Live music Civil War camps President Lincoln General Grant and his staff Col. Albert Sigel (commander of Fort Waynesville) Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloader Camps Living History Demonstrations Cavalry Drills Horsemanship Infantry Drills Weapons Inspections Artillery Inspections Crafters and food vendors
8:30- Civil War and Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloaders Camps Open to Public 10:00- Opening Ceremony 10:30 -4:00- Back Porch Players at Pavilion 3 11:00- First Heat of the Armed Services-YMCA Duck Race 11:00- “Wire Road” Skirmish Reenactment 1:00- Armed Services-YMCA Duck Race Championship 2:00- Battle Reenactment 5:00-7:00- Camps Closed to Public 7:00- Period Dance with Music by the Back Porch Players open to the public 8:45- Night Fire and Artillery Show
Sunday, July 26
8:30- Civil War and Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloaders Camps open to the public 9:30- Period Church Service at the Stage. 10:00 -3:30- Gospel Music by the Back Porch Players 11:00- Calvary Skirmish Reenactment 2:00- Battle of Collie Hollow Reenactment 3:30- Closing
Tacos aren’t relegated to only Tuesdays or Cinco De Mayo in Pulaski County! Crunch your way through Saint Robert with our handy Taco Trail!
Route 66 Taco & Wing Company
Route 66 Taco & Wing Company (946 Missouri Avenue, Suite 1, 573-232-1399) opened July 2019 and has gathered a legion of die-hard fans since. They offer specialty tacos including the Mother Road Taco (seasoned ribeye steak, cheese, guacamole, red onion, tomato, jalapeno & cilantro) and the Big Kahuna Taco filled with pulled pork topped with Mango-Pineapple salsa and cilantro. Raise the heat level with the Nashville Hot Chicken Taco! Route 66 Taco Company offers Tamale Tuesday specials.
Route 66 Taco & Wing Company
Cancun Mexican Grill
Cancun Mexican Grill
Cancun Mexican Grill (890 Missouri Avenue, Suite 6, 573-336-8585) offers a menu inspired from the coast of Mexico. The restaurant serves half a dozen takes on the traditional taco including Fajita tacos, Pollo tacos, Carne Azada tacos, and Ocean tacos. Their Pastor tacos feature grilled marinated pork with onions, pineapple, and cilantro.
El Jimador Mexican Restaurant
“Jimmy’s” (220 Marshall Drive, Suite 6, 573-336-7555) has been loved by locals for many years. The restaurant has traditional beef or chicken tacos a la carte. They also offer a fajita version of their taco salad- a crisp flour tortilla filled with fajita style steak or chicken sautéed with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo salsa and tomato. Steak lovers will savor an order of tacos de carne asada.
El Jimador Mexican Restaurant
Cantina Bravo Mexican Grille
Tacos- crispy, delicious, & portable!
Cantina Bravo Mexican Grill (332 Marshall Drive, 573-336-3390) quickly became a favorite with locals and visitors in Saint Robert. Their menu covers the taco basics: taco salad, fajita taco salad, and shrimp tacos. They also serve tacos de carne asada on either corn or flour tortillas. The tortilla is then stuffed with chopped steak, onions, and cilantro and served with beans, pico de gallo, and tomatillo sauce. Seafood lovers should try tacos de pescado La Paz- hand battered fish filet strips are cooked “to crispy perfection” and topped with pico de gallo salsa. The dish is served with rice and a creamy chipotle sauce on the side.
El Cabrito Mexican Restaurant
In addition to tasty tacos, El Cabrito (560 Old Route 66, 573-336-4373) is known for their table-side guacamole. The restaurant offers a taco salad, seafood tacos, tacos supremos, and other favorites. Tacos a la Plancha are steak or chicken that has been grilled on a round, flat metal plate. This cooking method originated in Spain and is a precursor to the flattop grill. El Cabrito serves their tacos a la Plancha in a soft shell topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese. One of their most requested dishes is Tacos Al Cabrito. Served in a flour shell these tacos are filled with steak that was grilled with onions and then covered with cheese sauce. They are served with rice, lettuce, sour cream, and tomato.
Not all who wander are lost. They’re just trying to find the nearest taco joint!
