Route 66 Driving Tour Preview

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Route 66

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 prosperous due to the growing popularity of the highway, and those same people later fought to keep the highway alive in the face of the growing threat of being bypassed by the new Interstate Highway System. Route 66 in Pulaski County begins/ends at Exit 169 - West on I-44. It continues throughout until the end/beginning of the county at Exit 145.

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Starting point of the Driving Tour

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 dolomite rock, and you’ll visit cities whose heyday was years ago, as well as cities just finding their roots. The tour will captivate travelers as they wind along the historic road in Pulaski County.

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Sterling Wells Hillbilly Store

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

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Hooker Cut

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 Primas & John Bradbury Collection

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Munger Moss - Elbow Inn & BBQ Pit

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 empty and serving as a residence it was reopened as the Elbow Inn & BBQ Pit for many years.Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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1923 Steel Bridge

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

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The Sugar Bowls

Beautiful Sugar bowl bluffs overlooking the Big Piney River in Devils Elbow.

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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 for logging shortleaf pine, and later hardwood railroad ties, upriver. The tie rafters would then rope the ties together and float them down the Big Piney River to the Gasconade River. They did, however, have much difficulty with a rather large bend in the river that continuously caused chaotic log jams, to which the rafters believed only the devil could have caused; hence the name Devils Elbow.Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Devils Elbow Cafe

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 the most scenic areas in the Ozark region".Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Devils Elbow

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

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Welcome to Devils Elbow Missouri and the Big Piney River

Welcome to Devils Elbow Missouri and the Big Piney River sign

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Sheldon's Market and Post Office

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://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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McCoy's Store & Camp

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. The building was located to the right of the Post Office.Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Graham's Camp

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/postcards/mo

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Scenic Overlook - Railroad Trestle

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.

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Big Piney Bridge

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 Company constructed almost a dozen, if not more, bridges in Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri between 1912 and 1942.Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Piney Beach Cabins

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

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E. Z. Inn

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 Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Devils Elbow Mural at Judy's Place

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

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Devils Elbow Motel

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

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Mark Twain Motel & Restaurant

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 Uranus; fudge factory, general store, indoor shooting range, souvenirs, unique eats, and an eclectic collection of bizarre items at the Sideshow Museum.Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Missouri Ave to Fort Leonard Wood

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 and city golf course is located off Missouri and Eastlawn Ave, a community aquatic park and indoor pool, a community center that is home to the county fair is located to the south of the George M. Reed Roadside Park.To the North, you will see the Saint Robert patriotic themed water tower was a finalist in Tnemec’s 2012 Tank of the Year competition. The three legs of this water tower point to the three rivers (Big Piney, Gasconade, & Roubidoux) in Pulaski County USA. To the west of the water tower you will see the Pulaski County Visitors Center, where the friendly staff will assist you with additional information during your visit to the area.Two miles to the south leads directly to Fort Leonard Wood. Fort Leonard Wood opened in 1941 and now serves as home to MANSEN. Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Route 66 Neon Park

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

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George M. Reed Roadside Park

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

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Lynch's Furniture

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 cots to the workers. As the work was complete at the Fort the building then became a furniture store.

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Ranch Motel

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

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Deville Motor Inn

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

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Oaks Court Modern Cabins

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 and apartment rentals.

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Jody's Cafe

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

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Top Hat Lounge

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

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Star Motel

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

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Frog Rock - W H Croaker

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 Nelson, spent months painting Croaker and volunteers maintain him with fresh paint every few years. Photos are welcomed, but avoid climbing the hill!

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Talbot House

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

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Old Stagecoach Stop

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 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Waynesville Square

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. A trading post for trappers and pioneers, encampment for the Trail of Tears, host of battles and skirmishes during the Civil War, Waynesville still bustles with activity. The tourist district offers gift shops, eateries, sweets, even 66 beers on tap!Stop in any one of the businesses to pick up your copy of the Waynesville Downtown Walking Tour to learn more about the historic sites. Or visit our online interactive map!This is also the location of the signing of legislation reconizing Missouri's 66 as an historic byway. According to the City of Waynesville website; "Five years after U.S. Highway 66 was decommissioned, on July 10, 1990, Missouri became the first state to award the highway historic status. A legislative bill, sponsored by Missouri State Representatives Jim Mitchell of Richland and J. Dan Woodall of Springfield, won unanimous support in the General Assembly. The bill was signed by then Governor John Ashcroft during a ceremony held on the lawn of the Pulaski County Courthouse in downtown Waynesville. On the day of the signing, Governor Ashcroft said he hoped the official designation would stir nostalgia and recreate interest in Route 66 and the small towns located along it. Governor Ashcroft's prediction, nearly 30 years ago, has been realized. Missouri's recognition of the Mother Road helped to spur the Route 66 survival."Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Route 66 Courthouse Museum

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 historic roadway in 1990 in front of this courthouse. Missouri was the first state to take legislative steps toward preserving the "Main Street of America". This building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Image courtesy of the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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8 Foot - Route 66 Shield, Waynesville

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 became a reality with contributions from area businesses and individuals.

