10 Route 66 Highlights You Can’t Miss in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma

Route 66 stretches through the heart of America, and nowhere is its spirit more alive than in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

These three states offer travelers a journey through time, with neon signs, roadside attractions, and historic landmarks that tell stories of adventure and exploration.

Whether you’re searching for quirky photo opportunities, underground caves, or towering monuments, this stretch of the Mother Road delivers unforgettable memories at every turn.

1. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri

Soaring 630 feet into the sky, the Gateway Arch stands as America’s tallest monument and a symbol of westward expansion.

This gleaming stainless steel structure dominates the St. Louis skyline, visible from miles away and beckoning travelers to explore its history.

Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the arch was completed in 1965 and has since become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States.

Visitors can take a unique tram ride inside the arch’s hollow legs, ascending to the observation deck at the top.

The journey itself feels like stepping into a time capsule, with small pod-like cars carrying passengers upward through the curved structure.

Once at the summit, panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis, and the sprawling plains beyond.

On clear days, you can see for miles in every direction, making it easy to imagine the pioneers who once gazed at these same horizons.

The museum beneath the arch provides fascinating exhibits about westward migration, Native American history, and the construction of this engineering marvel.

Interactive displays engage visitors of all ages, bringing history to life through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories.

Surrounding the arch, the Gateway Arch National Park offers green spaces perfect for picnics and relaxation after your visit.

Street performers, food vendors, and riverboat cruises add to the vibrant atmosphere of the riverfront area.

For Route 66 travelers beginning their journey, the Gateway Arch serves as an inspiring starting point that captures the adventurous spirit of the open road.

Address: St. Louis, Missouri

2. Cars on the Route, Galena, Kansas

Tucked away in the tiny town of Galena sits a piece of automotive history that became famous thanks to a beloved animated film.

Cars on the Route occupies a restored 1930s service station that perfectly captures the golden age of American road travel.

The building’s original architecture has been lovingly preserved, complete with period-appropriate signage and vintage gas pumps that transport visitors back eight decades.

Outside the station sits an old International Harvester tow truck that served as inspiration for Mater, the lovable character from Pixar’s Cars.

Movie fans from around the world make pilgrimages to this spot to photograph themselves with the rusty truck and imagine Lightning McQueen racing by.

Inside, the shop offers an impressive collection of Route 66 souvenirs, from t-shirts and postcards to handcrafted items made by local artisans.

The friendly staff members are passionate about Route 66 history and love sharing stories about the road’s heyday and the town’s connection to the film.

Galena itself is worth exploring, with several other vintage buildings and murals celebrating the Mother Road’s legacy throughout this charming community.

The town represents Kansas’s brief 13-mile stretch of Route 66, making it a concentrated dose of nostalgia and Americana.

Many visitors stop here for snacks and cold drinks, chatting with fellow road trippers about their adventures and comparing travel routes.

The atmosphere feels welcoming and unhurried, embodying the slower pace of life that Route 66 represents to so many travelers.

Photography enthusiasts will find countless opportunities to capture that perfect vintage shot, especially during golden hour when the light bathes everything in warm tones.

Address: 119 N Main St, Galena, Kansas

3. Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Missouri

Deep beneath the Missouri countryside lies a hidden world of limestone formations that have captivated explorers for generations.

Meramec Caverns stretches more than four miles underground, though guided tours take visitors through the most spectacular sections of this natural wonder.

The caverns maintain a constant temperature of around 60 degrees year-round, making them a refreshing escape during hot summer road trips.

Colorful lighting illuminates the intricate stalactites and stalagmites, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fantasy realm.

One of the most famous features is the Wine Table, a massive limestone formation that resembles a giant mushroom or table.

Legend whispers that notorious outlaw Jesse James used these caverns as a hideout during his criminal escapades in the 1870s.

While historians debate the truth of this claim, the story adds an element of mystery and excitement to every visit.

The guided tours last about 80 minutes and cover approximately 1.25 miles of walking through well-maintained pathways.

Knowledgeable guides share geological information, historical tales, and point out formations that resemble animals, faces, and familiar objects.

Children especially enjoy spotting these natural sculptures and letting their imaginations run wild in the dimly lit chambers.

The tour concludes with a unique light show that has been a tradition at Meramec Caverns for decades, featuring patriotic music and dramatic illumination.

Outside the caverns, visitors can pan for gemstones, explore nature trails, or browse the gift shop filled with Route 66 memorabilia and geological treasures.

Address: 1135 Highway W, Stanton, Missouri

4. Rainbow Bridge, Riverton, Kansas

Engineering beauty meets historical significance at this rare surviving example of early 20th-century bridge design.

Rainbow Bridge represents one of the few remaining Marsh Arch bridges still standing along the original Route 66 alignment.

Built in 1923, this single-lane concrete structure features graceful arches that earned it the colorful name locals still use today.

The bridge spans Spring River with an elegant curve that photographers and history buffs find irresistible for capturing that perfect shot.

