Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in the United States. The highway was officially designated U.S. Route 66 on April 30, 1926, at a gathering in Springfield, Missouri. In 1938, Route 66 became the first completely paved transcontinental highway in America; it was the definitive modern roadway. Known as the “Mother Road,” it ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, a total of 2,448 miles (3,939 km). More than 300 (483 km) of those miles were in Missouri, stretching from downtown St. Louis to the Kansas state line, west of Joplin.

Even though Route 66 was removed from the U.S. highway system in 1985, replaced by Interstate highways, the legacy of the Mother Road is alive and well.

Now, I-44 through Missouri follows much of the route; however Missouri has placed “Historic Route 66” signs along the remaining portions of the original highway. Travelers and history buffs from around the world continue to drive those iconic sections of two-lane asphalt, where they find historic sites, picturesque scenery, original motels, wineries and other attractions.

Although there are far too many attractions to cover here, we present some highlights for your consideration. Additional ideas can be found on VisitMO.com, the official Missouri Division of Tourism website.

At the eastern end, St. Louis is one of the most popular cities on Route 66. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge carried travelers across the Mississippi River; it was the first entry point into Missouri. It is now closed to auto traffic. At 5,353 feet (1,632 meters), it is one of the longest pedestrian-bicycle-only bridges in the world.

Continuing on I-44, 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) southwest of downtown St. Louis, you reach Route 66 State Park in Eureka. This day-use park features a small section of old Route 66 and a visitor center with Route 66 exhibits. The facility includes picnic areas, and trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. (Note: the Visitor Center is closed from Dec. 16-March 31.)

From Eureka it is 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) to Route H, where a side trip of 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) takes you to Onondaga Cave, south of Leasburg. This National Natural Landmark is recognized as one of the most spectacular caves in the nation because of the quality of its formations.

Back on I-44, travel six miles (9.7 kilometers) to the town of Cuba, Missouri, where you can spend the night at the Wagon Wheel Motel, which opened in 1934. The individual stone cottages have been
restored, making this the oldest continuously operating tourist-court on the historic Route 66.

About 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) southwest of Cuba, stop and visit St. James Winery in St. James. One of more than 110 wineries in Missouri, St. James is the state's largest wine producer by volume. Visitors enjoy a free, self-serve tasting bar with samples of their 32 varieties of wine and juice.

Moving along another 67 miles (108 kilometers), you come to Lebanon, Missouri, home of the Munger Moss Motel, a world famous auto-court that harkens back to the hey-days of Route 66. Spend the night and the owners will entertain you with stories of life on The Mother Road. While in Lebanon, visit the Route 66 Museum, featuring re-creations of a 1950s gas station and a classic diner, along with displays of antique cars, a collection of Route 66 books, magazines and videos.

From there, take a side trip 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) to Bennett Spring State Park, the state's third-largest spring and top trout-fishing stream. The park features lodging, camping, a fly-fishing school, a nature center, canoeing, hiking and picnicking.

A visit to Springfield, 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) west, has to include a tour of Fantastic Caverns, the only drive-thru cave in America. First explored in 1867, tours today are given in jeep-drawn trams. Also in Springfield, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven is a good place to stay while exploring the city's many attractions. The original Rail Haven, built in 1938, had a split-rail fence around eight sandstone cottages with adjoining garages. In 1951, the motel became a founding member of the new Best Western chain. The original eight cottages have been joined by a modern motel. Antique gas pumps, vintage signs and 1955-era Fords decorate the grounds, paying homage to its place on the historic highway.

In Carthage, about 70 miles (112.6 kilometers) west of Springfield, one wing of the Boots Court Motel is restored to the way it appeared in the 1940s; restoration is under way on the rest of the facility. Period furniture decorates each room; many rooms have their original wood floors and tiled bathrooms. There are no TVs, but each room has a radio to fulfill a promise made by Arthur Boots, the original owner: “A radio in every room.”

From Carthage, the original Route 66 ran another 21 miles (33.8 kilometers), passing through Joplin, and entered Kansas. It was, and still is, a grand old road. There are thousands of attractions, lodging choices, outdoor activities and other things to see and along its path. Many are listed on VisitMO.com; also, you can contact several visitors' bureaus in cities along the way.

The key is to “get your kicks on Route 66.”