Route 66 | Day 3 | A Ride Through The Ozarks In Missouri...

A Ride Through The Ozarks…

But the day's adventure is just warming up. A smorgasbord of wild endeavors beckons. Navigate the rugged trails on a hiking adventure or paddle your worries away with some tranquil canoeing.

Fancy a stroll through time? Missouri's laid-back small towns and a medley of museums are brimming with charming anecdotes from yesteryears. To fuel up, make pit stops at the nostalgic Route 66 diners, and end a “fabtastic” day in Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66.

Prepare for an unforgettable road trip odyssey through the heartland of America! Here's the rundown:

Avoid the Traffic

To get to the open road much quicker and hassle-free, take I-44 West and then exit #261/Six Flags. At the end of the ramp, turn left, and reach Route 66 again just past the I-44 underpass. This is a 30-mile trip from downtown St. Louis and gets you out of the city limits and away from traffic in just over 30 minutes.

As you say cheerio to St. Louis, another crossroads awaits you at U.S. 67 and 366. Pick between the pre-1932 alignment that features the Big Chief Roadhouse, or the post-1932 route that houses the Missouri Route 66 State Park, the Black Madonna Shrine & Grottos, and the Red Cedar Inn.

Try to stop by the St. Clair Historical Museum in a former firehouse.

Sullivan! This quaint little town harbors the legendary Meramec Caverns, another jewel of Route 66 attractions. It's not just a mere hole in the ground - it's an underground kingdom of astonishing formations, whispering tales of a time long lost. Foremost the Meramec Caverns are believed to be a former hideout spot for outlaw Jesse James and his gang.

Bring out your cameras as you cruise into Bourbon! Not for the amber-colored spirit, mind you, but for the towering beacon of the town - a gigantic water tower proudly donning the town's name. Yes, 'Bourbon' it says, striking a pose against the sky, a must-snap memento for the traveling shutterbug. And you guessed it - the town did indeed get its name from the famed whiskey!

Don’t miss out on stopping in Cuba at the historic Wagon Wheel Motel. Right next door is Missouri Hick, the go-to place for BBQ - by now you must be hungry, it’s a great place for lunch! If Hick should be too crowded and you’re facing long lines, check out Weir on 66, or Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe.

Next stop, Fanning! Get your cameras ready for the Fanning 66 Outpost and a colossus of a rocking chair that would make any giant envious.

Buckle up for Rolla. With a tantalizing trove of curiosities to discover - from vintage cars at Route 66 Motors to souvenirs at the Mule Trading Post and the Totem Pole Trading Post - there's even a mini Stonehenge replica at the University of Missouri campus to behold!

Steer clear of any deals with the devil at Devil’s Elbow, an ominous-sounding town named after a notorious river bend. Check out the old 1923 bridge, refuel at the local BBQ joint, and browse through the little market. BTW, you're in the Ozarks now…

Uranus is where the humor is as plentiful as the souvenirs! In this quirky roadside attraction, you'll find more than just a cheeky name. Explore zany museums, indulge in fudge that's 'the best in Uranus', and snap a photo with the funniest town sign in America.

Entering the general store, loud greetings like "Uranus is open!" or "Thanks for picking Uranus!" are being shouted by the staff, leaving more than just one chuckle with the visitor. Remember, when you're in Uranus, laughter is always just around the corner!"

Make tracks to Waynesville next. Marvel at the Frog Rock, check out the Pulaski County Courthouse Museum, and admire the historic architecture.

Close to Hazelgreen, you can stretch your legs on the 1924 Gasconade River Bridge - closed to traffic, open to leisurely strolls.

Lebanon offers you the beloved Munger Moss Motel, the Wrinks Food Market, and an informative little Route 66 Museum nestled within the Lebanon-Laclede County Library.

In Phillipsburg, go antiquing at the Route 66 Antiques Mall and spot the restored Meramec Caverns advertising barns on the outskirts.

For a breather, stop at the Route 66 Welcome Center near Conway. It's packed with helpful maps, intriguing exhibits, restrooms, a playground, a neon sign, and a picnic area - everything a two-wheeled road warrior needs!

Then it's off to Marshfield, birthplace of Edwin Hubble of Hubble Space Telescope fame. Explore the local history at the Webster County Historical Museum, soak in the tranquility of Hidden Waters Park, and don't miss the replica Hubble telescope.

Springfield, our final stop and the largest city west of St. Louis on today’s route, teems with reminders of Route 66 - old gas stations, vintage motels, neon signs, and an array of attractions, from Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World to the Fantastic Caverns.

Springfield claims the title of the "Birthplace of Route 66," and while the iconic highway does indeed start in Chicago, the nickname isn't referring to the physical starting point of the road. Instead, it's all about a critical meeting and a legendary designation that happened in Springfield.

In 1926, highway officials were debating the layout of a new road that would connect Chicago to Los Angeles, traversing the heartland of America. The discussions included influential figures like John T. Woodruff of Springfield and Cyrus Avery of Tulsa. They envisioned a highway that would link small towns and big cities alike, fostering commerce and offering a new way to see the country.

The meeting in Springfield resulted in the decision to name this new highway "Route 66." The officials agreed that the double sixes were easy to remember and that the number had no other significant associations with the U.S. Highway System. The name was catchy and resonated with the public, helping to promote the route and the places it connected.

In a sense, the identity of Route 66 was born in Springfield, and that's why the city proudly heralds itself as the birthplace of this legendary road. The adoption of the "66" designation marked the beginning of an era, turning a simple highway into a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the American Dream.

So while Route 66 physically starts in Chicago, the spirit and name of the Mother Road were conceived in Springfield, Missouri. The city celebrates this heritage with a range of attractions, museums, and events that pay homage to the famous highway, keeping the history and romance of Route 66 alive for new generations to discover.

Branson, MO, fondly referred to as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World", is a hub of entertainment and sightseeing. It boasts over 50 live performance theaters that offer a wide variety of shows, from country music to magic, comedy to acrobatics. The iconic Titanic Museum, a replica of the ill-fated ship, is a must-see. For adventure seekers, there's the Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park with thrilling rides and artisan crafts demonstrations. Nature lovers will appreciate Table Rock Lake and the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park for their stunning beauty and outdoor activities, while history buffs might enjoy the ancient Marvel Cave. Also, don't forget the Hollywood Wax Museum, Butterfly Palace, and the scenic Branson Landing with its dining, shopping, and spectacular fountain show.

Devil’s Elbow detour via State Route P: if you’d like to get a feel for what it’s like to ride the Ozarks, then take a left onto Truman Street (State Route T) in Doolittle and pick up State Route P (right turn) after the little town of Newburg. The road meanders through shadowy forest parts, along rivers and rugged hilly terrain; it turns into State Route J and just before you reach I-44 you'll make a left at the intersection of Clementine Outer Road and RT66 and again find yourself back on the old Route 66.

This little veer-off from Route 66 won’t take anything away from your Route 66 experience, you won’t miss any sights or curio shops and it’s a fantastic, remote road to ride.