraction. An example: After World War II, Dill sent his son-in-law to the top of the Empire State Building dressed up as a caveman and had him threaten to jump off unless everyone in the world visited Meramec Caver
Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park
This day-use park contains a small section of old Route 66. A roadhouse-turned-visitor center features exhibits on Route 66 and the former town of Times Beach. The park also offers Meramec River access, picnic shelters and a playground. There are hiking, bicycling and horseback riding trails throughout the park.
The visitor center may be closed during certain months. Check the website for more information.
Note: The pin on this map shows the location of the visitor center; most of the trails and facilities are on the other side of the river..
Murals of Cuba
World's 2nd Largest Rocker, Fanning
World's 2nd Largest Rocker, Fanning
Known as the Route 66 Mural City, Cuba’s 14 outdoor murals depict scenes from local and national history, including visits from Harry S Truman, Amelia Earhart and Bette Davis. Each mural has a unique story.
A Mural Map is available at the I-44 Visitor Center (Exit 208) and area businesses. A step-on narrated bus tour service is available for tours and large groups.
The murals are located along the Route 66 corridor, with dining and shopping available.
World's 2nd Largest Rocker, Fanning
World's 2nd Largest Rocker, Fanning
World's 2nd Largest Rocker, Fanning
The world's second-largest rocking chair is located in Fanning, Missouri, outside the Fanning 66 Outpost general store, along the historic Route 66. It's a popular roadside attraction and a photo opportunity for travelers on Route 66. While it was once considered the world's largest, a larger one was built in Casey, Illinois, taking the top spot.
Ted Drew's Frozen Custard
World's 2nd Largest Rocker, Fanning
Ted Drew's Frozen Custard
A St. Louis tradition on Old Route 66 since 1929. Known for specialty "concrete" shakes so thick you can turn them upside down, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a must-taste food while you travel Route 66. Journey back in time when you order from the walk-up window and enjoy a “concrete” shake outside in the summer time. No inside seating. Most of our products are certified kosher.
Praying Hands Memorial Webb City, Missouri
Experience the Best of Route 66 Association
In Webb City, Missouri, just off Route 66, you’ll find the Praying Hands Memorial—a towering tribute with a message of peace. These massive hands stand 32 feet tall atop a 40-foot man-made hill, weighing in at 110 tons. At their base, a winding concrete path reads simply: Hands in prayer. World in peace.
Local artist Jack Dawson envisioned the Praying Hands back in 1970. When he pitched the idea to the Webb City Park Board and Historical Society, they embraced it and rallied the community to help bring this vision to life. Two years later, in 1972, the Praying Hands took their place in the park, and on April 28, 1974, they were dedicated to the public.
