(StatePoint) The soft glow of burning neon is synonymous with the spirit of adventure physically manifested by the most famous roadway in America. No path has captured the hearts and imaginations of those yearning to leave their cares behind and venture into the sunset like Route 66 has for the last 100 years.
In Pulaski County, Missouri, the lure of mid-century Americana lives on in tributes to the iconic Mother Road -- including brand-new attractions, historic vestiges of a bygone era, and one-of-a-kind events that represent countless memories waiting to be discovered, as well as those made over the course of a century along the famed highway.
The newest of these roadside wonders, Route 66 Neon Park in Saint Robert expands upon the Show Me State’s legendary history with the Mother Road. Here, vintage neon signs that lined the Missouri portion of Route 66 are displayed in a dazzling spectacle. Once abandoned and left to deteriorate under piles of junk in dusty sheds and barns, these exquisite, mid-century modern masterpieces have been painstakingly restored to their former glory and donated by private owners to the City of Saint Robert. Each night, they shine a warm, familiar glow over the same highway they adorned generations ago. One of three such locations along Historic Route 66 -- and the only of its kind in Missouri -- Route 66 Neon Park provides a special experience for all who bask in its luminous majesty.
Down the road in Waynesville -- where Route 66 was designated as a historic district by act of state legislation -- gearheads and casual car fans alike welcome cross-country navigators as they embark on the Great Race. Spanning from Springfield, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, this nearly 2,000-mile quest is a competitive, controlled-speed road rally that carries drivers along Historic Route 66, testing each team’s ability to navigate their way to the sunny shores of the Pacific Ocean. At the historic Waynesville Square on June 21, 2026, the 130 transcontinental travelers will break for lunch, welcomed by admiring fans waiting to catch a glimpse of cars ranging in age from the early 1900s to the 1970s before these classic cars burn rubber on the Mother Road again. Be there to cheer them on!
Of course, numerous sites along the Pulaski County stretch of Historic Route 66 draw adoring eyes just as they have for the last 100 years. Soak in the marvelous sight of the Hiawatha Bluffs and the Big Piney River on the iconic 1923 steel truss bridge in Devils Elbow. Pull over for a laugh at the quirky and cheeky sights -- as well as the deliciously sweet treats -- at the Uranus Fudge Factory. Stroll around historic landmarks and snap selfies at murals and other can’t-miss photo ops around Downtown Waynesville. And discover a world of mouthwatering flavors and reclaimed treasures at the restaurants, diners, and antique shops lining this unforgettable portion of America’s Main Street. Like those iconic neon signs, your face will light up as you move from one memorable experience to the next, just as road trippers have since 1926.
An historic adventure on the Mother Road awaits. Visitors can order a 2025 Getaway Guide for even more one-of-a-kind encounters, including relaxing float trips, thrilling fishing opportunities, military monuments and museums, and can’t-miss events you’ll want to plan your trip around. To learn more or a copy of the guide, visit VisitPulaskiCounty.com.
Photo 1 Credit: (c) @midwestnomadfamily
Photo 2 Credit: (c) @therobertswerehere
