The way to Spend 3 Days Touring Route 66 in Missouri

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

Lots of people assume that you must journey overseas to have transformative journey experiences, however that’s merely not true. On this visitor publish, Raimee Iacofano, my former inventive director and creator behind RaimeeTravel, shares how a street journey throughout one of the vital underrated American states can present you a complete new world.

This 12 months I had a giant objective: to get outdoors of my worldwide journey bubble and discover extra of my residence 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 residence 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 significant path for vacationers, serving as a key route for migration west in the course of the twentieth century, and has since turn out to be 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 in terms 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 the perfect issues to see and do throughout Missouri, like large caves, lush parks, and the form of quirky street stops I can’t think about discovering wherever else.

Right here’s the right 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 intensive assortment of transportation autos, together with planes, trains, cars, and trolleys. You’ll discover the varieties of retro vehicles 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 actually 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.

Despite the fact 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 may appear like.

2933 Barrett Station Rd., St. Louis. Open each 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 in every of many shocking issues I realized alongside this street journey. There are literally over 6,400 caves all through Missouri, and the most important system is Meramec Caverns.

On a 45-minute guided tour, you’ll get to discover and study tens of millions of years’ price of dramatic formations. Plus, you’ll additionally see the caves lit in stunning colours, in the course of 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 looks like strolling into a large 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 each day 11am–9pm.

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

• Hello-Pointe Drive-In – That is an iconic spot serving burgers and sandwiches with regionally 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 (numerous places) has over 80 years of serving frozen custard. I obtained the strawberry shortcake, and I’m nonetheless enthusiastic about it.
• Massive Chief Roadhouse – This historic restaurant relationship again to 1929 presents a glimpse into Route 66’s previous. Plus, you’ll be capable of 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 Thirties have been up to date for contemporary consolation and comfort. You may’t miss the well-known Wagon Wheel neon signal as you drive as much as test 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 advocate 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 protecting each inch of the partitions, will make you’re 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 each day 6am–2pm.

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

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

5957 State Hwy. ZZ, Cuba. Open each 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 complete store was embellished 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 each day 8am–6pm.

Sybill’s Restaurant

This elegant, country-style manor turned restaurant is one in every of Missouri’s greatest fine-dining experiences. In contrast to different such locations, the ambiance right here may be very household oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! In the event you get the possibility 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–model meals right here is incredible! 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 each day 11am–9pm.

Uranus Fudge Manufacturing unit

One of the best 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 singular and entertaining vacation spot for vacationers. He remodeled what was beforehand a gasoline station into an eclectic buying and leisure space, that includes novelty shops, a fudge manufacturing unit, a common retailer, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and different unconventional sights.

Rows of barrels crammed with each taste of taffy possible, T-shirts with phrases that can make you test 3 times to be sure to learn them proper, and a slew of random objects are just some of the belongings you’ll discover right here. In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss out on grabbing some fudge too. Be sure to take time to discover your complete place!

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

When you’ve got extra time, listed here are some further recommended stops for this leg of the journey:

• A Slice of Pie – A traditional 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 sleek arches over the Massive 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 long-lasting freeway via 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 unit – 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 House Telescope Duplicate – A scale mannequin providing perception into the wonders of house exploration and the groundbreaking Hubble House Telescope’s contributions to science and discovery.

Lodging: Rail Haven Motel
In the event 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 the whole lot you want and easy accessibility to downtown Springfield, only a five-minute drive away. Plus you’re just a few 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
In the event you can’t inform but, Missouri does breakfast extremely properly, and I cherished every spot we went to. You’ll discover Druff’s within the colourful streets of downtown Springfield. In the event you want extra espresso earlier than you head out to discover, I actually cherished Mudhouse Espresso proper down the road, too!

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

Route 66 Automotive Museum

Once I was youthful, I needed 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 vehicles, and superstar autos starting from the early 1900s to extra up to date fashions. I used to be very tempted to take the previous Bronco residence with me (not that I may have… however she was simply so cute!) You’ll additionally discover an intensive flea market filled with distinctive finds within the again nook of this museum that’s price trying out.

1634 W. School St., Springfield. Open each 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 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 advocate trying out this place as a venue!

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

Historical past Museum on the Sq.
On this museum you’ll journey via eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield and the area formed American historical past. There are additionally numerous everlasting and short-term 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 each 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 traditional 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 must journey removed from residence 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. In the event you’re planning to discover extra of the US 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 residence and makes use of her platform to simplify journey planning, share distinctive journey hacks, and provide invaluable suggestions to assist her viewers navigate the globe with savvy and ease.