Find out how 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 artistic director and creator behind RaimeeTravel, shares how a street journey throughout one of the underrated American states can present you a complete new world.

This yr I had an enormous objective: to get exterior of my worldwide journey bubble and discover extra of my dwelling nation, the USA! After years of going overseas each time I had a while off, I wished to change issues up a bit and prioritize locations nearer to dwelling that weren’t essentially on my radar.

Because of 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 serious path for vacationers, serving as a key route for migration west through the twentieth century, and has since turn 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 on the subject of the Midwest (and I’m from Michigan, so I do know folks don’t usually 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 sort of quirky street stops I can’t think about discovering anyplace else.

Right here’s find out how to spend three days alongside Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield:

 

Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 1

Nationwide Museum of Transportation
This museum has an intensive assortment of transportation autos, together with planes, trains, vehicles, and trolleys. You’ll discover the forms 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 price, suspended by magnetic programs in a vacuum tube.

Although the Hyperloop won’t ever really get made to be used by passengers (which is completely positive by me, as a result of it appears barely terrifying), it’s fascinating to think about and find out about what the way forward for transportation might appear like.

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

Meramec Caverns

I had no thought Missouri was often known as “the Cave State,” however this was simply one among 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 find out about hundreds of thousands of years’ price 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 teenagers).

Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que
A street journey in Missouri could be incomplete with out some barbecue, so that you’ll need 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 an enormous log cabin the place all your folks 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 day by day 11am–9pm.

When you’ve got extra time to spend exploring (and consuming), some extra stops alongside this leg of the route embody:

• 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 Nineteen 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 (varied places) has over 80 years of serving frozen custard. I acquired the strawberry shortcake, and I’m nonetheless fascinated by it.
• Huge Chief Roadhouse – This historic restaurant relationship again to 1929 provides 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 an excellent place to remain earlier than your second day on the street! The Ozark stone buildings with the unique wood doorways, home windows, and flooring from the Nineteen Thirties have been up to date for contemporary consolation and comfort. You’ll be able to’t miss the well-known Wagon Wheel neon signal as you drive as much as verify in!

E book right here!
 

Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 2

Shelly’s Route 66 Café
For some genuine diner vibes and superb biscuits and gravy, I extremely advocate grabbing breakfast at Shelly’s in your manner 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’re feeling such as you’re in on a neighborhood secret, and the meals will guarantee you that you’re.

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

Fanning 66 Outpost
Missouri has a whole lot of fascinating “claims to fame,” and being dwelling to the world’s largest rocking chair is one among 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 way of the world.

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

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

St. James Vineyard
That is Missouri’s largest and most award-winning wine producer, the place you may 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 your entire store was adorned for the vacation season. I really 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 day by day 8am–6pm.

Sybill’s Restaurant

This elegant, country-style manor turned restaurant is one among Missouri’s finest fine-dining experiences. In contrast to different such locations, the environment right here could be very household oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! When 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 sensible that the entire upscale New American–fashion 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 fascinated by this meal.

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

Uranus Fudge Manufacturing facility

One of the best ways to go to Uranus Fudge Manufacturing facility is with no expectations, so I don’t need to destroy it an excessive amount of for you. The idea was developed by entrepreneur Louie Eager, who aimed to create a singular and entertaining vacation spot for vacationers. He reworked what was beforehand a fuel station into an eclectic purchasing and leisure space, that includes novelty shops, a fudge manufacturing unit, a basic retailer, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and different unconventional points of interest.

Rows of barrels crammed with each taste of taffy conceivable, T-shirts with phrases that can make you verify 3 times to ensure you learn them proper, and a slew of random objects are just some of the stuff you’ll discover right here. After all, you may’t miss out on grabbing some fudge too. Ensure you take time to discover your entire place!

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

When you’ve got 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 quite a lot of pies. Get the apple!
• Satan’s Elbow Bridge – A historic bridge on Route 66 recognized for its scenic magnificence and swish arches over the Huge 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 way 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
When you’re searching for a spot to remain in Springfield, the Historic Greatest Western Rail Haven is your spot! You’ll discover quaint rooms with every part you want and easy accessibility 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 varied boutiques and revel in drinks and meals on the Royal and Tie & Timber Beer Co.

E book right here!
 

Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 3

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

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

Route 66 Automobile Museum

After I was youthful, I wished 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 celeb autos starting from the early 1900s to extra modern fashions. I used to be very tempted to take the previous Bronco dwelling with me (not that I might have… however she was simply so cute!) You’ll additionally discover an intensive flea market stuffed with distinctive finds within the again nook of this museum that’s price trying out.

1634 W. School St., Springfield. Open day by 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 marriage ceremony chapel, and an city farm. The farm-to-table menu was superb — I ordered the salmon grain bowl and hen dumplings — and the setting was even higher. If anybody is getting married in Missouri, I extremely advocate trying out this place as a venue!

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

Historical past Museum on the Sq.
On this museum you’ll journey by way of eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield and the area formed American historical past. There are additionally varied everlasting and non permanent reveals price trying out, together with exhibitions on Native Individuals 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 Previous West.

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

***

Cruising down Route 66 in Missouri was like diving right into a time capsule crammed 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 gorgeous landscapes and pure wonders left me in awe of what this state actually has to supply. Journeys like this remind me that we don’t at all times must journey removed from dwelling to expertise a complete new world!

I feel Missouri is a extremely underrated state, and this three-day street journey down Route 66 will present you why. When you’re planning to discover extra of the USA subsequent yr like I’m, I promise you Missouri is price 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 dwelling and makes use of her platform to simplify journey planning, share distinctive journey hacks, and supply invaluable suggestions to assist her viewers navigate the globe with savvy and ease.