Things to do on Route 66

Route 66 themed bar and grill serving casual food and drinks in historic downtown Galena.

Museum highlighting Galena’s mining past with exhibits on local and Route 66 history.

Classic diner and bakery serving homestyle breakfast and comfort food in Galena.

Classic American drive‑in chain known for burgers, shakes and carhop service in Galena.

Local cafe and coffee spot serving breakfast, lunch and espresso drinks near Route 66 in Galena.

Natural area with hiking trails, a historic cave, and a local nature center.

Historic 1923 rainbow arch bridge.

Local eatery serving burgers and comfort food.

Historical museum covering the Civil War, Route 66, and Baxter’s boomtown era.

Welcome center with exhibits and brochures on Route 66 attractions.

Artist-created village with restored historic buildings and quirky art.

Quirky roadside sculpture of a woman changing a tire.

Operating roadside motel on East Central Avenue with classic motor-court layout.

Historic Route 66 burger stand serving classics since 1953

Historic depot reflecting railroad and Route 66 era.

Historic Route 66 U-shaped cabin court whose surviving office and sign recall Route 66 lodging history.

Large downtown mural celebrating notable Carthage natives and hometown pride.

Historic neon sign associated with the famous Boots Court Motel.

Small roadside police warning sign on Route 66 known for catching drivers off guard.

Interactive Route 66 exhibit at the state fairgrounds.

Historic limestone jail used from 1869 to 1988.

Convenient, budget-friendly hotel located in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Historic bar and grill known for its neon sign and Route 66 past.

Historic pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River on Route 66.

Bridge over Roubidoux Creek along Route 66.

Historic Route 66 motel with neon signage

Historic Route 66 motor court known for its iconic neon sign.

A 1962 National Register landmark in Springfield serving classic steakburgers on the original Route 66 alignment since the Mother Road's golden age.

Historic multi-story downtown building

Classic restored theater in downtown Springfield.

European-inspired café and bakery in downtown Springfield.

Surviving sign from the historic Rockwood Court motor court on Route 66.

Former motor court, now closed.

A faithfully restored 1930 Sinclair station preserving the nostalgia, history, and welcoming spirit of classic Route 66.

Longtime local pizza spot along the Route.

Famous Route 66 station with museum-like displays.

Museum along Route 66.

Classic outdoor movie theater showing double features.

Iconic burger spot in downtown Joplin serving classic American favorites along Route 66.

Downtown Joplin Route 66 pub serving pizza, drinks, and live music

Tourism hub offering information, brochures, and local insight.

Community arts center featuring exhibitions, classes, and programs supporting regional artists.

170-ft water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle — iconic photo stop.

Outdoor neon sign park celebrating mid-century Americana and Route 66 signage.

Iconic 630-foot monument symbolizing westward expansion.

Collection of restored neon signs from mid-century STL.

Boutique hotel with space-themed decor and rooftop bar.

Museum showcasing Missouri’s diverse history, including Route 66 and STL heritage exhibits.

Classic roadside donut shop serving fresh donuts and coffee since 1952.

Famed frozen custard stand and Route 66 institution since the 1930s.

Historic diner known for breakfast and burgers, now closed.

One of the largest collections of transportation vehicles in the world.

Rustic steakhouse and tavern-style dining in a historic 1920s Route 66 stop.

Retro-themed car wash on Route 66.

Historic Route 66 motel sign in Villa Ridge.

Another abandoned Route 66 motel—sun-faded signage and overgrown lots echo its former glory.

Deserted but iconic roadside motel—now a ghostly marker of Route 66's golden era.

Once a motor court for Route 66 travelers, now a crumbling relic of mid-century roadside stays.

Small local motel offering convenient overnight lodging for Route 66 travelers.

Roadside burger spot near the I-44 exit serving smashburgers and quick bites.