Route 66 Practically Runs Through All Of Missouri And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on April 28, 2024(Originally published October 06, 2022)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
One of the best ways, arguably, to admire the beautiful scenery in Missouri is to drive. We have so many scenic drives from which to choose, too, that we’ll never get bored. However, if we want to hit the road on a really epic drive, we only need to follow Route 66 in Missouri. Since the road meanders for several hundred miles, you can explore it in small sections or embark on one epic adventure.
Journey along Route 66 in Missouri for one of the state's best scenic drives. Spanning from St. Louis to Joplin, the historic road covers approximately 317 miles.
One of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Gateway Arch, sits along Route 66. If you have time, travel to the top of The Arch for some of the most striking views of St. Louis, a picture-perfect way to start your adventure.
So many beautiful natural and manmade attractions sit along this famous road that you could easily turn this from a weekend getaway to a week-long road trip. Stop by Meramec Caverns, for example.
Because it's such a popular road with visitors, a variety of historic and modern hotels sit along the route - including the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba. It's the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66.
Discover perhaps the most unique roadside attraction along Route 66, too. Uranus, a town within a town (St. Robert) beckons visitors with its old-fashioned general store, a sideshow museum, and more.
You'll find a little bit of everything along this meandering road, including the darling town of Lebanon. If you're up for traveling a bit off of Route 66, spend some time exploring Bennett Spring State Park.
Springfield's home to quite a few landmarks along 66, including the Birthplace of Route 66 and Red's Giant Hamburg, hailed as the first drive-through restaurant in the world.
Indulge in a taste of yesteryear in Carthage. Grab a meal at Iggy's Diner; watch a double feature at the 66 Drive-In Theatre, and check into the historic Boots Court Motel for an overnight.
While the road travels a bit past Joplin, you definitely want to make a stop in this small town. It's home to Grand Falls, a beautiful cascade that's especially popular in the summer. (Many use it as a swimming hole.)
How far have you traveled down Route 66 in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that the World’s Largest Goose is also in Missouri? It’s another one for the bucket list. Feeling proud to hail from Missouri? You should! Check out this unique state pride apparel from Wear Your Roots!
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