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

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

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

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

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

Visitor Guide at Explore St. Louis

St. Louis Travel Guide at TripAdvisor

National Transportation Museum

Busch Stadium

Missouri History Museum

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

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

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

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.