Stories
Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in Pulaski County, MO
From the windy, skyscraper-lined streets of Chicago to the sunny and sandy shores of Santa Monica, Route 66 is full of iconic wonders that have captured the imaginations of cross-country travelers for 100 years. But perhaps no stretch of the Mother Road offers such natural beauty as the 33 miles that twist and wind through the Ozarks in Pulaski County, MO. The history and heritage of the Mother Road live on not just in preserved, roadside curios and attractions echoing mid-century Americana, but also in the extraordinary events that draw in road trippers as well as generations of locals who have made a home here.
An Illuminating Experience
The soft glow of lighted neon is synonymous with the spirit of adventure physically manifested in the most famous roadway in America. Route 66 Neon Park in Saint Robert expands upon the Show Me State’s legendary history with the Mother Road. Here, vintage neon signs that lined the Missouri portion of Route 66 are displayed in a dazzling spectacle. Once abandoned and left to deteriorate under piles of junk in dusty sheds and barns, these exquisite, retro masterpieces have been painstakingly restored to their former glory and donated by private owners to the City of Saint Robert. Each night, they shine a warm, familiar glow over the same highway they adorned generations ago. One of three such locations along Route 66 — and the only of its kind in Missouri — Route 66 Neon Park provides a special experience for all who bask in its luminous majesty.
Roadside Curios
Around each twist and turn of the Mother Road lies a new, iconic discovery. Soak in the marvelous sight of the Hiawatha Bluffs and the Big Piney River on the iconic 1923 steel truss bridge in Devils Elbow. Indulge in some sweet, homemade treats — and a few giggles — at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. Tour the incredible military history on display at the Mahaffey Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood. See how the timeless spirit of Route 66 lives on a century later in Pulaski County, Missouri.
Down the road in Waynesville — where Route 66 was designated as a historic district by act of state legislation — landmarks like the Old Stagecoach Stop and the 1903 Courthouse Museum — plus stunning murals adorning storefronts — provide can’t-miss photo ops.
And discover a world of mouthwatering flavors and reclaimed treasures at the eateries and antique shops lining this unforgettable portion of America’s Main Street.
Can’t-Miss Events
Numerous community events celebrate the rich history and culture of Route 66 as well as the communities through which it passes. The 37th Annual Mid America Freedom Rally, held from May 22-25 in Buckhorn, honors the fallen servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces. Guests ages 21 and over enjoy a Memorial Presentation to remember the departed and celebrate alongside locals during live music sets all three days. The Pulaski County Regional Fair (June 17-20 in Saint Robert) promises the classic, Midwestern county-fair experience with livestock shows and bull rides, along with a carnival midway and a wide variety of vendors.
Gearheads and casual car fans alike welcome cross-country navigators as they embark on the Great Race. Spanning from Springfield, IL, to Santa Monica, CA, this nearly 2,000-mile quest is a competitive, controlled-speed road rally that carries drivers along Historic Route 66, testing each team’s ability to navigate their way to the sunny shores of the Pacific Ocean. At the historic Waynesville Square on June 21, 2026, the 130 transcontinental travelers will break for lunch, welcomed by admiring fans waiting to catch a glimpse of cars ranging in age from the early 1900s to the 1970s before these classic cars burn rubber on the Mother Road again. Be there to cheer them on! On June 27-28, the Cave State Cruisers Car & Bike Show celebrates the Route 66 centennial with food trucks, special events, and of course, a cruise-in featuring a fabulous collection of classic cars from all over the Show Me State.
Beginning July 31, residents and vendors alike line the Mother Road for the 2026 Route 66 Yard Sale. This two-day event invites visitors to explore a wide range of sales covering approximately 100 miles and brimming with reclaimed treasures. In September, the 2026 Big BAM passes through Pulaski County, part of a 333.5-mile trek from Joplin to the St. Louis suburbs. In Pulaski County, riders will camp at the historic Roubidoux Park before heading east in the morning toward the Mississippi River.
Plan your Route 66 road trip today! Order your free Getaway Guide or download a digital copy for even more adventures in the heart of the Ozarks!