The right way to Spend 3 Days Touring Route 66 in Missouri

Posted: 12/19/23 | December nineteenth, 2023

Lots of people assume you’ll want to journey overseas to have transformative journey experiences, however that’s merely not true. On this visitor put up, Raimee Iacofano, my former inventive director and creator behind RaimeeTravel, shares how a street journey throughout probably the most underrated American states can present you an entire new world.

This 12 months I had a giant aim: to get outdoors of my worldwide journey bubble and discover extra of my house nation, the United States! After years of going overseas each time I had a while off, I needed to modify issues up a bit and prioritize locations nearer to house that weren’t essentially on my radar.

Due to the parents at Go to Missouri, I used to be capable of flip that dream into actuality on an extravaganza down the historic Route 66!

This iconic historic freeway stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It gained fame as a significant path for vacationers, serving as a key route for migration west through the twentieth century, and has since develop into an emblem of American freedom and journey.

To my shock, I found greater than the sprawling highways and flat farmland folks have a tendency to consider relating to the Midwest (and I’m from Michigan, so I do know folks don’t sometimes consider our area as a enjoyable getaway vacation spot!).

On this three-day itinerary, you’ll expertise one of the best issues to see and do throughout Missouri, like huge caves, lush parks, and the form of quirky street stops I can’t think about discovering anyplace else.

Right here’s the best way to spend three days alongside Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield:

Missouri Route 66 Highway Journey Itinerary: Day 1

Nationwide Museum of Transportation
This museum has an in depth assortment of transportation autos, together with planes, trains, cars, and trolleys. You’ll discover the varieties of retro automobiles you solely actually get to see in films and classic planes that make you query all legal guidelines of physics.

My favourite factor on this museum was the Virgin Hyperloop, which is basically a tube meant to maneuver cargo at airline speeds however at a fraction of the associated fee, suspended by magnetic programs in a vacuum tube.

Regardless that the Hyperloop won’t ever truly get made to be used by passengers (which is completely advantageous by me, as a result of it appears barely terrifying), it’s fascinating to think about and study what the way forward for transportation might seem like.

2933 Barrett Station Rd., St. Louis. Open every day 9am-4pm. Admission is $15 ($6 for youths, $12 for seniors).

Meramec Caverns

I had no thought Missouri was also called “the Cave State,” however this was simply one in every of many shocking issues I discovered alongside this street journey. There are literally over 6,400 caves all through Missouri, and the biggest system is Meramec Caverns.

On a 45-minute guided tour, you’ll get to discover and study tens of millions of years’ value of dramatic formations. Plus, you’ll additionally see the caves lit in stunning colours, through the distinctive mild present and grand finale. It’s the right family-friendly exercise.

1135 Hwy. W, Sullivan. Excursions run 9am-4pm. Admissions is $27 ($14 for youths).

Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que
A street journey in Missouri can be incomplete with out some barbecue, so that you’ll wish to take a pit cease at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que earlier than wrapping up the day. This extremely rated restaurant appears like strolling into a large log cabin the place all your pals occur to be eating. Get the pattern platter to strive the mouth-watering mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, ribs, and extra.

913 E. Washington Blvd., Cuba. Open every day 11am–9pm.

When you have extra time to spend exploring (and consuming), some extra stops alongside this leg of the route embrace:

• Hello-Pointe Drive-In – That is an iconic spot serving burgers and sandwiches with regionally sourced elements. You’ll really feel such as you’re in a Sixties diner. Get the candy potato tots!
• Egg @ Midtown – Tremendous cute breakfast spot with scrumptious breakfast tacos, shrimp & grits, and different distinctive dishes.
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – Recognized for its “concrete” custard, Ted Drewes (numerous areas) has over 80 years of serving frozen custard. I acquired the strawberry shortcake, and I’m nonetheless interested by it.
• Large Chief Roadhouse – This historic restaurant relationship again to 1929 affords a glimpse into Route 66’s previous. Plus, you’ll have the ability to benefit from the scrumptious, regionally sourced, in-house-made American fare whereas watching sports activities!