La Familia Mexican Restaurant
La Familia Mexican Restaurant
La Familia (1018 Missouri Avenue, 573-336-3339) has been the answer to taco cravings in the Fort Leonard Wood area since 1998. They serve a hunger satisfying taco platter that has your choice of three crispy corn or soft flour tortillas tacos. You decide if you would like those filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or shredded beef. They are topped with lettuce, cheese, and diced tomatoes and served with refried beans and rice. The also have top notch tacos de carne asada.
WAYNESVILLE, MO. -May 22, 2020- As many Route 66 travelers are longing to hit the storied pavement again, Waynesville Mayor Luge Hardman signed a city proclamation Thursday evening recognizing the upcoming thirty-year anniversary of Missouri’s designation of Route 66 as a historic district.
Five years after U.S. 66 was decommissioned, on July 10, 1990, Missouri became the first state to award the highway historic status.
The legislative bill was sponsored by Missouri State Representatives Jim Mitchell of Richland and J. Dan Woodall of Springfield. It had won unanimous support in the General Assembly.
The bill was signed by Governor John Ashcroft during a ceremony at the Pulaski County Courthouse in Waynesville. At the time, Mitchell noted that it was a historic day for Pulaski County because it was the first time a bill had been signed there.
On the day of the signing, Governor Ashcroft said he hoped the official designation would stir nostalgia and recreate interest in Route 66 and the small towns along it.
Governor Ashcroft’s prediction nearly 30 years ago has been realized. Missouri’s recognition of the Mother Road helped to spur the Route 66 revival.
Waynesville’s role in hosting that historic bill signing ceremony cemented the small town’s legacy as an important part of the Route 66 story- the birthplace of the byway.
In the proclamation Mayor Hardman states, “We proudly celebrated the Highway’s rebirth then and we continue to celebrate Route 66 now, as we build our town and community around its rich history as the Birthplace of the Byway.”
Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission member Jackie Welborn (left), and former Missouri State Representative Jim Mitchell attended Mayor Luge Hardman’s proclamation signing ceremony Thursday evening. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was represented by Laura Huffman (right). City of Waynesville
Former State Representative Mitchell attended the proclamation signing Thursday evening. “The historic designation of Route 66 in Missouri is still having a positive impact on the small towns and cities along Route 66. I get a kick out of seeing folks from around the country, and the world, getting their kicks on Route 66 in Waynesville,” he said with a smile.
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau Executive Director Beth Wiles added, “The Tourism Bureau is proud to honor Waynesville’s rich legacy as the birthplace of the byway.” She hopes to see even more Route 66 enthusiasts exploring downtown Waynesville as the town’s claim to Route 66 fame gains more recognition. She stated, “The story of Governor Ashcroft signing the bill at the courthouse needed to be dusted off and retold. Waynesville is a significant part of the rebirth of Route 66.”
Are you looking for the perfect escape in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains? Get to know Pulaski County USA! We are a rural, uncrowded destination that is packed with small town charm & Americana!
Tourists know us as a relaxing place to reconnect with their soldiers-in-training after their military graduation at Fort Leonard Wood!
Travelers know us as a perfect overnight stop on their Route 66 journey across America. They love the scenic beauty and tie-rafting history of Devils Elbow- an award-winning Route 66 location. They love Frog Rock and the fascinating history of Waynesville– the birthplace of the byway!
Visitors know us as a perfect place to reconnect with family in our outdoor settings and landscapes. Paddlers love Pulaski County for our unspoiled rivers.
Are you looking for the perfect escape in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains? Get to know Pulaski County USA!
Anglers seek out Pulaski County for our uncrowded trout fishing- steps away from downtown dining, antiquing, and shopping.
Easy to get to!
Pulaski County is easy to get to! Centrally located along Interstate 44 we are the midpoint of the highway between Saint Louis and Joplin. Commercial jet service to Pulaski County is available through Contour Airlines.
Check into a modern rustic or upscale boutique hotel in Saint Robert. Vacation rentals, cabins, and bed and breakfasts can be found throughout Pulaski County’s small towns and rural areas. Or become one with Mother Nature at a cabin at a bucolic Ozarks resort. Picking out the perfect place to stay during your Pulaski County getaway is half the fun! We are here to help you with that!
