Road trip to St. Louis,  Missouri, along Historic U.S. Route 66



Route 66 Road Trip to St. Louis

Greetings from St. Louis, Missouri, on Historic U.S. Route 66

"The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Starting in Chicago, westbound travelers traversed a series of towns in Illinois before arriving in St. Louis.

St. Louis is the largest city on Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. Route 66 travelers will find lots to do in the city, from free, world-class attractions and to an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. There are also lovely public parks, miles of trails and waterways.

Leaving St. Louis, Route 66 stretched 317 miles across Missouri and connected a variety of large cities and small towns, traversing rolling hills and valleys. Heading westbound the route traveled through these cites and towns in Missouri: St. Louis, Cuba, Rolla, Lebanon, Springfield, Carthage, Webb City and Joplin. The Mother Road followed much of the Kickapoo, or Osage, Trail, an Indian trail that later became the Old Wire Road.

Like other Route 66 segments, the actual alignment into, through and out of St. Louis varied over the years as engineering improvements were constructed.

We've driven much of Route 66, including multiple segments around St. Louis. Here are some highlights!

Historic U.S. Route 66 Byway in Missouri
Historic U.S. Route 66 Byway in Missouri
Vintage St. Louis, Missouri Highway Map from Gulf Oil Company


The Gateway Arch in Downtown St. Louis, Missouri, overlooking the Mississippi River

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

Downtown St. Louis seen from the top of the Gateway Arch
Downtown St. Louis seen from the top of the Gateway Arch

Hotels and Dining in St. Louis

St Louis Travel and Vacation Guide at TripAdvisor

View St Louis, Missouri, hotel listings and traveler reviews at TripAdvisor

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

St. Louis restaurant listings and reviews by travelers

 

More travel and tourism information at ChooseChicago.com


The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis 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
Vintage view of the Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri

Bridge entrance in Illinois
The entrance to the old Chain of Rocks bridge near Madison, Illinois
Old Route 66 signs on the bridge
Old Route 66 signs at a resting stop on the old Chain of Rocks Bridge between Illinois and Missouri

 

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

The classic neon sign at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, Missouri The ever-popular Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, Missouri

Donut Drive In

Located at 6525 Chippewa Street in St. Louis, this is a popular destination for locals and Route 66 travelers, since 1953. The lines may be long, but the wait for fresh donuts is worth it!

Donut Drive In Website and Donut Drive on Facebook

The Donut Drive-in ... St. Louis, Missouri The Donut Drive-in at 6525 Chippewa Street ... St. Louis, Missouri


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

Exterior view of the St. Louis Car Museum in Missouri Interior exhibit area at the St. Louis Car Museum in Missouri

Other Things to See and Do in St. Louis

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

Visitor Guide at Explore St. Louis

St. Louis Travel Guide at TripAdvisor

National Transportation Museum
National Transportation Museum in St. Louis, Missouri
Busch Stadium
Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri History Museum
Missouri History Museum in St. Louis

St. Louis Science Center
St. Louis Science Center in Missouri
Grant's Farm
Grant's Farm in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis Art Museum
St. Louis Art Museum in MIssouri
Fox Theatre
The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri
Union Station
Union Station in St. Louis, MIssouri
Cathedral Basilica
Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, MIssouri

Map of St. Louis Route 66 Aligments

Included below is a map showing the various alignments of Route 66 around St. Louis over the years, courtesy of Explore St. Louis.

For a larger version of the map and more St. Louis Route 66 visitor information/attractions, visit Route 66 at Explore St. Louis

Map of St. Louis Route 66 Aligments


Interactive Map of St. Louis, Missouri


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

Route 66 State Park near St. Louis, Missouri Save the historic Meramec River Bridge at the Route 66 State Park near St. Louis, Missouri

 

 

St. Clair

A popular stop on Route 66 today is the town of St. Clair, situated west of St. Louis. It features a rich Route 66 history, attractions and other things to do.

St. Clair was established in 1843 as Traveler’s Repose, a stagecoach way station from St. Louis to Springfield. It had a hotel and a post office. Transportation to St. Louis grew with the opening of Highways 30 and upgrading of U.S. Route 66 (now I-44).

Today, St. Clair today is a thriving community with over 15 major industries and 200 retail establishments. The population of the city is about 4,700, with 15,000 people living in the school district.

In addition to Route 66 attractions, a number of other area St. Clair places and businesses are popular with residents and visitors.

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

Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri
Welcome to Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri Inside the caves at Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri
Classic barn advertising along Historic Route 66 in Missouri for Meramec Caverns
Classic barn advertising along Historic Route 66 in Missouri for Meramec Caverns Classic barn advertising along Historic Route 66 in Missouri for Meramec Caverns

 

Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in St. Louis

Earlier times on Route 66 in Missouri: South Winds Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri

 

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

What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove around and through St. Louis? 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 around St. Louis.

Sunset Ranch Motel
Sunset Ranch Motel on US Highway 66 in St. Louis, Missouri
Wayside Auto Court
Wayside Auto Court on US Highway 66 in St. Louis, Missouri
King Brothers Motel
King Brothers Motel on US Highway 66 in St. Louis, Missouri
Blue Bonnet - St. Louis
Blue Bonnet Court, west of St. Louis, Missouri
Coral Court
Coral Court on US Highway 66 in St. Louis, Missouri
Coral Court
Coral Court on US Highway 66 in St. Louis, Missouri
66 Auto Court
66 Auto Court on U.S. City Highway 66, 3 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri
Motel Westward
Motel Westward, NE Corner of Bypass Highway 66, Junction 66-61-67, St. Louis, 22 Missouri ... phones in room, free TV, complimentary coffee
Trav-O-Tel Court - St. Louis
Trav-O-Tel Deluxe Court, U.S. Highway 66, 11 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri

MORE MISSOURI ROUTE 66

Route 66 road trips in Missouri ... click for details!

Route 66 road trip to St. Louis, Missouri Route 66 road trip to Lebanon, Missouri Route 66 road trip to Springfield, Missouri
Route 66 road trip to Carthage, Missouri Route 66 road trip to Cuba, Missouri Route 66 road trip to Joplin, Missouri
Route 66 Road Trip to Sullivan, Missouri Route 66 road trip to Rolla, Missouri Route 66 Road Trip to Webb City, Missouri

Road Trip Travel Guides for Various States Along Route 66

Need help and ideas when planning your road trip on Route 66? Here are travel guides and reviews by state...

Route 66 Road Trips in Illinois Route 66 in Missouri Route 66 in Kansas Route 66 Road Trips Across Oklahoma
Route 66 in Texas Route 66 Across New Mexico Route 66 Across Arizona Route 66 Across California