Lodging: Wagon Wheel Motel
After a protracted day of driving and exploring, Wagon Wheel Motel is a superb place to remain earlier than your second day on the street! The Ozark stone buildings with the unique picket doorways, home windows, and flooring from the Nineteen Thirties have been up to date for contemporary consolation and comfort. You possibly can’t miss the well-known Wagon Wheel neon signal as you drive as much as examine in!

Missouri Route 66 Highway Journey Itinerary: Day 2

Shelly’s Route 66 Café
For some genuine diner vibes and wonderful biscuits and gravy, I extremely suggest grabbing breakfast at Shelly’s in your method out of city! I’ve a factor for diner espresso, and Shelly’s didn’t disappoint. This tiny spot, with its Route 66–themed decor overlaying each inch of the partitions, will make you are feeling such as you’re in on an area secret, and the meals will guarantee you that you’re.

402 E. Washington Blvd., Cuba. Open every day 6am–2pm.

Fanning 66 Outpost
Missouri has numerous fascinating “claims to fame,” and being house to the world’s largest rocking chair is one in every of them. Constructed in 2008, it stands at a towering 42 ft and weighs round 27,500 kilos. There’s actually no function to it apart from being a unusual attraction for vacationers and vacationers passing by means of the world.

The Fanning 66 Outpost can be an incredible place to seize some snacks for the remainder of your street journey or a memento or two. Say hello to the cute orange tabby cat for me!

5957 State Hwy. ZZ, Cuba. Open every day 8am–5pm.

St. James Vineyard
That is Missouri’s largest and most award-winning wine producer, the place you will get a free tasting flight! I opted for the dry pink and white tasting and actually loved it. The employees right here was pretty, and the complete store was adorned for the vacation season. I truly received a candle within the vacation raffle — and I by no means win something!

540 State Rte. B, St James. The tasting room is open every day 8am–6pm.

Sybill’s Restaurant

This elegant, country-style manor turned restaurant is one in every of Missouri’s finest fine-dining experiences. Not like different such locations, the ambiance right here could be very household oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! Should you get the prospect to go to across the holidays, you’ll discover the entire home coated in festive winter decor!

The household who owns Sybill’s has been within the restaurant enterprise for many years, so it is smart that all the upscale New American–type meals right here is improbable! We ordered a ton of appetizers, just like the fried mushrooms, scallops, and lobster bisque soup, and I’m nonetheless interested by this meal.

1100 N. Jefferson St., St. James. Open every day 11am–9pm.

Uranus Fudge Manufacturing facility

One of the simplest ways to go to Uranus Fudge Manufacturing facility is with no expectations, so I don’t wish to spoil it an excessive amount of for you. The idea was developed by entrepreneur Louie Eager, who aimed to create a novel and entertaining vacation spot for vacationers. He reworked what was beforehand a gasoline station into an eclectic buying and leisure space, that includes novelty shops, a fudge manufacturing unit, a normal retailer, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and different unconventional sights.

Rows of barrels stuffed with each taste of taffy possible, T-shirts with phrases that can make you examine thrice to be sure to learn them proper, and a slew of random objects are just some of the stuff you’ll discover right here. In fact, you possibly can’t miss out on grabbing some fudge too. Be sure to take time to discover the complete place!

14400 State Hwy Z, St. Robert. Open every day 8am-9pm.

When you have extra time, listed below are some extra urged stops for this leg of the journey:

• A Slice of Pie – A basic dessert spot simply off the freeway with a wide range of pies. Get the apple!
• Satan’s Elbow Bridge – A historic bridge on Route 66 recognized for its scenic magnificence and sleek arches over the Large Piney River.
• Frog Rock – A roadside oddity: a big rock painted to resemble a whimsical frog, capturing the playful essence of the freeway.
• Route 66 Museum – Showcases the wealthy historical past and cultural significance of the enduring freeway by means of reveals and artifacts.
• Boswell Route 66 Park – A serene park paying homage to Route 66, providing a peaceable retreat and a glimpse into the street’s legacy.
• Redmon’s Sweet Manufacturing facility – A pleasant confectionery crafting handmade candies, embodying conventional sweet-making methods.
• Conway Welcome Heart – An inviting cease providing traveler facilities and knowledge, welcoming guests to the world with heat and help.
• Hubble Area Telescope Duplicate – A scale mannequin providing perception into the wonders of area exploration and the groundbreaking Hubble Area Telescope’s contributions to science and discovery.