Antique, Explore, & Nosh Your Way Through Our Ozark Mountain Landscape
Antiques are worth traveling for! Add flea markets, thrift stores, gift shops, and sweet treats into the mix and you have the recipe for a memorable weekend experience! Our 2-day antiquing itinerary is a useful guide full of helpful suggestions to plan your Pulaski County antiquing adventure!
Treasures can be found around every bend of our Antiques & Sweet Treat Trail! Unique experiences, community art, mouthwatering meals, fascinating history, and amazing views are plentiful along the trail. The trail meanders along Pulaski County’s country backroads to uncrowded, Ozark Mountain small towns with quirky charm.
Antique, explore, and nosh your way through Pulaski County, Missouri!
Wile away the day wandering into our storefronts. Poke through every corner of our antique stores. Discover colorful murals. Browse an art gallery. Shop at unique boutiques. Soak up Waynesville’s unique history as you stroll the Square. Lose yourself in the nostalgic Americana that defines Route 66. Indulge your taste buds at our Mom & Pop restaurants. Indulge your sweet tooth at our coffee shops, cupcakerys, and creameries.
A Memorable Weekend Experience!
You will need a full weekend to antique, explore, and nosh your way through our Antique & Sweet Trail. Clean and comfortable lodging options are clustered in Saint Robert. Airbnbs and rustic Ozarks resorts dot the countryside throughout Pulaski County. Consider three overnights while planning. We recommend traveling to Pulaski County Thursday evening and departing on Sunday morning.
Our suggested two-day antiquing itinerary will inspire your travel plans. This is not a complete list of everything to discover in Pulaski County. Make your weekend plans perfect for you by customizing your antiquing adventure exploring Pulaski County. Our merchants and restaurateurs are flexible. Their hours may change. It pays to call ahead to confirm hours for the locations that interest you most.
Journey along the tracks of the former Frisco Railroad. Two-lane Highway 133 twists though gentle rolling hills of rural, agricultural landscape. It connects the country towns of Dixon, Crocker, and Richland. All these communities, and the “ghost towns” you will stumble across along your route, sprang to life in 1869 as the railroad laid its path across northern Pulaski County.
Dixon & Crocker: Railroad Boomtowns
Rummage through Whatever Antiques and Collectibles (215 West 2nd Street, Dixon, 573-528-5267). This store is stuffed with tchotchkes, retro furniture, housewares and more. Chat up owners Wanda, Harry, and Aunt Flo during your visit!
Thrift shop aficionados will want to add Dixon Area Caring Center Thrift Shop (206 South Elm Street, Dixon, 573-759-3023) to their tour. Yard-sale type pricing makes shopping here even more enticing. Your purchases here also give back to the less fortunate in the Dixon area.
Before leaving Dixon to travel to Crocker grab an old-fashioned Cherry Malt at Johnson’s Snackette (711 West 5th Street, Dixon, 573-759-7710) to savor along the way!
Triple Creek Antiques (616 North Commercial Street, Crocker, 573-480-9855) is a welcoming antique store full of needful things. TCA also specializes in primitives.
“Love this place! Charming little store that has all the little extras that you drive outta your way for! Great smelling candles and lots of antiques! And they give you a cup of coffee while you’re walking around!”
Steve S. via Google
Triple Creek Antiques in Crocker, Missouri is a charming stop on your antiquing weekend!
The Holt House (15749 Beaufort Road, Crocker, 573-736-2060) is slightly off the beaten path. You will be rewarded with a great variety of items at reasonable prices.
Before continuing west on Highway 133 dip south on Highway 17 toBear Ridge Antiques (17984 Highway 17 North, Crocker, 573-736-5858). This beautifully staged antique mall is home to 65 dealers. Treasures overflow in vendor booths that are frequently updated, clean, and inviting. Be sure to forage through the outdoor storage compartments. Many of them have been set up as booths. Tell Dee we sent you!
“This place is fantastic. A must-stop for tourists and locals alike. I stop in about once a month and always find something cool. Nothing is overpriced, and you could spend hours in there before you’ve seen everything. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great.”
