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

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

Lots of people assume it’s good to 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 street journey throughout one of the underrated American states can present you an entire new world.

This yr I had an enormous aim: to get exterior 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 change issues up a bit and prioritize locations nearer to house that weren’t essentially on my radar.

Because of the parents at Visit 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 a logo 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 most effective issues to see and do throughout Missouri, like huge caves, lush parks, and the type of quirky street stops I can’t think about discovering wherever else.

Right here’s how one can 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 automobiles, together with planes, trains, cars, and trolleys. You’ll discover the sorts of retro vehicles 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 actually a tube supposed to maneuver cargo at airline speeds however at a fraction of the price, suspended by magnetic programs in a vacuum tube.

Although the Hyperloop may not ever really get made to be used by passengers (which is completely high-quality 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 appear like.

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

Meramec Caverns

I had no thought Missouri was also referred to 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 study tens of millions 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 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 an enormous 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 each day 11am–9pm.

In case 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 regionally sourced components. 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 – Identified for its “concrete” custard, Ted Drewes (varied areas) has over 80 years of serving frozen custard. I acquired the strawberry shortcake, and I’m nonetheless interested by 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 an extended 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 verify in!

Missouri Route 66 Highway 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 approach 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 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 quite a lot of fascinating “claims to fame,” and being house 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 objective to it apart from being a unusual attraction for vacationers and vacationers passing by the world.

The Fanning 66 Outpost can also be an amazing 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 will get a free tasting flight! I opted for the dry pink and white tasting and actually loved it. The workers right here was beautiful, and your entire store was embellished for the vacation season. I really 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 each 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 may be very household oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! Should you get the possibility 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 sensible that all the 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 interested by this meal.

1100 N. Jefferson St., St. James. Open each 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 damage 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 normal retailer, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and different unconventional points of interest.

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

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

In case you have extra time, listed here are some extra instructed stops for this leg of the journey:

• A Slice of Pie – A traditional 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 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 by 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 strategies.
• Conway Welcome Heart – An inviting cease providing traveler facilities and knowledge, welcoming guests to the world with heat and help.
• Hubble House Telescope Reproduction – A scale mannequin providing perception into the wonders of area exploration and the groundbreaking Hubble House 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 Greatest Western Rail Haven is your spot! You’ll discover quaint rooms with all the things you want and easy accessibility to downtown Springfield, only a five-minute drive away. Plus you’re just a few 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 Highway Journey Itinerary: Day 3

Druff’s Diner
Should you 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. 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 each day 8am–4pm.

Route 66 Automobile 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 vehicles, and superstar automobiles starting from the early 1900s to extra modern fashions. I used to be very tempted to take the previous Bronco house with me (not that I might have… however she was simply so cute!) You’ll additionally discover an in depth flea market stuffed 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

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 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 each day 11am–9pm.

Historical past Museum on the Sq.
On this museum you’ll journey by eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield and the area formed American historical past. There are additionally varied everlasting and momentary reveals price trying out, together with exhibitions on Native People and the Civil Struggle. 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 each 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 traditional 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 all the time must journey removed from house to expertise an entire new world!

I feel 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 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 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.