Route 66 Driving Tour

Get your kicks along Pulaski County USA's 33 original miles!

Route 66 Driving Tour

Devils Elbow, Missouri 65457, United States

Created By: Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center

Tour Information

Program powered by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

Approximate Drive time 1.5 hours, but you will want to take your time at historic sites, visiting with locals, and taking in gorgeous scenic views. Enhance your experience by downloading the audio tour and online brochure


Tour Map

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What You'll See on the Tour

1
Starting point of the Driving Tour

This is the starting point of the driving tour!  Are you ready to get your kicks?  The stretch of Route 66 that winds through Pulaski County is lush with brilliant scenery and breathtaking landscapes. Valleys cut through limestone and dol... Read more
2
Sterling Wells Hillbilly Store

This is the location of Sterling Wells Hillybilly Store which is now a private home.   Photo courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection ...
3
Hooker Cut

As you travel through Hooker Cut, take in the popular postcard landscape that was once rumored to be the deepest road cut in America and that shows the layers of limestone that had to be overcome to build the road. Photo courtesy of Terry P... Read more
4
Munger Moss - Elbow Inn & BBQ Pit

This was the original Munger-Moss Sandwich Shop in the late 1930s.  The Munger Moss relocated west to Lenanon in 1946 and the sandwich shop was reopened as the Elbow Inn, operated by Paul and Nadine Thompson in the 1960s.  After sitting e... Read more
5
1923 Steel Bridge

The 1923 bridge provides gorgeous views of the Ozark scenery.   Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection ...
6
The Sugar Bowls

Beautiful Sugar bowl bluffs overlooking the Big Piney River in Devils Elbow.
7
Devils Elbow

Once named one of the “Seven Wonders of Missouri” by the Missouri State Planning Commission, it is not hard to see why once you enter this quaint little Ozark town.  The early stages of Devils Elbow began when tie hackers were known fo... Read more
8
Devils Elbow Cafe

This building is on the former site of the River Inn previously known as Devils Elbow Cafe which was the post office from 1933-1941.  A postcard picture describes the cafe as: "When the main street of America  winds its way through one of... Read more
9
Devils Elbow

Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
10
Sheldon's Market and Post Office

Do you know how many visitors travel the Mother Road through this area just to send out a post card from Devils Elbow?  More than you think!  Originally known as Miller's Market, built in 1954. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://ww... Read more
11
McCoy's Store & Camp

Built in 1941, McCoy's offered a store on the ground floor and sleeping rooms upstairs.  This area offers another great view of the "Sugar Bowls" from afar. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection ...
12
Graham's Camp

You can still see the cabins that rented for $1.50 - $3.00!   Graham's Camp also offered a cafe and filling station for Route 66 travelers.  It was later renamed River Park. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/pos... Read more
13
Scenic Overlook - Railroad Trestle

A spectacular view of the valley overlooking the Frisco Spur Wood Railroad Trestle which was built in in the 1940's.  The rail brought in building supplies and materials to Fort Leonard Wood.
14
E. Z. Inn

Ernie & Zelda built this rock filling station, lodge and cabin complex in 1932.  In the 1950s the property changed hands and was renamed Oak Park Cabins and 20 years later became known as Grandview Apartments. Image courtesy of the Ter... Read more
15
Big Piney Bridge

The 1942 Devils Elbow Arch Bridge, was designed by the Missouri State Highway Commission. Composed of three open spandrel arches and five arched girder approach spans, it was constructed by Maxwell Construction Company. Maxwell Construction... Read more
16
Piney Beach Cabins

Originally a motor court, these cabins have been  renovated, with care, to preserve the original 1940's style.  They are fully furnished including linens, dishes, cable TV and AC/Heat .
17
Devils Elbow Motel

Built in 1950s, part of the structure of this Route 66 motel remain. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo  
18
Mark Twain Motel & Restaurant

This is the former location of the Mark Twain Motel and Restaurant.  In the late 70's it was abandoned and later served as the site for the Covered Wagon RV Sales and Service.   This property now offers an out-of-this-world experience in... Read more
19
Missouri Ave to Fort Leonard Wood

You are now entering Saint Robert, named after the Catholic parish patron Saint Bellermine, which is the youngest city in Pulaski County.  Offering up over 25 hotels and motels, 40+ restaurants, nightlife and shopping.  The City Museum an... Read more
20
Lynch's Furniture

People from all over came to Pulaski County to seek construction work during the building of Fort Leonard Wood.  Lynch's Furniture began as a "tent city".  Within a short time the Lynch family built a small building in order to rent out c... Read more
21
Oaks Court Modern Cabins

Oaks Court Modern Cabins were located in this area.  A few of the cabins remain and have been remodeled over the years.  This building also served as an ice cream shop.  And in 1977 was purchased by the Bassett family offering insurance ... Read more
22
Deville Motor Inn

Now operating as the Relax Inn, the Deville Motor Inn served travelers needs with an adjacent restaurant. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection
23
Ranch Motel

Ranch Motel has been a landmark on Route 66 since the 1940's.  Although not original to it's construction, the facility was "rocked" later on.   Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection ...
24
George M. Reed Roadside Park

This roadside park, named after George M. Reed in 1952, this park is one of the last roadside parks on Route 66 in Missouri.
25
Jody's Cafe

Jody's Cafe was located to the right of Mid Missouri Motors.  This was popular among the many soldiers that trained on Fort Leonard Wood during the 1960s.   Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection ...
26
Top Hat Lounge