Samantha S. via Yelp
Richland: Entrepreneurs Since 1869
After leaving Bear Ridge backtrack north to Highway 133 West and continue to Richland. Grab a quick bite at The Burger Stand (101 West Pulaski Street, Richland, 573-765-3028). Try the Mr. Neal Burger! This local favorite is a bacon cheeseburger with double bacon and cheese, topped with jalapenos and a fried egg. TBS does not have indoor seating so be prepared to dine at one of their shaded picnic tables. Those with an eye for vintage signs will recognize The Burger Stand’s sign as a rare “Curly The Clown” Dairy Queen sign dating to the mid-1950s
“Just tried their burgers for the first time. Lady said they had the best burgers around and she wasn’t kidding. She steered me through the many choices on the menu and I settled for the Mr. Neal. It was excellent!!!”
PJ P. via Google
Next up is Penaroyal Antiques & Collectibles (201 South Walnut Street, Richland, 573-855-3259) operated by Penny and Roy Peterson. Housed side-by-side in an old Victorian home and a charming bungalow PA&C offers gifts, primitives, & antiques. You will find miniatures, furniture, and everything in between at Penaroyal.
Hunt for treasures at Penaroyal Antiques & Collectibles in Richland, Missouri!
Die-cast collectible fans must treat themselves at Final Stop Die-cast Collectibles & More (231 South Pine Street, Richland, 573-855-4828). FSDCCM specializes in Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Green Light, M2, and Ertl products. This store is guaranteed to bring out the kid in everyone!
Practically next door you will discover The Brick Emporium (219 South Pine, Richland, 573-765-7990). Located in a restored brick storefront, the Myers family offers fresh sandwiches, coffee, ice cream old-fashioned candies, glass-bottled sodas, Amish bulk goods and spices, handcrafted items, antiques and more.
Just across the street from The Brick Emporium is Sanctuary Quilts and Coffee (111 South Pine, Richland, 573-855-8300). Housed in the architecturally blessed former Methodist Church, SC&Q has made a name for themselves with an abundant selection of fantastic coffee and an impressive quilting room.
A trip to Richland would not be complete without exploring H.E. Warren Store (Pine & McClurg, Richland, 573-765-3381). Founded by Captain Henry Ernest Warren in 1869, Richland’s oldest business is still owned and operated by the Warren family 150+ years later.
Missouri Wines & International Flavors
Round out your day by relaxing before dinner on the comfy couches with a glass of Missouri wine at Cellar 66 Restaurant and Wine Bar (115 North Benton Street, Waynesville, 573-528-7675). Or sample award-winning craft beers that celebrate life in the Ozarks at Piney River Taproom (326 Historic Route 66 East, Waynesville, 573-432-2739).
Ichiban’s signature sushi rolls treat your eyes as well as your taste buds!
Today’s suggested itinerary guides you to locations on and near the most nostalgic highway in America- Route 66! The famous Mother Road was commissioned in 1926. It incorporated former Missouri Highway 14 which was the main east-west road in Pulaski County at the time. We recommend grabbing a copy of the Historic Driving Tours and the Waynesville Walking Tour brochures to accompany you. They are both available, free of charge, at Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center (137 St. Robert Boulevard, Suite A, Saint Robert, 573-336-6355).
The nostalgic charm of Route 66 will captivate you!
After a refreshing night’s sleep at one of Pulaski County’s clean, comfortable lodging options begin your day by grabbing a handmade premium donut from Lamb’s Donuts (115 Gateway Circle, Saint Robert, 573-336-3368.) Or dive into a classic diner breakfast at Route 66 Diner (126 St. Robert Boulevard, Saint Robert, 573-336-8989).
Let the browsing begin at Purrfect Treasures Thrift Shop (996 Missouri Avenue, Saint Robert, 573-842-9182). Shopping here will make you feel warm and fuzzy- all proceeds benefit Kitten Division Adoption Center (and their sister organization Puppy Division) in supporting the cats and dogs in their care.
Follow Missouri Avenue to its junction with Interstate 44 and head east to Exit 169/J Highway. This is the beginning of the Route 66 self-guided tour through Pulaski County. The brochure will be your roadmap for your antiquing-itinerary throughout Day Two of your trip.
Route 66: America’s Mother Road
Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store(14400 Highway Z, Saint Robert, 573-336-8758) Those who appreciate a bawdy sense of humor enthusiastically describe Uranus as a must-stop on Route 66. Owned by over-the-top Route 66 personality Louie Keen, the stop is a nod to the tourist traps along the highway during its heyday. Shop for fresh fudge, nostalgic candy, and novelties. Indulge in a funnel cake from Moonicorn Creamery & Funnel Cakery. Peruse strange oddities and circus memorabilia at the Sideshow Museum.