Lodging: Rail Haven Motel
Should you’re in search of a spot to remain in Springfield, the Historic Finest Western Rail Haven is your spot! You’ll discover quaint rooms with all the pieces you want and quick access to downtown Springfield, only a five-minute drive away. Plus you’re only some minutes from Cherry Avenue, a hotspot for younger professionals to buy within the numerous boutiques and luxuriate in drinks and meals on the Royal and Tie & Timber Beer Co.

Missouri Route 66 Highway Journey Itinerary: Day 3

Druff’s Diner
Should you can’t inform but, Missouri does breakfast extremely nicely, and I liked every spot we went to. You’ll discover Druff’s within the colourful streets of downtown Springfield. Should you want extra espresso earlier than you head out to discover, I actually liked Mudhouse Espresso proper down the road, too!

331 Park Central E., Ste. 101, Springfield. Open every day 8am–4pm.

Route 66 Automotive Museum

After I was youthful, I needed to be a automobile designer. So for me, visiting this museum was so cool, as a result of it showcases over 70 classic sports activities and film automobiles, and superstar autos starting from the early 1900s to extra modern fashions. I used to be very tempted to take the outdated Bronco house with me (not that I might have… however she was simply so cute!) You’ll additionally discover an in depth flea market filled with distinctive finds within the again nook of this museum that’s value testing.

1634 W. Faculty St., Springfield. Open every day 9am–5pm.

Finley Farms

Positioned on the banks of the Finley River, Finley Farms is a sprawling gathering place made up of the Ozark Mill property and that includes farm-forward eating places, vibrant occasion venues, a riverside wedding ceremony chapel, and an city farm. The farm-to-table menu was wonderful — I ordered the salmon grain bowl and hen dumplings — and the setting was even higher. If anybody is getting married in Missouri, I extremely suggest testing this place as a venue!

802 Finley Farms Ln., Ozark. Open every day 11am–9pm.

Historical past Museum on the Sq.
On this museum you’ll journey by means of eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield and the area formed American historical past. There are additionally numerous everlasting and non permanent reveals value testing, together with exhibitions on Native People and the Civil Battle. There’s additionally a cool exhibit on a shootout with Wild Invoice Hickock that occurred proper right here in Springfield, which is taken into account the primary shootout of the Outdated West.

154 Park Central Sq., Springfield. Open every day 1pm–5pm. Admission is $16 ($13 for seniors, $10 for youths).

Cruising down Route 66 in Missouri was like diving right into a time capsule stuffed with all issues superior about America. Each twist and switch had its personal story to inform. Quirky cities with retro diners and flashy indicators made me really feel like I used to be residing in a basic film, and the attractive landscapes and pure wonders left me in awe of what this state really has to supply. Journeys like this remind me that we don’t all the time need to journey removed from house to expertise an entire new world!

I believe Missouri is a extremely underrated state, and this three-day street journey down Route 66 will present you why. Should you’re planning to discover extra of the USA subsequent 12 months like I’m, I promise you Missouri is value a go to.

Raimee Iacofano of RaimeeTravels is a journey content material creator with over 10 years of world journey expertise. She lives on discovering low cost flights, fantasy novels, and all issues movie. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, she now calls Los Angeles house and makes use of her platform to simplify journey planning, share distinctive journey hacks, and supply invaluable ideas to assist her viewers navigate the globe with savvy and ease.