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 east to west, Route 66 (now Interstate 44) starts in St. Louis and meanders through big cities, small towns and a beautiful stretch of the Missouri Ozarks. Here, let's focus on the eastern half of Route 66 from St. Louis to Rolla.

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."

Perhaps the most iconic Route 66 attraction in St. Louis is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River and is one of the longest pedestrian-bicycle-only bridges in the world. The bridge was constructed in 1929 and re-opened as a pedestrian bridge in 1999. It spans more than 5,300 feet and overlooks a natural chain of rocks along the Mississippi.

After working up an appetite walking or riding your bike on the Chain of Rocks Bridge, treat yourself with a unique dessert at another St. Louis destination with ties to Route 66. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard location on Chippewa Street, also known as Old Route 66, opened in 1941 and is a true St. Louis tradition. Famous for its "concretes" - ice cream treats so thick, you can turn them upside down with no fear of spilling - Ted Drewes is a great place to cool off and get a true taste of Missouri.

While you're on Route 66 in St. Louis, it only makes sense to stop at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation, which pays homage to all makes of vehicles, from automobiles and trains to tugboats and military aircraft.

Heading east from St. Louis, a stop in Eureka leads to Route 66 State Park. Here you have the opportunity to explore a visitors center - the former site of a roadhouse built in the 1930s - where displays focus on the history of the highway from the 1930s-1960s, along with some of the souvenirs travelers sought while "Getting Their Kicks on Route 66." Nature enthusiasts will love the outdoor areas of the park, known to be a great place for bird watching and wildlife viewing; there also are
walking, biking and horseback-riding trails, plus picnic sites.

The next stop on the western Missouri section of Route 66 may be the most-famous site of all, the renowned Meramec Caverns in Stanton. Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri, covering seven different levels, and is said to have been a hideout used by outlaw Jesse James. A trip to Meramec Caverns doesn't have to end with the cave tour, though. You can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, stay at the motel or campground, rent a canoe for a leisurely trip on the Meramec River, explore the Jesse James Wax Museum or take a thrill ride on the Caveman Zipline.

Not far from Meramec Caverns is the city of Cuba, Missouri, which embraces its position as a Route 66 stop by offering a wonderful collection of Historical Murals for sightseers to enjoy. Cuba also is home to the famous Wagon Wheel Motel, which originally was built in 1935. This icon of Route 66 has been recently remodeled and, while retaining its old-time charm, offers modern amenities such as wireless Internet access and flat-screen televisions; some rooms even have Jacuzzi-brand tubs.

As you continue traveling the Route 66 corridor, the next real must-see roadside attraction is found just outside of Cuba, near the community of Fanning, on what's now Missouri Route ZZ. It's here, at the Fanning 66 Outpost, the World's Largest Rocking Chair sits. Built in 2008 and certified by the Guinness to be the world's largest; this comfy seat stands 42-feet, 1-inch tall and a little more than 20 feet wide. You truly have to see it to believe it.

Next up on the Route 66 trek through this region of Missouri is St. James, known as one of the state's top wine-producing areas. Enjoy a stop at the St. James Winery, just a short drive off Route 66, where wine cellar tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. If you're not up for a tour, but would rather do some sampling (and you have a designated driver) enjoy one of their 32 varieties of wine and juice.

The last stop on your Route 66 venture through eastern Missouri is Rolla, home to one of the most unique shopping experiences on the famed highway, the Totem Pole Trading Post. Walking into this shop truly is like taking a step back through time; it's said to be the oldest business on Route 66, opening in 1933, and among the items are sodas and snacks, fireworks, T-shirts, and assorted souvenirs and Route 66 memorabilia. Rolla also is home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The college campus features the Stonehenge Replica, a half-scale production of the famous Stonehenge monument in England. The replica was created by college students in the 1980s.

There's a quick look at Route 66 from St. Louis to Rolla; the remaining portion of Route 66 from Rolla to Webb City in Southwest Missouri offers more fun, interesting and unique attractions. For more, be sure to explore VisitMO.com.