The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis, Missouri was opened in 1929. The eastern end of the bridge is on Chouteau Island, (part of Madison, Illinois), while the western end is on the Missouri shoreline.

The bridge was part of U.S. Route 66 and linked two states: Illinois and Missouri. The bridge is short and narrow, only 1 mile long by 24 feet wide. It towers more than 60 feet above the water, and features a unique 30-degree turn midway across the river.

Construction cost of the bridge was over $2.5 million, twice its original estimate. The bridge had beautifully landscaped approaches. A park-like setting around a pool and a large, ornate toll booth anchored the Missouri end. On the Illinois side, 400 elm trees lined the approach. The bridge brought travelers into St. Louis by way of the picturesque Chain of Rocks amusement park on the Missouri hills overlooking the river. The bridge became an official part of the Route 66 experience in 1936, when the Mother Road was rerouted over the bridge.

In 1966, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge was built immediately to the old bridge's north in order to carry I-270; the old Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in February of 1970.

The bridge is currently open daily for pedestrians and biking; permits are required for automobile traffic for special events.

Current status, parking information and alerts about the bridge at the Great Rivers Greenway website

Chain of Rocks Bridge at NPS

Vintage view of the Chain of Rocks Bridge

St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River is the world’s tallest arch, and the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, “Gateway to the West,” administered by the National Park Service (NPS).

More than a million visitors ride to the top of the 630-foot Arch each year. It's a favorite stop for travelers on Historic Route 66!

Gateway Arch Website at NPS

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Located at 6726 Chippewa in St. Louis, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been selling frozen custard for over 80 years. They are also famous for their Christmas trees, for over 50 years.

With the motto, “Our Business Is Service”, Ted has inspired four generations of family members and employees to work hard, and succeed. A not-to--be-missed attraction in St. Louis! And just down the street is the Donut Drive-In at 6525 Chippewa Street.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Website

St. Louis Car Museum

The St. Louis Car Museum is the premier classic and collector car showroom of the Midwest, offering a variety of services that cater to all things motor-related! Since 1994, the packed automotive museum has been a Go-To destination where car enthusiasts from around the world can reminisce alongside 100+ classic & collector cars, vintage signage, rare pedal cars, and memorabilia, all while listening to popular music!

The museum hosts many car clubs throughout the year, and is a popular stop for Route 66 enthusiasts. It is located at 1575 Woodson Road in St. Louis.

St. Louis Car Museum website

Other Things to See and Do in St. Louis

Read about other attractions and things to do at the
Explore St. Louis Website

St. Louis Travel Guide at TripAdvisor

Hotels and Dining

St. Louis hotel listings, maps and reviews by travelers at TripAdvisor

St. Louis restaurant listings and reviews by travelers

Route 66 State Park

Travel through history on The Mother Road at Route 66 State Park, near metro St. Louis. Sample a slice of Route 66 history at the park's visitor center, which has displays showcasing the road. The visitor center is the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66. Picnic sites and trails are sprinkled throughout the park.

Included in the historical Route 66 display area are articles and information about the former town of Times Beach. Exhibits highlight the history of Times Beach as a summer resort area on the Meramec River.

Efforts are now underway to fund the restoration of the park's historic 1,000 foot long Route 66 Meramec River Bridge completed in 1932. For more information, visit the SaveThisBridge.org website.

Route 66 State Park website

Big Chief Roadhouse

The historic Big Chief Roadhouse has a celebrated history dating back to its establishment in 1929. It is one of the last remaining full service restaurants still operating on Historic Route 66.

Big Chief was originally built by Willimam Clay Pierce as part of the Big Chief Highway Hotel to serve transcontinental travelers on the now famed Route 66. Today, the Roadhouse boasts a diverse, from scratch, menu with dishes ranging from classic comforts like Country Fried Steak and Chicken Pot Pie, to modern takes on classics like Toasted Lasagna and Smoked Port Chop.

The Roadhouse is located at 17352 Manchester Road, Wildwood, Mo 63038 ... Phone 636.458.3200

For more information, visit the Big Chief Roadhouse website

Pacific, Missouri

The City of Pacific, Missouri, formerly the town of Franklin, is located in Franklin and St. Louis Counties. St. Louis is 30 miles northeast of Pacific. Pacific is located along Historic Route 66, also called Osage Street. The City calls itself "Train Town USA". Interstate 44 cuts through the northern part of the city. It is home to more than 7,000 residents.

U.S. 66 arrived in Pacific in 1932. The city soon developed a number of businesses to cater to the new traffic through the town. One of the first was the Red Cedar Inn, which continues to stand today. The Inn was built by James and Bill Smith in 1934, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, but closed in 2005.

