Discovering Route 66: St. Louis to Springfield, MO

Day 1: St. Louis Exploration

St. Louis, MO

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Blue Owl Restaurant

Kickstart your day with their famous 'Five Layer' slice of pie nestled in the historic area of Kimmswick.
Drive to historic Kimmswick, about 30 minutes south of the city.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Gateway Arch

After breakfast, head to this iconic monument for a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis from the top.
10-minute drive from Kimmswick to Gateway Arch.
USD16, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Savor some of the best Memphis-style BBQ St. Louis has to offer, famous for their ribs and pulled pork.
A 10-minute drive from the Arch.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Forest Park

Spend the afternoon walking through one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., home to several museums and the St. Louis Zoo.
A 10-minute drive from Pappy's.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Crossing

Enjoy a gourmet meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients in a chic ambiance.
A 15-minute drive from Forest Park.
USD35, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Relax and overnight

Check into your hotel for the night, preparing for an early start on your journey along Route 66.
Travel back to a hotel within St. Louis.
USD100, N/A
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Day 2: Road to Rolla

Rolla, MO

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hi-Point Drive In

Fuel up with a classic American breakfast at this nostalgic diner that’s a local favorite.
Head west on Route 66 to Rolla, a scenic drive that takes about 1.5 hours.
USD12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Route 66 Museum

Dive into the rich history of this legendary highway through exhibits and artifacts that showcase its cultural significance.
Short drive to the museum in downtown Rolla.
USD5, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Rob and Jack's

Enjoy a hearty local meal featuring burgers and sandwiches in a cozy diner setting.
Walk or drive 5 minutes to the restaurant.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Ozark Actors Theatre

Catch a local performance or check out the schedule for upcoming shows at this vibrant community theater.
Head back towards downtown Rolla.
USD20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Scenic drive through Mark Twain National Forest

Take a relaxing drive through this stunning national forest with beautiful views of the Ozark mountains.
About 30-minute drive from Rolla into the forest.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Public House Brewing Company

Enjoy craft beer and a delicious dinner in a rustic brewpub atmosphere.
Return to Rolla, around 30 minutes.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Rest and overnight in Rolla

Settle into your accommodation to recharge for the next leg of your adventure.
Choose a hotel in Rolla.
USD90, N/A
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Day 3: Destination Springfield

Springfield, MO

7:30AM

Breakfast at Diner 63

Start your day with a classic breakfast at this charming 50s-themed diner in Rolla.
Check out and drive directly a short distance to Diner 63.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Springfield

Embark on your drive to Springfield, a scenic 1.5-hour journey filled with breathtaking views.
Follow Route 66 to Springfield.
Gas USD10, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Arrival & Visit the Route 66 Car Museum

Discover an amazing collection of vintage cars and roadside artifacts that celebrate the culture of Route 66.
A short drive from your entry into Springfield.
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cashew Chicken

Experience Springfield-style Cashew Chicken, a local dish, at this beloved restaurant with a friendly atmosphere.
5-minute drive from the museum.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Wonders of Wildlife Museum

Witness the astounding display of wildlife exhibits, including life-sized dioramas and interactive displays, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
A 10-minute drive from the lunch spot.
USD15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk around the Springfield Botanical Gardens

Unwind in the stunning landscapes and beautiful flowers of these serene gardens, a perfect way to relax after exploring.
Head 10 minutes from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Great American Taco Company

Finish your trip with a delicious taco dinner, featuring creative options and a casual vibe.
A short drive back toward downtown Springfield.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00PM

Evening exploration & Departure

Take some time to explore downtown Springfield before wrapping up your amazing Route 66 journey.
End your trip in downtown Springfield.
Free, N/A
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