This post is one in a series of 15 posts of 15 things to do in Missouri in 2015. Don’t miss these other “15 in ’15” posts. Happy exploring in 2015 and enjoy the show!
Americans love a road trip. And who better to show you a great one (or three) than the Show-Me State?
“Way of American Genius”
There might just be some kind of magical line that crosses northern Missouri from border to border, and we built Missouri Route 36 right on top of it. I know that sounds like hocus-pocus, but consider the evidence: it’s called the “Way of American Genius” for a reason. Here’s just a sampling:
Tom Sawyer Days in Hannibal- Mark Twain’s boyhood home.
Samuel Clemens grew up beside the Mississippi River in Hannibal and became one of America’s most clever and beloved authors: Mark Twain. Tour his home, attend Tom Sawyer Days (if you time it right) and take in one or two performances showcasing the humorist.
Marceline’s hometown boy, Walt Disney, gifted us all with his joy and imagination, and went on to create the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Visit his hometown museum and the Dreaming Tree.
The general who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I was born in Laclede. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing was promoted to “General of the Armies of the United States” in 1919, an honor shared with only one other person in history: George Washington.
James Cash Penney, founder of J.C. Penney, was born in Hamilton. Also, the town is home to the famous Missouri Star Quilt Company.
St. Joseph is a place of historic beginnings and endings: the Pony Express started there, and outlaw Jesse James met his end there.
I love driving Route 36. It’s scenic, it’s peaceful and – obviously – it’s inspirational. It’s the “Way of American Genius.” I keep hoping maybe some of its magic will rub off on me.
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway
The big rivers have always been the life’s blood of the United States – carrying explorers, settlers, trade and dreams. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the Mighty Mississippi and the best part – in my humble opinion – tracks the length of Missouri’s eastern border.
Check out the observation tower in Canton, for a great overview of the river and the habitat it provides for migrating birds. It’s also a perfect spot to watch the commercial river traffic.
One of the river’s greatest champions was storyteller Mark Twain, who spent his childhood in Hannibal and started his career as a steamboat pilot. You can take a tour of his hometown and channel your inner Twain aboard a riverboat excursion on his beloved Mississippi.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Photo by Andy Echert.
If you’re traveling the Great River Road in the winter, the picturesque town of Clarksville is a must-stop spot to view bald eagles. They’re drawn in by open water provided by the locks and dams on the river.
Regardless of the time of year, there’s one place along the river you can’t miss: the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The city offers so much in the way of fabulous food, entertainment and culture; you couldn’t pick a better stop-over place before continuing your road trip south.
As you continue on the Great River Road, you’ll pass through the oldest European settlement west of the Mississippi – Ste. Genevieve. Stroll through the collection of 18th century French Colonial architecture and period gardens in the city’s National Historic Landmark District.
Incredible scenery is the main attraction on this road trip, so make sure you plan a stop at the Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook in Cape Girardeau. The 1928 bridge was replaced in 2003, but a trail with interpretive signage leads you to a commanding view of the river.
Route 66
Every year, an estimated 200,000 people (or more) from all over the world travel the iconic Route 66 – or as author John Steinbeck named it, “The Mother Road.”
Glorified in song and story, Route 66 was the first highway to run from the Midwest to the west coast. Although it was decommissioned in 1985, the road retains its mystique and offers a glimpse into a more colorful era, when the car was king. Take your time on your travels. It’s part of the attraction of this journey.
A lot of people like to start the Missouri leg of their trip with a local taste treat, at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. It’s been a tradition on Old Route 66 since 1929.
Visit Cuba, Missouri, along Route 66 and see the World’s Largest Rocking Chair.
Not far down the road is the perfect place to get an overview of your adventure in advance: a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original highway in Eureka. It now houses the Route 66 State Park’s visitor center.
Devil’s Elbow boasts a stretch of the original highway and a historic overlook, but its main claim to fame is the Elbow Inn Bar and BBQ. It’s a fun, kitschy spot that slow-smokes a variety of meats. It’s a regular stop for bikers, army types from nearby Fort Leonard Wood and Route 66 travelers.
For more insights into the road’s heyday, watch for the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.
Springfield is actually the home of Route 66 – the place where the road got its name in 1926. Among other attractions, enjoy the History Museum on the Square.
Time your trip so you pass through Carthage close to nightfall so you can take a very special nostalgic excursion to the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre. Like most drive-ins of its day, the Route 66 is only open during the summer months.
Finish as you started: with a treat – at the Supertam on 66 Ice Cream Parlor in Carterville. Plan on lingering a while; they have a 30-year collection of Superman stuff.
As the Bobby Troup song goes: “If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way: the highway that’s the best. Get your kicks on Route 66.”
Enjoy the drive!
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