Indulge in a sweet treat at Moonicorn Creamery & Funnel Cakery!
Talbot House Antiques, Collectables & Gifts (405 North Street, Waynesville, 573-774-6096) is housed in one of Waynesville’s oldest surviving homes. Proprietor Keith Osborne will regale you with the building’s history. This location has twelve rooms to peruse and is styled by Osborne as “a museum of things.”
Hop over to Hoppers Pub (318 Historic 66 East, Waynesville, 573-774-0135) for lunch! Their menu is packed with pub grub favorites and 66 beers on tap. Or, have a taste of Bavaria at Ursula’s Schnitzelhaus (311 North Street, Waynesville, 573-774-8422). If you happened to bring a cooler stock up on European sausages, cheeses, and chocolates from Ursula’s on-site deli.
“My lunch was comprised of Goulash and authentic German cold cuts, cheese, salad just like you find either in Frankfurt a.m. or Stuttgart. The owner and her son were very outgoing and helpful. We drove 200 miles to have lunch here, it was perfect. Going to go back soon.”
David W. via Facebook
Lost in the Woods Antiques & Collectibles (218B Historic Route 66 East, Waynesville, 573-433-2855) is veteran-owned and features uptown antiques in downtown Waynesville! 1950s music plays on their Wurlitzer and free hot coffee is provided for you while you browse. Vintage vinyl junkies know to stop at Lost in the Woods Antiques & Collectibles!
Discover your vintage style at Lost in the Woods Antiques & Collectibles in downtown Waynesville, Missouri!
Downtown Waynesville: Cozy & Cordial
While in downtown Waynesville explore the 1903 Courthouse Museum (On the Square, Waynesville, limited hours, April-September) and the Old Stagecoach Stop (105 North Lynn Street, Waynesville, limited hours, April-September). Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operate small gift shops on site. Be sure to pop into Just Because (Roubidoux Plaza, on the Square, Waynesville, 573-774-4995), an all-occasion gift basket store and Eclectic Originals (225 Historic Route 66 East, Waynesville, 573-337-2494).
“This boutique is a real charmer! Ms. Cheryl keeps the shop well-stocked with products made in Missouri and has a nice selection of items (including jewelry) made by local artisans. Go to Eclectic Originals! You won’t be disappointed!”
An art gallery featuring works by artists from eight different states might seem out of place in most small towns. However, that is certainly not the case when America’s Mother Road brings travelers from around the globe to your front door, as it does in Waynesville. Curator Jackie Welborn opened Route 66 Community Art Gallery (107B Historic 66 East, Waynesville, 573-528-1282) in 2017. The gallery now features works by over 25 different artists and is considered a “must-stop” by many Route 66 enthusiasts.
For an afternoon pick-me-up feed your dragon with coffee and muffins or pies at Drachenfutter (307 Historic Route 66 West, Waynesville, 573-232-1402). Loaf bread and mulling spices are also available.
“What a great place! The last time I had a coffee this delicious was at a coffee shop in Taos, NM. I love coffees with cayenne, and their Dragon’s Breath coffee does not disappoint. The cozy atmosphere of Drachenfutter and their delicious brew is going to make me a regular customer.
Anastasia P. via Facebook
Feel-Good Shopping & Comfort Food
For more feel-good thrift shopping stop at Good Samaritan of the Ozarks Thrift Store (1809 Historic Highway 66 West, Waynesville, 573-774-5113). Proceeds from the thrift store aid victims of domestic violence.
Close out your afternoon at Route 66 Flea Market (25845 Highway AB, Richland, 573-765-5323) and Gascozark Flea Market (30570 Highway AB, Richland, 573-433-0284). Don’t let the Richland addresses confuse you. Both flea markets are on Historic Route 66. Your self-guided driving tour brochure will lead you to them.
At the junction of Highway AB and Interstate 44 head east to Saint Robert for dinner. For a taste of the Ozarks try Sweetwater B-B-Q (14076 Highway Z, Saint Robert, 573-336-8830). Other local favorites include Route 66 Taco & Wing Company (946 Missouri Avenue, Suite 1, Saint Robert, 573-232-1399) and Z Loft Bar & Grill (127 Vickie Lynn Lane, Saint Robert, 573-336-7828).