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Rigsby Service and Home

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 & John Bradbury collection

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Baker Hotel

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

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Route 66 Interactive Mural

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 ScubaWe purposefully did it in a fashion that we hoped would allow as many people as possible to find something they can relate to without trying to be too specific about any single element. Fun debates have already popped up....is it a '56 or '57 Chevy? What bridge is that? Is or isn't that a Harley? Most people driving by and giving it a glance simply see a suggestion, and their imagination fills in the rest. Like most things in life you see what you choose to see...The idea for a mural was something Cheryl Keeton suggested and had had in mind for a very long time; maybe even as far back as when the neighboring businesses were torn down! However, as with most things in life, it seemed that time and money couldn't agree! I'd spoken to several artists throughout the years, but things just didn't seem to align for one reason or another. Last year I spoke to Jake Kloeppel, the non-sports Activities Director at WHS, and he told me that he and his group would love to be a part of making our mural a reality. If we'd supply the materials, they would donate the labor!The money also still wasn't really there but I decided that it probably never would be, so between Odyssey Scuba and personal funds I gathered the necessary materials. Jake and a group of graduates from Waynesville and Dixon (former students of his) settled on a time they could work, and I got busy begging and borrowing equipment. The use of the scaffold was donated by the city of Waynesville, and ladders were loaned by Larry Keeton and Luge Hardman. Various private citizens came along and donated drinks and snacks for the workers, Chris Landes (owner at Colton's) donated lunch one day, and a couple of other private citizens have graciously offered money to offset some of the costs.I sat down and began doodling ideas for the mural as soon as Jake and I started talking, and I guess I can say that for the most part the design is mine. I wanted something that was generic enough to appeal to nearly anyone, yet be suggestive of the elements that come together here in Waynesville. You can totally "crowd" a mural by putting too much into it, and I'm one that prefers things being simplistic by nature, so I attempted to bring in elements that spoke to both local people as well as visitors without it being "too much". Obviously, you have to choose the elements depicted, and some things are more easily identified and associated with such as Route 66 and the natural rivers/wildlife of Missouri. Jake took my sketches and made some design suggestions/changes, and then added the colors that I had hoped for to make it vividly stand out.I wanted to avoid being "commercial", but it's fair to say that since it's mine I wanted to have a personal/business touch included...so the dive flag is homage to the fact that Odyssey Scuba is the ONLY scuba shop in the entire world with a physical Route 66 address and it's located HERE! It's not done with words, but a simple Diver Down flag that identifies us. To a diver it stands out; to others, it's just another pretty color on the wall. I was also tired of having to say that we are "across from...." in describing our location; now, everyone will know the mural, and our neighbors can say they are across from US!It's our hope that as you cross the iconic bridge and enter what we feel is a vibrant small town at its best, you will be awed and pleased at the visual impression the mural creates. We hope the community can feel a sense of pride, and that it might inspire others to work just a little harder to make our small town the best it can be!Safe Diving~Bob, Odyssey ScubaInstalled June 2018Photos by: Waynesville School District and Cheryl Keeton/Eclectic Originals.

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Route 66: Ray Harvey Mural in Waynesville MO

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 mural that complemented Waynesville and Route 66. "Waynesville has 11 letters and every one has a little scene. So, it's like doing 11 little paintings..."

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Tasty Grill

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

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Fort Wood Theater

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

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Trail of Tears National Park Service Intrepretive Trail and Monument

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

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Roubidoux Spring - Big Spring

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 of the top 20 springs in Missouri. The spring is also home to an underwater cave that is visited by certified cave divers from all over the world. Stop by Odyssey Scuba and visit with Scuba Bob for more details!Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Roubidoux Bridge

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 Construction Company of Des Moines, Iowa was paid $44,035.00 for their work after completion. Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Original Roubidoux Bridge

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

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Bell Hotel

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 the Terry Primas & John Bradbury collection

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Bell Garage - Safety Garage

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 Bradbury collection

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Witmor Farms

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 Eldon, Missouri, I.J. Nickerson’s restaurants were a spinoff of Stuckey’s Pecan Shoppes. Ray Moorman purchased the restaurant in 1963, and he and his wife Norma served many hungry travelers.Update: This building was demolished in September 2014.Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Buckhorn Market area

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 http://www.66postcards.com/postcards/mo

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Buckhorn Overpass

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

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D & D Market

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

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Pleasant Grove Church and Cabins

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

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The Normandy

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

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Gascozark Cafe

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

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Gasconade Hills Resort

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

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Gasconade Hills Lodge

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

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Gasconade Bridge - Road and Bridge

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