In 2017, the City of Pacific purchased the building and is developing it as a new Welcome Center/Museum, opening in August of 2023. See the photo below showing the Route 66 sign outside of the Red Cedar Inn and the new Welcome Center.

City of Pacific website

Meramec Caverns

Beneath the fertile rolling hills of the Meramec Valley near Stanton and Sullivan, Missouri, lies a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns. Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Take Exit 230 on Interstate I-44 ... GPS address 1135 MO-W, Sullivan, MO 63080

More information at the Meramec Caverns website

Sullivan, Missouri ... On Historic U.S. Route 66

Sullivan Missouri Travel Guide and list of things to do at TripAdvisor

Historic Route 66 Mural in Sullivan, Missouri

The Shamrock Court in Sullivan, Missouri

The Shamrock Court in Sullivan was built in 1947-1948, and was owned and operated by one family for much of its 73 years on Route 66. With very few alterations, the motel retains most of its original design and appearance, including native stone construction known as the “giraffe rock” style.

Since the passing of its owners, the property has been vacant and undergone significant deterioration. With demolition on the horizon, a new owner has stepped in to rescue and stabilize the buildings, with plans to bring the Shamrock Court back to life as a functioning motel.

The new owner is Rich Dinkela, who is the president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Also known as "Roamin’ Rich", he has been a strong advocate and publicist for any and all things about the community of Route 66 and other old US highways. Read more about Rich at HookedOnRoute66.com

Grant funds will assist stabilizing the building through restoration of the subfloors, dormers, roof, gutters, HVAC system, electrical system, and plumbing system.

Restoration continues at this historic property ... read more about the status of the project, and donate, at ...
Shamrock Court website and Saving the Shamrock Court on Facebook

Cuba, Missouri - Mural City

Shown below is a staff photo of the Prosperity Corner mural, in Cuba, Missouri, on Historic Route 66. Cuba was designated the "Route 66 Mural City" by the Missouri Legislature in 2002. Read about other attractions and things to do at the Visit Cuba Website

Downtown Cuba, Missouri, on Historic Route 66

Today, twelve officially commissioned murals have been painted around the town, the result of the Viva Cuba organization.

Other murals can also be seen around town. The Cuba Chamber of Commerce offers a well done walking tour brochure.

Click to read more about Route 66 in Cuba

The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba

The Wagon Wheel Motel has been a historic landmark on Route 66 in Cuba since the 1930s. Seen here are current, and vintage, views of the Wagon Wheel Cabin Court, located on east side of town on Highway 66.

Read more about the Wagon Wheel Motel on TripAdvisor ... Traveler Reviews, Reservations

Devil's Elbow

Established in 1870 and named after a bad bend in the Big Piney River, this "devil of an elbow" in Pulaski County was made famous by Historic Route 66. This small community is located on the old 1926 to 1943 Route 66 alignment.

Missouri State Highway 14, later Route 66, brought new visitors in automobiles to discover the idyllic beauty of Devil's Elbow. The iconic steel bridge was constructed as a Highway 14 improvement in 1923. The bridge was refurbished in 2013 and re-opened to traffic May 2014.

Today, Devil's Elbow, an unincorporated community, is on many Route 66 bucket lists of must-see locations along the Mother Road. Travelers and tourists stop to admire and photograph the famous bridge and Elbow Inn.

Hooker Cut

Near Devils Elbow is the 90-foot deep Hooker Cut on Route 66, opened in 1945. A four-lane segment, part of the rationale for its construction was to serve nearby Fort Leonard Wood.

Uranus, Missouri

Uranus is a tourist attraction in unincorporated rural Pulaski County along the former U.S. Route 66. "It's Not a Town, It's a Destination."

And in 2021 a 20-foot "Muffler Man" was installed ... the Mega Mayor of Uranus!

Uranus Route 66 Information Website

Waynesville, Missouri

Waynesville is located on Historic Route 66 between Rolla and Lebanon in Pulaski County. It offers a number of interesting stops for travelers on the Mother Road. Visit the vintage buildings around the square, the Old Stagecoach Stop, Frog Rock and of course the famous Route 66 shield (see photo below).

Also, be sure and check out the Clark Motel, Bell's Cafe & Sinclair Gas Station, the nearby Roubidoux Bridge and the Bell Hotel.

