Great American Road Trip

Pack Your Bags for a Route 66 Adventure

Historic Route 66 spans eight states and more than 2,400 miles. To really enjoy the entire route, you need at least three weeks — and that’s still likely not enough time to see it all! Thankfully, we have a vacation idea for you. Break down your Route 66 adventure and make Pulaski County your home base for a weeklong vacation!

Make a Reservation

First order of “business” is to reserve your stay. Choose from hotels or motels to fit your budget and desires. Or are you looking for a unique resort or cabin? Maybe you are looking for primitive camping or the comfort of your RV and camper?

Day 1

Start the day with our Route 66 tools; Audio, Interactive Map, and Brochure, available on our Digital Download Page. Each provides you with turn-by-turn instructions and historic information. Meander along the divided highway and photograph Hooker’s Cut. Experience the calm and peaceful Devils Elbow community. Take pictures along the Big Piney River and mail a postcard from Sheldon’s Market. Stop at the scenic overlook of the wooden trestle railroad bridge. As you move west, roll the window down to take a whiff of sweet BBQ wafting through the Ozark region. As you round the corner, tap those breaks when you see the dinosaurs and spend the day at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. Sample fudge, take photos, get thrown in jail, tour the Sideshow Museum, and play a round or two of miniature golf. Plan your evening with a delicious meal or check out our Events page for local activity nights, including games, karaoke, crafting activities, and nightlife.

DAY 2

Head on into the quaint community of Waynesville. Stroll around downtown and learn about the local history. Visit the 1903 Route 66 Courthouse Museum and the Old Stagecoach Stop, spend time at the parks, walk along the Roubidoux River, visit the Trail of Tears Memorial, and take a dip at the local swimming hole. Rent a fishing pole and purchase a fishing license at one of the bait and tackle locations.

DAY 3

Spend a lazy day courtesy of Pulaski County outfitters. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or raft and the outfitter of your choice will shuttle you for your river adventure. Choose from two, four, or six hours floating. Or book a day with a local fishing guide.

Day 4

Rise and shine, fuel up on a hearty breakfast, and head east on I-44. Stop by Rolla and visit the Stonehenge Replica . Tour a winery or two in St. James and stop by the Trail of Tears remembrance. Visit Fanning for photos with the huge Route 66 Rocking Chair. Cruise Cuba, the City of Murals. Missouri is also known as the Cave State, so visit either Onondaga State Park in Leasburg or Meramec Caverns in Stanton, the most visited cave in Missouri. As you move east toward St. Louis, plan time in Gray Summit Purina Farms or Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills. St. Louis must-stops include the Gateway Arch and the Chain of Rocks Bridge at the Missouri-Illinois state line. Of course, you may also take in some pro sporting events from Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer before heading back to Saint Robert!

Day 5

Back in Saint Robert, spend some downtime enjoying your home away from home. Choose a themed tour in Pulaski County — Military Memorials, Gamers Trail, Shutterbug locations, and more. Or check out the “must-stops” of Dixon, Crocker, and Richland. Take aim at a local golf course or indoor shooting range, or take a dip in your hotel pool or at a public access along the riverways.

Day 6

Load up on another hearty breakfast and roll out to the west toward Joplin. Finish up the Pulaski County Route 66 Driving Tour from Waynesville thru Laquey. Venture across the Hazel Green Bridge and photograph the remnants of the original 1924 bridge. Roam the Route 66-themed Bowell Park and the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon. Stop at Redmon’s Candy Factory in Phillipsburg, the Marshfield Mural and Hubbel Telescope. Visit the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, then head over to Gary’s Gay Parita Gas Station in Paris Springs. Carthage hosts a number of 1940s gas stations. Webb City’s Gigantic Praying Hands is a sight to behold, too. In Joplin, stop at the Route 66 Mural Park, Bonnie & Clyde apartment, and memorials in remembrance of the Joplin tornado of 2011.

Day 7

Time to head home full of good memories and fun times. When you get there, share the tales of your adventures with your friends and neighbors — they might want to plan their own Route 66 journey too!