Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in the world, each year welcoming travelers from around the globe who want to take a ride on "The Mother Road."

Missouri features more than 280 miles of the famous highway and includes some of its most unique and iconic attractions. From west to east, Route 66 (most of which is now Interstate 44) meanders through big cities, small towns and a beautiful stretch of the Missouri Ozarks. Here, let's focus on the western half of Route 66, from Joplin to Devils Elbow.

The Missouri Division of Tourism's website, VisitMO.com, is a great place to find attractions associated with Route 66 in Missouri. Whether you're interested in photo opportunities, roadside oddities, places to eat or places to sleep, you can find them at VisitMO.com/route-66 or by keyword search "Route 66."

Entering Missouri from the west on Route 66 - in this section of the Show-Me State, it diverges from I-44 - should first bring you to Joplin, home of attractions such as the Joplin Museum Complex and the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center.

The Joplin Museum Complex, about one block north of Route 66, showcases the history of Joplin and its heritage as an important lead and zinc mining region. Displays include Victorian rooms, textiles, minerals and models.

A couple miles south of Route 66, at Wildcat Glades, take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Southwest Missouri by exploring this important wildlife habitat, which also is home to one of the last and largest chert glades in the world. Chert glades are a unique habitat found primarily in Southwest Missouri; about 60 acres remain worldwide, 27 of those being in Wildcat Glades.

Traveling a bit northeast on Route 66 you find Webb City, home to two unique Route 66 roadside attractions: The Praying Hands and the Kneeling Miner. The Praying Hands statue was created in 1972s by artist Jack Dawson. The hands stand 32 feet tall and weigh in at about 100 tons. The Kneeling Miner statue was also created by Dawson. This 10-foot-tall statue honors the region's mining history.

After taking photos of the Praying Hands and Kneeling Miner, head east on Route 66 to see a shrine to one of Southwest Missouri's most well-known creations, Precious Moments. Located just north of Route 66, the Precious Moments Chapel and
Gardens is the world's only Precious Moments chapel; it contains paintings and stained glass windows, by artist Sam Butcher, depicting stories from the Bible. Outside, the site contains a beautiful collection of gardens for visitors to enjoy.

Another Carthage attraction just off Route 66 is the Jasper County Courthouse. Built from 1894-95, the Romanesque Revival courthouse is made of Carthage stone and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's said to be the state of Missouri's second-most-photographed landmark, behind only the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Inside the Jasper County Courthouse are a variety of historical displays, including one focusing on Route 66.

If your time in Carthage keeps you overnight, be sure to check out the 66 Drive-In Theatre, which is open early April-mid-September and offers a really big screen: It's 96 feet wide and 44 feet tall.

Driving east from Carthage, the next major city is Springfield, Missouri's third-largest and the actual birthplace of Route 66. But before you get to Springfield, stop at Gary's Gay Parita, a recreation of a 1930 Sinclair Station. The site includes the replica station, original gas pumps and Route 66 memorabilia. Gary's is located about 25 miles west of Springfield on Old Route 66.

Springfield is considered the birthplace of Route 66 because it was there, on April 30, 1926, officials first came up with the name for the Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. Springfield is home to some of Missouri's most popular destinations, including Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and Dickerson Park Zoo. For locations with ties to the heyday of Route 66, such as early gas stations and cafes, explore the city's downtown and north side.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Springfield, try the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven. The site originally featured sandstone cottages built in 1938, but today, the Rail Haven offers modern amenities, while retaining its love for - and memorabilia related to - Route 66. There's even an Elvis-themed suite, complete with jetted tub, to help you unwind after a long day on the road.

From Springfield, drive northeast to Lebanon, to learn more about the history of The Mother Road at the Route 66 Museum. Take a self-guided tour of this museum, which offers recreations of a 1950s gas station and a classic diner, plus antique cars and Route 66 books and magazines. And no trip to Lebanon would be complete without a stop at the Munger Moss Motel - even if it's just for a photo - a Route 66 original with a neon pink, blue and yellow sign that for decades has helped weary travelers find a place to rest.

The next stop on this section on Route 66 offers one of the most colorful names, and some of the prettiest scenery, anywhere in Missouri. Near the Pulaski County community of Devils Elbow, you can: step onto the 1923 steel trestle bridge for a look at the crystal clear Big Piney River below; admire the river valley and a 1940 wooden railroad trestle from a scenic overlook; and see what's called Hooker Cut, once believed to be the deepest road cut in the U.S.

So there's a quick look at Route 66 from Joplin to Devils Elbow; the remaining portion of Route 66 from Rolla to St. Louis, offers more fun, interesting and unique attractions. Be sure to explore VisitMO.com for more information on Route 66.