One of Missouri’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Traveling across the United States, it's always such a great joy to come across a great roadside attraction — and there's one place where you can find more than any other. Historic Route 66, once the heart of America's highway system and now a popular scenic drive where the old ways are preserved, is where you'll find a quirky town in Missouri where the fun never stops. Welcome to Carthage, the county seat of Jasper County and a town of around 15,000 people. It's near the Kansas and Oklahoma borders of Missouri, far away from any other major cities—making it a great roadside stop.

If there was one town that perfectly summed up Route 66, it would be Carthage. The town has preserved many of its historic buildings from that era, meaning you can eat and stay in places from when Route 66 was still a hub of road trips. The town is a unique living history, celebrating an era of Americana that many people still long for. Of course, it's not just great to look at—the town is full of unique restaurants and attractions that make this more than just a brief roadside stop. It's entirely possible to spend a few days in Carthage and still not see everything this unique town has to offer.

What It's Like to Visit Carthage, Missouri

These days, Route 66 is more of a tourist attraction than a critical U.S. byway, and there's something to be said for that. Drivers tend to take it slow, and every stop along the way is like a unique oasis. It's well worth stopping anywhere that sits along the byway, and Carthage, Missouri, should be at the top of any list. This is a fairly isolated town, but it might be the most Route 66 town there's ever been. This town isn't just nostalgic—it's frozen in time.

The Quirky Attractions That Define This Town

Carthage is full of vintage Route 66 architecture, including many buildings that are still operating. The Boots Court Motel, one of the oldest lodging institutions in Missouri, has been open since 1939 and still offers nostalgic, no-frills rooms for weary travelers. It's only a short drive from Iggy's Diner, where the Chicken Fried Steak Club is the ultimate comfort food sandwich.

One of the most unique parts of Carthage can be found at Red Oak II, a one-of-a-kind museum created by artist Lowell Davis. This open-air village took historic buildings from Carthage's past and lovingly restored them into a time capsule featuring homes, schools, town halls, and churches. It's part roadside attraction, part pure Americana.

Easily the strangest attraction in Carthage, but the one that brings the most devotees to this small town, is the Precious Moments Chapel Center. A religious center featuring murals and sculptures, it recreates biblical stories using the beloved big-eyed figurines that have developed a cult following. For those who love the product line, it's a truly unforgettable experience.

Why It's Still Flying Under the Radar

The main thing keeping Carthage under the radar is its fairly remote location, as not too many people take the long drive down Route 66 anymore unless they're on a mission. This keeps Carthage a hidden gem, filled with historic architecture—how often do you see a town courthouse that looks like a castle? And for those who are in on the secret, they're just fine with that. It wouldn't be the same if it were packed with tourists every day!

Have you explored the historic Route 66 wonders of Carthage? If not, this quirky town in Missouri is still a hidden gem, so plan a road trip for yourself! You can see more information about the restaurants and attractions of Carthage on the website of the City of Carthage Tourism Office or the Carthage government website.

You're nowhere near done discovering quirky towns in Missouri, though. Head about two hours northeast, and you'll find St. Robert, a tiny town on Route 66 home to one of the strangest roadside attractions in the whole country. And make sure to check out our recommendations for the best small towns in Missouri for your trip across the state!