26/08/2026
The Mother Road turns 100 this year, and Missouri’s stretch of it might just be the most unforgettable 480km of history in the South. 🛣️✨
Route 66 joined the federal highway network on 11 November 1926. A century later, Missouri’s original alignment from St Louis to Joplin is still lined with places that bring the Mother Road story to life.
📍 St Louis: Begin beneath the Gateway Arch (192m, the tallest monument in America), cross the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, then make time for frozen custard at Ted Drewes, serving travellers since 1929.
📍 Stanton: Head underground at Meramec Caverns, welcoming road trippers since 1933. It’s a fitting stop in Missouri, the Cave State, with around 7,500 caves on record.
📍 Springfield: This is where the Route 66 story truly began. A placard on Park Central Square marks the exact spot where the name “Route 66” was proposed back in 1926.
📍 Augusta: Take the scenic detour to America’s first federally recognised wine region. Augusta beat seven Californian districts to the title in 1980, thanks to vines planted by German settlers in the 1830s.
And the centennial celebrations are only just getting started!
The Festival of Nations comes to St Louis on 29–30 August, with free entry and 80 countries represented. Then, on 7 November, the official Route 66 Centennial Celebration arrives at Route 66 State Park.
A century on, the Mother Road is still calling. So take the long way, chase a little history, and make your own Route 66 moment. ❤️🛣️
Plan your Mother Road adventure at travelsouthusa.au