No matter your age, interests or budget, you’ll find something fun to do in St. Louis this weekend.
Route 66 is the artery of historic Americana, and St. Louis is its beating heart.
Since 1926, the colorful, captivating culture of America’s past has been found at the stops on Route 66, beginning in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles. Since the route that passed through St. Louis changed several times – and the roadside treasures are plentiful – plan to spend at least two days here.
The section in St. Louis has everything from historic motels and hotels to museums and parks to diners and bowling alleys, all of which have maintained their Americana character. Note that there are three Route 66 roadways to drive: City 66, Original City 66 and Bypass 66. Purists will want to travel all of them!
In 2026, the Mother Road will turn 100, and there’s no time like the present to plan your celebratory journey. For more information, including local gems to explore while you’re in town, check out our Route 66 brochure.
Begin your adventure where the rubber first met the Mother Road in Missouri. To get to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, cross the New Chain of Rocks Bridge and then immediately turn south. As you admire the newly renovated bridge, imagine the roadsters that used it to cross the Mississippi River when it became Route 66 in 1936. The unusual 22-degree bend must have given those drivers pause; although, today it’s open only to pedestrians.
During the 1920s and 1930s, this delectable landmark was a must for travelers craving handmade malts. First opened in 1913, this continuously family-owned operation offers thick-stacked sandwiches to assure no one leaves hungry – the Heart-Stopping BLT is the stuff of legend! Oh, and of course, don’t forget the chocolate candy to-go.
Since 1965, Route 66 travelers have taken in this inspiring symbol of the Gateway to the West as they began on the Missouri part of their journey. Today, it features an exciting new museum, but of course, you’re here to ride to the top of the tallest human-made monument in the U.S. Once at the top, scope out the next stop on your personal Route 66 tour. Travel tip: Plan for parking in advance.
Route 66 was packed with down-on-their-luck dreamers traveling to a new life, along with desperados on the run, but plenty of well-heeled travelers traversed the motorway, too – and they stayed at The Chase Park Plaza. Be quartered in style, or at least get a perfect martini in the classy bar.
Locals are excited about this recent addition to the city, and travelers should be, too. Stop to see its dazzling showcase of historic neon signs that illuminated America’s highways for decades. You’ll definitely want to take a guided tour – it’ll leave you glowing! The Neon Museum is currently open four magical nights a month, so check the schedule.
This award-winning museum is a jewel among Forest Park’s many institutions. From 1866, the museum has deftly portrayed Missouri’s history, and it’s currently housed in the first national moment to Thomas Jefferson. With an emphasis on St. Louis history, permanent exhibits focus on our city’s rich and fascinating story, including a recently renovated 1904 World’s Fair exhibit that you must see! The best part? The Missouri History Museum is always free.
Built in 1922, this gem of a movie theater sits across from the world’s largest Amoco gas sign. The classic, two-screen theater gets its name from its location: It sits on the highest point in the city of St. Louis. Whether you’re a history buff or simply cruising Route 66, this stop is sure to be a memorable one. And why not catch a movie while you’re here?
Voted best donuts on Route 66, Donut Drive-In is a shrine to neon road signs and fried dough deliciousness. You don’t think you need that chocolate glazed or that custard filled, but trust us: You need both! There’s a second location also on the route at 8950 Manchester Road in Brentwood.
Yup – pull in, get a “concrete” and turn it upside down. The thick milkshake made with vanilla frozen custard and blended with traditional treats won’t fall out! Since 1929, travelers have been delighted by this popular dessert, which is so thick that it earned that nickname. Oh, and pick us up the Cardinal Sin – hot fudge and tart cherries – would you?
You’ll find this charming neighborhood on the original Route 66 (1926-1932). Among the quirky shops, there’s the 1950s Tiffany’s Original Diner; Sarasota Lanes, the 100-plus-year-old bowling alley; and a hardware store that dates back to 1905. Spend the afternoon and get lost in the history.
A little farther down Route 66, you’ll discover the 16-stool marvel that is Carl’s Drive-In. Originally a service station in 1918, it was converted into a summertime hot dog stand before being made into a Route 66-worthy diner in 1959. How old-school is it? You can only pay with cash, but you’ll happily open your wallet for the crispy-edged, griddle-smashed double cheeseburger. Wash it down with the diner’s original root beer.
This is another iconic diner that should be on your Route 66 menu. Since 1947, locals and travelers have enjoyed great American breakfast and lunch standards here – the pancakes are a must-try! Belly up to the counter for an authentic feel, and afterwards, walk off those calories in charming downtown Kirkwood, which features a working old-fashioned train station.
Knock out a few frames and make some new friends at this old-school bowling alley. Opened in 1958 by a trio of professional bowlers, including Dick Weber, the original neon sign was restored through a grant from the National Park Service in 2012. That fact alone makes Crestwood Bowl worth a stop. May your game be all strikes, no splits!
When it comes to places to dine Route 66-style, you have an embarrassment of riches, but this beloved tavern tops the list. It got its start in 1872 as a post office and general feed store, fittingly becoming a bar after Prohibition ended. It regularly wins those “best burger in town” honors.
The stunning and conversation-starting collection at Laumeier Sculpture Park encompasses more than 60 outdoor sculptures spread over 105 acres. The 1.4-mile walking trail through the open-air museum will take you on an imaginative path of wonderful, inspired and, yes, eccentric works of art. There’s a new indoor space for special exhibits, too.
This national treasure is a wellspring of transportation history, but let’s get real – you’re here to see the car collection, particularly Bobby Darin’s “Dream Machine.” The National Museum of Transportation is recognized as the largest collection of vehicles in the world – plus, the infamous Coral Court motel façade resides here, making this a mandatory stop for any Route 66 fan.
Experience the iconic Big Chief Roadhouse, serving travelers since 1929. This historic landmark isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a bygone era, offering delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere steeped in Route 66 lore. The farm-to-table menu includes the freshest ingredients, and the pancakes are irresistible.
Highway 44 replaced Route 66 in 1956 as part of President Eisenhower’s high-speed interstate system, and it will take you to your next destinations, including Joplin, Missouri. Don’t rush there, though; there are a couple of great stops before you continue your journey!
Housed in a 1935 roadhouse formerly known as Steiny’s Inn, Route 66 State Park’s visitors center is a treasure trove of Route 66 memorabilia. This is where the story of “Main Street, America” is told. Stretch those legs with seven miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Bonus: A cool new pedestrian bridge takes you across the Meramec River, one of the longest free-flowing waterways in the U.S.
Thrilling rides, entertaining shows, shops and gifts – Six Flags St. Louis has it all! Located off Highway 44 (the “new” 66), it has 15 thrilling rollercoasters that will get your blood pumping. Too hot? Hit the water park, which offers wet and wild rides and activities.
As you head out west with St. Louis in the rearview mirror, make a pit stop at Meramec Caverns. Reaching five stories high, it’s the largest commercial cave in Missouri, and it offers guided tours. Bring a sweater as it’s pleasantly cool in the magnificent cavern, which has been wowing roadsters since 1935. There’s also a zipline and a climbing wall on-site. Oh, and Jesse James was here – and now you can say you were, too.