Though modern highways have bypassed this section, the bridge remains accessible to visitors who seek out authentic pieces of Route 66 history.

Walking across the narrow span gives travelers a sense of what driving the Mother Road felt like in its earliest days.

You can imagine Model T Fords and early travelers carefully navigating the single lane, honking to warn oncoming traffic of their approach.

The surrounding area offers peaceful scenery, with trees providing shade and the gentle sound of water flowing beneath the bridge.

It’s a perfect spot for a quiet break from driving, allowing time to reflect on the journey and appreciate the craftsmanship of earlier generations.

Historical markers near the bridge provide context about its construction and importance to the development of transportation in the region.

The Marsh Arch design was innovative for its time, using less concrete than traditional bridge styles while maintaining structural integrity.

Today, Rainbow Bridge stands as a monument to both engineering ingenuity and the pioneering spirit that built America’s highway system.

Visiting during different seasons offers varied experiences, from spring wildflowers to autumn foliage reflecting in the water below.

Address: Rainbow Bridge, SE Beasley Rd, Baxter Springs, Kansas

5. Blue Whale of Catoosa, Catoosa, Oklahoma

Grinning from the edge of a small pond sits one of Route 66’s most photographed and beloved attractions.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa measures over 80 feet long and stands as a testament to one man’s love for his wife.

Hugh Davis built this massive structure in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift for his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines.

Originally, the pond surrounding the whale served as a private swimming hole for family and friends to enjoy on hot Oklahoma days.

Word spread quickly about this unique attraction, and soon travelers were stopping to cool off and take pictures with the cheerful cetacean.

The Davis family eventually opened the site to the public, and it became a popular destination for families traveling Route 66.

After falling into disrepair in the 1980s and 1990s, local volunteers rallied to restore the Blue Whale to its former glory.

Today, fresh paint keeps the whale’s signature bright blue color vibrant, and the surrounding area has been cleaned and maintained beautifully.

Visitors can walk up onto the whale’s back, peer into its open mouth, and explore the small park area around the pond.

Picnic tables offer spots for lunch breaks, and the shade from nearby trees provides welcome relief during summer travels.

The quirky charm of this roadside attraction perfectly captures the playful spirit that makes Route 66 so special to travelers.

Social media has given the Blue Whale new life, with countless photos shared online inspiring new generations to make the pilgrimage.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best travel memories come from unexpected stops and whimsical discoveries along the way.

6. Milk Bottle Grocery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Standing proudly at a busy intersection, this diminutive building proves that good things really do come in small packages.

The Milk Bottle Grocery occupies a triangular plot of land, its unusual shape dictated by the converging streets that surround it.

Built in 1930, the structure measures just 350 square feet, making it one of the smallest commercial buildings still operating along Route 66.

Atop the building sits the structure’s crowning glory: a massive milk bottle that towers over the tiny store below.

This oversized advertisement has become an iconic symbol of Oklahoma City’s Route 66 heritage and mid-century roadside architecture.

Originally, the store sold fresh milk and dairy products to neighborhood customers and passing motorists seeking refreshment.

Over the decades, the business changed hands multiple times and adapted to serve different purposes while maintaining its distinctive appearance.

The building’s unique shape and vintage charm have made it a favorite subject for photographers and artists documenting Route 66’s treasures.

Recent restoration efforts have preserved the exterior’s character while ensuring the structure remains safe and stable for future generations.

The bright colors and retro styling transport visitors back to an era when such whimsical architecture dotted America’s highways.

Surrounding the Milk Bottle Grocery, Oklahoma City’s Classen Circle neighborhood retains much of its mid-century character and charm.

Visitors can explore nearby vintage shops, diners, and other businesses that celebrate the city’s connection to the Mother Road.

The building stands as a reminder of how creative entrepreneurs once competed for attention along busy highways, using bold designs and eye-catching features.

Address: 2426 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

7. Round Barn, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Rising from the Oklahoma plains, this architectural marvel has welcomed travelers since the dawn of the 20th century.

The Round Barn in Arcadia was constructed in 1898 by William Harrison Odor, a local farmer with ambitious plans and unique vision.

Its circular design was considered innovative and practical, allowing for efficient storage and easier movement when working with livestock and hay.

The structure measures 60 feet in diameter and features a distinctive red exterior that makes it visible from considerable distances.

Inside, the barn’s construction showcases impressive carpentry skills, with wooden beams forming a complex support system that has stood for over a century.

By the 1980s, the barn had fallen into serious disrepair, its roof collapsing and its future looking uncertain.

Local preservationists recognized the barn’s historical and cultural value, launching an ambitious restoration project that saved this Oklahoma treasure.

Today, the Round Barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a visitor center and gift shop.

Volunteers staff the location, sharing stories about the barn’s history, its restoration, and the role of agriculture in shaping Oklahoma’s identity.

The gift shop offers Route 66 memorabilia, local crafts, and refreshments for travelers passing through this charming small town.

