The Ultimate Guide to Route 66: Missouri

Ted Drewes is more than an ice cream stand. Since 1929 (and at this location since 1941), Ted Drewes has been the gold standard for frozen custard. It’s an institution where the concrete is so thick that they serve it upside down. The atmosphere is pure nostalgia: neon lights, long lines, and crowds leaning against car fenders on warm summer nights. It's the quintessential roadside treat that defines the end of a long driving day in St. Louis. Order the Terramizzou or a classic Fox Treat. On a warm day, you're likely to run into a crowd, but don't be daunted by the lines: they move quickly.

Look for the "Centennial Concrete" specials. Rumor has it that during 2026, the shop will feature flavors representing the eight states of the Mother Road. The stand will also likely be a checkpoint for the Great Race and Centennial caravans in June. 

Eerie and beautiful, Route 66 State Park sits on the site of the former town of Times Beach, Missouri, which was evacuated in the 1980s due to dioxin contamination and has since been reclaimed by nature. It’s a place of quiet reflection and river valley beauty. The park tells the story of the death and rebirth of Route 66. The visitor center is housed in the old Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that saw the glory days of the route. In 2026, the park is hosting a "Evolution of the Road" exhibit that focuses on the transition from trails to superhighways. Drive, bike, or walk the old road alignment through the park—it's one of the few places you can walk on original 1930s pavement without traffic—and don't miss the small museum in the visitor center

The approach to the bridge at Devils Elbow is one of the most beautiful stretches of the original two-lane blacktop that remains. The 1923 steel truss bridge curves over the Big Piney River, surrounded by heavy timber and limestone bluffs. The "elbow" was named by loggers who were frustrated by the tight river bend. Today, driving across the bridge feels like floating over the river.

This specific river crossing is also historically significant. The road follows the northern route of the Trail of Tears, and groups of Cherokee people crossed the Big Piney River right here between 1837and 1839 during their forced removal. The present route follows the general alignment of the Teardrop Road, used during the removal.

The bridge has recently been restored and will offer a prime photo opportunity for the Centennial Caravan. Local residents often host a "Bridge Jam" with music during major route events.

Uranus Fudge Factory is unapologetically kitschy, loud, and bursting with juvenile humor. It’s a roadside circus of fudge, dinosaurs, and "the best fudge comes from Uranus" jokes. It captures the modern era of the roadside attraction: shock value and heavy merchandising—a veritable masterclass in modern roadside marketing. If you're traveling with kids, they'll love the Uranus Sideshow Museum. Love it or hate it, you will remember stopping here. 

Expect massive crowds and special "Centennial Fudge" tins in 2026. The shop is planning a "100 Years of Humor" event series throughout the summer of 2026. Uranus Fudge Factory is located between Rolla and Waynesville. If you prefer a quieter experience, grab your fudge and head to the nearby, and more serene, Route 66 Neon Park.

Route 66 Neon Park is an electric graveyard brought back to life. Located in the George M. Reed Roadside Park, this open-air museum features restored neon signs from defunct motels and diners across Missouri, glowing brightly against the night sky. The park has played a key role in preserving the commercial art of the Mother Road. As businesses closed along the route, their signs were at risk of being lost; this park rescues them.

The park opened in May 2025, just in time for the centennial, and will likely be a major nighttime gathering spot for celebrants and travelers. Expect "Neon Nights" lighting ceremonies at sunset every weekend in 2026. As you likely surmised, dusk is the best time to visit, because that's when the neon tubes buzz to life. Better still, it's free and open-air, making it a perfect quick stop.

Walking into Springfield's Rockwood Motor Court feels like stepping onto a movie set in the 1930s. It’s one of the few motor courts that has been continuously operating since the dirt-road days of Route 66, and it's been meticulously restored to its tourist cabin glory. This hostelry is a rare survivor, as most cabin courts were razed and replaced by motels, many of which were, in turn, gobbled up by national chains. The Rockwood retains the individual stone cottage layout that gave early auto-pioneers a sense of having their own little home on the road. Rockwood will be at the epicenter of the centennial action. Springfield is the official "Birthplace of Route 66," and the Motor Court will host porch concerts and vintage car meetups during the April 2026 kickoff festival. If you're hoping to stay this year, book way in advance—rooms are limited. Even if you don't stay, stop by to see the neon sign at twilight.

This iconic Springfield eatery sits along the revitalized College Street alignment of Route 66, right in the heart of the Birthplace district, adjacent to the Birthplace of Route 66 roadside park. It’s unpretentious, hearty, and welcoming, and represents the working-class fuel of the road. The northern route of the forced Cherokee removal passed directly through this corridor—as a marker in the park acknowledges—which presents a somber counter-history to the "freedom of the road" usually associated with this stretch and Route 66 in general. Come for breakfast—the biscuits and gravy are the real deal. After eating, walk west to the Roadside Park to view the mosaic walls and the Trail of Tears markers.

The College Street Cafe will likely be the unofficial morning headquarters for the Centennial Parade in May. Expect a Centennial Blue Plate Special and extended hours during the festival.

Gary's Gay Parita is a time capsule of hospitality. It’s a recreated 1930s Sinclair station that feels more authentic than many originals. Though Gary Turner passed away, his family keeps his spirit of immense kindness alive. It’s cluttered with memorabilia, vintage cars, and "hillbilly" charm. The place became world-famous not for the architecture, but for Gary himself. It represents the "friend on the road" aspect of Route 66: a privately owned, passion-project attraction created out of love for the Mother Road. 

Gary's is planning a Centennial Homecoming for travelers. Expect live bluegrass music and perhaps a revival of Gary’s famous watermelon feeds. The site is incredibly photogenic—bring your camera for the classic Sinclair Dino shots, but be prepared to make a purchase: It keeps the lights on and the admission free.

The Boots Court Motel in Carthage is Art Deco perfection at the "Crossroads of America": the intersection of Routes 66 and 71. The motel was saved from near-demolition by local preservationists and is now fully operational. With its green neon and "radio in every room" promise (with authentic 1940s broadcasts), this restored icon looks exactly as it did in 1939. It’s sleek, stylish, and arguably the best restoration project on the entire route. I mean, Clark Gable stayed here: could it be any more iconic?

Unfortunately, Boots Court is fully booked for key 2026 dates, but other dates are still available. The motel is also hosting "Open House" tours of the famous Room 6 (where Gable stayed). If you can’t stay the night, be sure to stop and visit the lobby and gift shop.

The 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage offers a dose of cinematic magic under the stars. Opened in 1949, it retains its original screen tower and playground. It's one of the few remaining drive-ins directly on the Mother Road. The drive-in captures the post-war boom of car culture and family entertainment, wrapped in the nostalgic smell of popcorn, the crunch of gravel, and the glow of the movie screen reflecting on car hoods. 

The 66 Drive-In is planning a Centennial Film Festival, during which it will screen movies featuring Route 66 (such as The Grapes of Wrath and Cars) throughout the summer of 2026. Arrive early (an hour before showtime) to get a good spot and visit the concession stand—the retro intermission reels are part of the show.