Route 66 Driving Tour

US 66 served as a primary route for those who migrated west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and the road supported the economies of the communities through which it passed. People doing business along the route became prospe... Read more

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful Sugar bowl bluffs overlooking the Big Piney River in 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

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

Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

Welcome to Devils Elbow Missouri and the Big Piney River sign

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

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.  The building received significant damage in the flood of 2017 and was torn down.... Read more

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/po... Read more

A spectacular view of the valley overlooking the Frisco Spur Wood Railroad Trestle, also known as Schoolhouse Bridge,  which was built in in the 1940s.  The rail brought in building supplies and materials to Fort Leonard Wood.

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

Originally a motor court, the cabins were renovated to preserve the original 1940's style.  Currently, they are rented long-term.

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

Mural of Devils Elbow painted on Judy's Place on Teardrop Road

Built-in 1950s, part of the structure of this Route 66 motel remain. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo  

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

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

This open-air museum will open in Fall 2023.  To order your "Brick on 66", visit https://www.saintrobert.com/357/Route-66-Neon-Park and for more information. ...

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

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 ... Read more

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 ...

The Deville Motor Inn served travelers needs with an adjacent restaurant. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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

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 ...

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

Star Motel has remodeled several times and is now a two-story motel operating under Rodeway Inn. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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, Phil Nel... Read more

Built in 1879 by Dr. Charles Talbot this home has served as a boarding home, medical office, and antique shop over the years.

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

Waynesville serves as the county seat,  is named after "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a Revolutionary 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.  ... Read more

Built-in 1903 this museum is one of two along Route 66.  Curators constantly update the facility 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 ... Read more

Great photo opportunity on the square in Waynesville!  Gather 'round this 8-foot x 8-foot Route 66 Shield for the perfect selfie or group photo.  The shield weighs over 1,000lbs.  The brainchild of Tim Berrier of Lone Oak Printing bec... Read more

Much of this log home retains its early 29th-century charm and over the years has served as various cafes.  Next door remains the building that was home to Rigsby Standard Oil, the pumps removed long ago. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas... Read more

Also known as the former Laughlin Homestead, Waynesville has placed a historic marker in remembrance of the Baker Hotel. Image courtesy of the Pulaski County Historical Society

Route 66 Mural located at Odyssey Scuba and Eclectic Originals. The 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 fas... Read more

Located in downtown Waynesville on Route 66, is Waynesville mural painted on the side of the Dollar General store. Ray Harvey, a Missouri artist from Franklin County Missouri, was commisioned by the City of Waynesville and they wanted a mur... Read more

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

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

Laughlin Park is home to the National Park Service Trail of Tears Interpretive 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 ...

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

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

Long forgotten, you can still see the roadbed and pillar. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

The Bell Hotel is now home to the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville.  Originally a log cabin, 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 t... Read more

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

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

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

Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman  http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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

The Gasconade Bridge reopened to thru traffic in September 2019 after being closed for 5 years.  The new bridge allows travelers to view the original bridge.  Current the Gasconade Bridge Guardians are seeking investors to save the origin... Read more