Arcadia itself embodies small-town Oklahoma charm, with friendly locals and a slower pace that invites visitors to linger and explore.

The barn hosts occasional events and gatherings, bringing the community together and keeping this historic structure active and relevant.

Photographers love capturing the barn’s distinctive silhouette against Oklahoma’s big skies, especially during sunrise and sunset when light paints everything golden.

Address: 107 E Highway 66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

8. Totem Pole Park, Foyil, Oklahoma

Bursting with color and creativity, this folk art wonderland stands as a testament to one man’s artistic vision and determination.

Ed Galloway spent 11 years creating Totem Pole Park, working from 1937 to 1948 to bring his imaginative designs to life.

The centerpiece towers 90 feet above the ground, holding the title of world’s largest concrete totem pole.

Galloway decorated the massive structure with hundreds of carved images, including turtles, birds, faces, and geometric patterns in vibrant hues.

Every inch of the totem pole tells a story, with layers of symbolism and artistic expression that reward careful observation.

Surrounding the main totem, the park features numerous smaller sculptures, all handcrafted by Galloway using concrete, rocks, and his boundless imagination.

A fiddle house on the property once displayed Galloway’s hand-carved wooden fiddles, another of his many artistic pursuits.

The park fell into neglect after Galloway’s death, but dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore and maintain his colorful legacy.

Fresh paint and ongoing repairs ensure that future generations can experience the joy and wonder of this unique roadside attraction.

Visitors can walk freely through the park, examining the intricate details and marveling at the dedication required to complete such an ambitious project.

The site feels like stepping into an outsider artist’s dream, where conventional rules don’t apply and creativity knows no bounds.

Children especially love exploring the various sculptures and spotting hidden details among the swirling patterns and figures.

Totem Pole Park represents the quirky, individualistic spirit that makes Route 66 such a fascinating journey through American culture and creativity.

Address: 21300 E Highway 28A, Foyil, Oklahoma

9. Route 66 Museum, Clinton, Oklahoma

Step inside this carefully curated museum and travel through decades of American highway history without ever leaving the building.

The Route 66 Museum in Clinton offers one of the most comprehensive collections of Mother Road memorabilia and historical artifacts anywhere along the route.

Exhibits are organized chronologically, allowing visitors to experience the evolution of highway travel from the 1920s through the present day.

Vintage automobiles gleam under museum lighting, showcasing the changing styles and technologies that transformed American travel.

Recreated storefronts transport visitors back in time, complete with period-appropriate products, signage, and atmospheric details that feel authentic and immersive.

You can peek into a 1950s diner, examine a vintage motor court office, and explore other recreated spaces that bring history to life.

Educational displays explain Route 66’s economic impact on communities, its role in migration patterns, and its influence on American popular culture.

Photographs, personal stories, and artifacts donated by travelers and local residents add depth and human connection to the historical narrative.

The museum provides perfect relief during hot afternoons or rainy weather, offering air-conditioned comfort while enriching your Route 66 knowledge.

Interactive elements engage younger visitors, ensuring that families with children find the experience both educational and entertaining.

Museum staff members are knowledgeable and passionate about Route 66 history, happy to answer questions and share additional stories beyond the exhibits.

A well-stocked gift shop offers books, souvenirs, and unique items that make meaningful mementos of your journey along the Mother Road.

Clinton itself serves as an excellent base for exploring western Oklahoma’s Route 66 attractions, with numerous vintage motels and diners nearby.

Address: 2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton, Oklahoma

10. Pops 66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Glowing like a beacon along the Oklahoma prairie, this modern marvel proves that Route 66 continues to inspire creative architecture.

Pops 66 opened in 2007, bringing contemporary design and environmental consciousness to the historic highway.

The building’s most striking feature is a 66-foot LED-lit soda bottle that changes colors throughout the day and night, visible for miles in every direction.

Inside, the restaurant and convenience store offer an astounding selection of over 700 different sodas from around the world.

Glass-fronted coolers line the walls, creating a rainbow of bottles in every imaginable flavor and color combination.

Travelers can sample exotic flavors like bacon soda, pickle juice, or lavender lemonade alongside classic American favorites and international imports.

The restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, and other American comfort food in a bright, modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Outdoor seating allows diners to enjoy Oklahoma’s big skies while watching fellow travelers arrive and depart on their Route 66 adventures.

The architecture incorporates sustainable design elements, including extensive use of natural light and energy-efficient systems throughout the building.

At night, Pops transforms into a glowing landmark that draws photographers and travelers seeking that perfect illuminated shot.

The LED bottle cycles through thousands of color combinations, creating an ever-changing light show that never gets boring.

Families appreciate the clean facilities, friendly service, and novelty of choosing from hundreds of unique beverage options.

Pops represents Route 66’s continuing evolution, showing that the Mother Road remains relevant and exciting for new generations of travelers.

Address: 660 State Highway 66, Arcadia, Oklahoma