The Top Hat Lounge offered nighlife along Route 66 until the late 1980s. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
27
Star Motel

Star Motel has remodeled several times and is now a two story motel operating under All Star Motel,  offering an on-site restaurant. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
28
Frog Rock - W H Croaker

As you head west on Route 66 into Waynesville watch for W H Croaker to your right.  "Frog Rock"  was discovered in the 1990s when the Missouri Department of Transportation widened Route 66 to three lanes.  A local tattoo artist spent mon... Read more
29
Waynesville Square

Waynesville serves as the county seat,  is named after "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a Revoltionary War hero, and the city is as rich in history as its name suggests.  Founded in 1833, Waynesville is one of the oldest cities in Pulaski County.  A... Read more
30
Old Stagecoach Stop

The historic museum offers up years of history as you move from room to room. Originally a log cabin as business grew it later served as a stagecoach stop along the Wire Road, a Civil War hospital, motel and apartments.  This building is l... Read more
31
Talbot House Antiques

Built in 1879 by Dr. Charles Talbbot this home has served as a boarding home and medical office. Currently operating as an antique shop and on the first Saturday night of the month is host to the COPS Paranormal Investigations.
32
Baker Hotel

Also known as the former Laughlin Homestead, Waynesville has placed a historic marker in rememberance of the Baker Hotel. Image courtesy of the Pulaski County Historical Society
33
Route 66 Courthouse Museum

Built in 1903 this museum is one of two along Route 66.  Curators constantly update the faclity with new displays for Route 66, Trail of Tears, and local stories.  John Ashcroft signed House Bill 1629 into law that designated Route 66 a h... Read more
34
Rigsby Service and Home

Much of this log home retains its early 29th century charm and over the years has served as various cafe's.  Next door remains the building that was home to Rigsby Standard Oil, the pumps removed long ago. Image courtesy of the Terry Prima... Read more
35
Waynesville Route 66 Mural

Route 66 Mural located at Odyssey Scuba and Eclectic Originals. Mural depicts the beautiful roaring Roubidoux Creek, Bridge and Historic Route 66.   The Why and How as told by Scuba Bob of Odyssey Scuba We purposefully did it in a fashion ... Read more
36
Fort Wood Theater

Many locals and soldiers spent time at this theater, which was razed in the early 1980s. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
37
Tasty Grill

Before or after the movies, Tasty Grill was a hoppin' joint.  In later years the bus station and donut shop was located next door. Images courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
38
Original Roubidoux Bridge

Long forgotten, you can still see the roadbed and pillar. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
39
Trail of Tears National Park Service Intrepretive Trail and Monument

Laughlin Park is home to the National Park Service Trail of Tears Intrepretive Trail and Memorial.  Tourists and locals alike enjoy the 1 mile walk along the Roubidoux River.  Check out our phone app for the Trail of Tears Memorial ...
40
Roubidoux Spring - Big Spring

This spring feeds the Roubidoux River and is one of the few rivers that the Missouri Depeartment of Conservation stocks with both brown and rainbow trout.   Roubidoux Spring discharges approximately 37 million gallons per day, making it on... Read more
41
Roubidoux Bridge

The 1923 Roubidoux Bridge was also designed by the Missouri State Highway Commission in 1922 to carry traffic across the Roubidoux on Missouri State Highway 14. Missouri Highway 14 was later designated as Highway 66. Builder Koss Constructi... Read more
42
Bell Hotel

Memorial Chapel of Waynesville is now home to the Bell Hotel.  Robert Bell later expanded the log cabin, (which parts of it can be seen inside the funeral home), to become Bell Hotel in 1929. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John B... Read more
43
Bell Garage - Safety Garage

This building has served as service stations and for the last 20 years as a florist shop.  Behind this building in the far parking lot use to sit several cabins that were available for rent. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Br... Read more
44
Witmor Farms

On the western outskirts of Waynesville, in an area called Buckhorn by the locals, is Witmor Farms building. Originally a Nickerson Farms restaurant, this was the second location of the popular roadside eatery chain. Headquartered in Eldon,... Read more
45
Buckhorn Market area

This village, named for old Buckhorn Tavern, was a famous stopping place for stagecoaches on the road from St. Louis to Springfield. The sign of the tavern was a large pair of deer antlers over the door. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  ht... Read more
46
Buckhorn Overpass

Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
47
D & D Market

Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
48
Pleasant Grove Church and Cabins

This was the location of Pleasant Grove, several of the cabins remain towards the back of the property. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
49
The Normandy

All that remains of this majestic building are pillars to the right of Route 66. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo ...
50
Gascozark Cafe

Built by Frank A. Jones, handmade baskets and other Ozark souvenirs were in plenty supply. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
51
Gascozark Trading Post

Was originally Caldwell's Cafe (store and station) also offering cabin rentals and is operating as Gasozark Flea Market.   Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection
52
Gasconade Hills Resort

This resort, in operation since the 1930s still provides a great-getaway.  Stay the night in one of the original log cabins, take a float along the Gasconade River. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo ...
53
Gasconade Hills Lodge

This lodge offers up a huge screened in entertainment area and beautiful country kitchen. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo
54
Gasconade Bridge - Bridge and Road Closed

The Gasconade Bridge is currently closed to thru traffic.  You will need to access Interstate 44 and resume your Route 66 experience at the Sleeper Exit. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo ...

 

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