In 2026, the State Historical Society of Missouri embarked on a five-day roadtrip from St. Louis to the state line, just west of Joplin, to meet the people and places along America's beloved Main Street - Route 66. SHSMO's crew of history adventurers arrived in Springfield, Mo., on April 30, 2026, just in time for the kickoff of the National Route 66 Centennial. Come along on our five-day adventure and see the places we visited on our journey.
Day 1: SHSMO's Kathleen Seale begins the adventure as we cross the state line from Illinois to St. Louis on the Chain of Rocks Bridge, and make stops at Donut Drive-In, Carl's Drive-In, Ted Drews, Route 66 State Park in Eureka, and Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood, Mo.
Day 2: We visit iconic Route 66 places, including Pacific Opera House of Pacific, remains of The Diamond Inn at Gray Summit, Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Meramec Caverns in Steelville, Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Shamrock Inn in Sullivan, Fanning Outpost General Store and Wildwood Springs Lodge in Steelville.
Day 3: Halfway through out week, we begin in St. James and head to Rolla to visit the Phelps County Historical Society, Devil's Elbow, Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert, Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store, historic Gasconade River Bridge, the Old State Coach Stop, Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Munger Moss Motel, Route 66 Kiosk in Marshfield, and the remains of Abbylee Modern Court
Day 4: SHSMO's Kathleen Seale and Haley Frizzle-Green share the festivities at the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff in Springfield where it all began. Along with stops at Spencer Station and the Rockwood Motel, we meet up with actor John Goodman, St. Louis native and Missouri State University alum, and hear the musical talents of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and others who share their love for Route 66!
Day 5: We continue west of Springfield on our final day with stops at the Boots Motel in Carthage, Route 66 Mural Park, Bonnie and Clyde's get-away apartment in Joplin, and the Joplin History & Mineral Museum before we arrive at the state line.