How one can Spend 3 Days Touring Route 66 in Missouri

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

Lots of people assume it’s essential journey overseas to have transformative journey experiences, however that’s merely not true. On this visitor submit, Raimee Iacofano, my former inventive director and creator behind RaimeeTravel, shares how a highway journey throughout one of the crucial underrated American states can present you an entire new world.

This 12 months I had a giant purpose: to get outdoors 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 modify issues up a bit and prioritize locations nearer to dwelling that weren’t essentially on my radar.

Due to the oldsters at Go to Missouri, I used to be in a position to 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 turn into an emblem of American freedom and journey.

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

On this three-day itinerary, you’ll expertise the most effective issues to see and do throughout Missouri, like large caves, lush parks, and the sort of quirky highway stops I can’t think about discovering wherever else.

Right here’s tips on 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 automobiles, together with planes, trains, cars, and trolleys. You’ll discover the forms of retro automobiles you solely actually get to see in motion pictures 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 fee, suspended by magnetic methods in a vacuum tube.

Despite the fact that the Hyperloop may not ever truly get made to be used by passengers (which is completely wonderful 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 may appear to be.

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 also called “the Cave State,” however this was simply considered one of many stunning issues I discovered alongside this highway 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 tens of millions of years’ price of dramatic formations. Plus, you’ll additionally see the caves lit in lovely colours, through the distinctive mild present and grand finale. It’s the proper family-friendly exercise.

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

Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que
A highway 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 looks like strolling into an enormous log cabin the place all your pals occur to be eating. Get the pattern platter to attempt the mouth-watering mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, ribs, and extra.

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

When you have 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 domestically sourced substances. 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 – Identified 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 enthusiastic about it.
• Huge Chief Roadhouse – This historic restaurant courting again to 1929 provides a glimpse into Route 66’s previous. Plus, you’ll be capable to benefit from the scrumptious, domestically sourced, in-house-made American fare whereas watching sports activities!

Lodging: Wagon Wheel Motel
After an extended day of driving and exploring, Wagon Wheel Motel is a superb place to remain earlier than your second day on the highway! 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 possibly can’t miss the well-known Wagon Wheel neon signal as you drive as much as examine in!

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 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 day by day 6am–2pm.

Fanning 66 Outpost
Missouri has a variety of attention-grabbing “claims to fame,” and being dwelling to the world’s largest rocking chair is considered one of them. Constructed in 2008, it stands at a towering 42 toes and weighs round 27,500 kilos. There’s actually no goal to it aside from being a unusual attraction for vacationers and vacationers passing by means of the world.

The Fanning 66 Outpost can be an awesome place to seize some snacks for the remainder of your highway journey or a memento or two. Say hello to the cute 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 will get a free tasting flight! I opted for the dry crimson and white tasting and actually loved it. The employees right here was pretty, and your complete store was embellished for the vacation season. I truly gained 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 considered one of Missouri’s greatest fine-dining experiences. In contrast to different such locations, the environment right here could be very household oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! If you happen to get the prospect to go to across the holidays, you’ll discover the entire home lined 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 unbelievable! We ordered a ton of appetizers, just like the fried mushrooms, scallops, and lobster bisque soup, and I’m nonetheless enthusiastic about this meal.

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

Uranus Fudge Manufacturing unit

One of the simplest ways to go to Uranus Fudge Manufacturing unit 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 novel and entertaining vacation spot for vacationers. He reworked what was beforehand a fuel station into an eclectic buying and leisure space, that includes novelty shops, a fudge manufacturing facility, a basic retailer, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and different unconventional sights.

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

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

When you have extra time, listed below are some extra steered 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 identified for its scenic magnificence and sleek 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 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 highway’s legacy.
• Redmon’s Sweet Manufacturing unit – A pleasant confectionery crafting handmade candies, embodying conventional sweet-making methods.
• Conway Welcome Middle – An inviting cease providing traveler facilities and data, welcoming guests to the world with heat and help.
• Hubble Area Telescope Duplicate – A scale mannequin providing perception into the wonders of house exploration and the groundbreaking Hubble Area Telescope’s contributions to science and discovery.

Lodging: Rail Haven Motel
If you happen to’re searching for a spot to remain in Springfield, the Historic Finest Western Rail Haven is your spot! You’ll discover quaint rooms with every little thing you want and quick access to downtown Springfield, only a five-minute drive away. Plus you’re only some minutes from Cherry Road, 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.

Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 3

Druff’s Diner
If you happen to can’t inform but, Missouri does breakfast extremely properly, and I liked every spot we went to. You’ll discover Druff’s within the colourful streets of downtown Springfield. If you happen to 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 day by day 8am–4pm.

Route 66 Automotive Museum

Once I was youthful, I wished to be a automotive 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 automobiles starting from the early 1900s to extra up to date fashions. I used to be very tempted to take the outdated Bronco dwelling with me (not that I may 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 testing.

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

Finley Farms

Situated 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 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 suggest testing 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 means 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 testing, together with exhibitions on Native People and the Civil Warfare. 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 full of 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 dwelling 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 need to journey removed from dwelling to expertise an entire new world!

I feel Missouri is a extremely underrated state, and this three-day highway journey down Route 66 will present you why. If you happen to’re planning to discover extra of the USA subsequent 12 months 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.