Pulaski County Route 66 Information Website

Gasconade River Bridge

This historic Route 66 bridge is located about 15 miles west of Waynesville, near Hazelgreen, Missouri. It was built circa 1923, and remains intact, but was permanently closed to traffic in 2014, pending restoration as a pedestrian bridge.

In 2019, a 750-foot bridge was built between I-44 and the historic bridge. This new bridge allows Route 66 travelers to continue their Mother Road journey, without having to exit and travel on I-44 for a distance. It enables drivers to experience about another eight miles of Missouri Route 66.

Springfield, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri, Route 66 Visitor Center, at 815 E. St. Louis Street
Route 66 Visitor Center in Springfield

"66" Hubcap Sculpture in Springfield, Missouri

Museum on the Square in Springfield 

With one of the largest Route 66 timelines and maps in the country, this gallery is a must-see for any Americana enthusiast.

Hop into the turquoise blue '57 Chevy Bel Air convertible at the John T. Woodruff Theater and learn about the Springfieldian who helped give Route 66 its name.

The History Museum on the Square is located at 154 Park Central Square on Historic U.S. Route 66 in the heart of downtown Springfield, Missouri.

Exhibit at the History Museum on the Square in Springfield

Gay Parita Sinclair Filling Station

The original structure on this site was built in 1930 by Fred and Gay Mason. Fred named the station "Gay Parita" after his wife Gay.

The station burned in 1955, and never reopened. It was later lovingly recreated by Gary and Lena Turner in 2005. Gary passed away in 2015, and the site is commonly known today as "Gary's Gay Parita". Barbara Barnes, Gary's daughter, and George Bowick continue to operate the station today.

It is located between Halltown and Spencer, Missouri, about 25 miles west of Springfield, and 3 miles west of Halltown. Route 66 roadtrippers always make a stop at this station, at 21118 Old Highway 66, Ash Grove, Missouri (see map below). Highly recommended!

For more information, visit Gary's Gay Parita website and Gay Parita on Facebook or phone 843.324.6661

Spencer, Missouri Phillips 66 Service Station

The General Store was the first building built on this site in 1926. The garage was completed in 1927 and the café / barbershop in 1928. It is located only 1.6 miles west of Gay Parita on all original Route 66 concrete.

In June of 2022, Ed Klein of Route 66 World purchased the property and buildings to further continue the restoration and preservation of the buildings and property.  His plans are to open it up to the public on a limited basis as his schedule allows.

Spencer Station Website and Spencer Station on Facebook

Avilla, Missouri

Avilla is a rural village in Jasper County in western Missouri, between Spencer and Carthage. It is the fourth-oldest settlement in Jasper County, founded in 1856. When driving Route 66 through Avilla, be sure to check out the circa 1915 Post Office and Route 66 murals!

Another mural in Avilla ... 66 Farm & Auto Hardware Store

Lottie's Soda Shoppe & General Store in Avilla

Carthage, Missouri

One of the first concrete-paved portions of Missouri’s highway system was the stretch of road west of Carthage to Joplin, laid in 1920. In 1926, this route became part of Route 66.

Along the route today travelers find Kellogg Lake, Powers Museum, Carthage Municipal Park, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 66 Drive-In and the 1939 Boots Court (photo below).

Read about other attractions and things to do at the Visit Carthage Website

Red Oak II, northeast of Carthage

Route 66 Mural Park - Joplin, Missouri

Shown here is the mural in downtown Joplin, Missouri at Pearl Brothers Hardware Store. This is only one of many murals painted throughout the downtown area. 

The Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin features two nostalgic murals and an oversized 45-record imprint of "Get Your Kicks on Route 66". The upper mural is called "Cruisin’ into Joplin", and showing a vintage Buick arriving in Joplin on Route 66 from the west.

The lower mural is called "The American Ribbon", tracing the route of the Mother Road from Chicago to Los Angeles. Jutting out in three dimensions from the mural is a mock 1964 red Chevrolet Corvette. This is a favorite stop for Rouge 66 travelers in Missouri for photo-ops! The mural is located at 619 S. Main Street in Joplin.

Read about other attractions and things to do at the Visit Joplin Website

Leaving Missouri, and Entering Kansas

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards dealing with Missouri and Route 66.

What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove around and across Missouri? What did all the service stations, motels and public buildings look like when they were new?

What did the traveling public experience on the Mother Road? We wonder such things when we travel Route 66 today.

Those earlier times in the 1930s, 40s and 50s were not always captured on film. But the use of colorful postcards was common in those decades.

These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize, and appreciate, "earlier times" as we drive Route 66 today across Missouri.

Continuing West
on the Next Route 66 Segment?

Across Kansas