Exploring the History and Nostalgia of Route 66 in Ozark, Missouri

Exploring the History of Route 66 in Ozark, Missouri

Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, the legendary Route 66 winds through the heartland of America. While much of this iconic highway has been decommissioned over the years, the section running through Ozark, Missouri still preserves the nostalgia and adventure of traveling the Mother Road.

Located about 15 miles south of Springfield, Ozark became an important stop along Route 66 when the highway was established in 1926. As one of the few cities along the route between Springfield and Joplin, Ozark provided weary travelers with motels, restaurants, gas stations and auto repair shops.

The Origins of Ozark, Missouri

Though Ozark didn't become a boomtown until Route 66 came through, the city's origins date back to the 1800s. Ozark was originally known as Finley Creek and was mostly home to farmers and ranchers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped the settlement grow into a village and brought economic opportunities.

When Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, traffic along the dusty stretch of road increased substantially. Entrepreneurs in Ozark built businesses to cater to these travelers. By the late 1930s, Ozark was bustling with tourists and locals alike, drawn to the town's attractions.

Vintage Route 66 Motels

Motels were an iconic part of the Route 66 experience, providing road-weary travelers a place to rest their heads for the night. In Ozark, motels like the Town & Country Motel and the Trail Inn Motel have been renovated and still operate today as nostalgic reminders of Route 66's heyday.

These historic motels take visitors back to the golden era of Route 66 with their retro neon signs and classic midcentury architecture. Inside, you'll often find rooms outfitted with vintage furniture and decor for an authentic throwback vibe.

Retro Dining Along the Mother Road

No journey down Route 66 is complete without sampling some classic diner fare. In Ozark, Deline's Dixie Cafe serves up homestyle cooking in a building that has been operating as a restaurant since the 1950s. Diners can take a step back in time while enjoying delicious comfort foods like chicken fried steak, pot roast and biscuits and gravy.

For a sweet treat, Route 66 Ice Cream Parlor is a sugary stop along the Mother Road. Their menu features indulgent sundaes, shakes and malts, as well as sandwiches and old-fashioned sodas. The walls are decked with vintage signs and photos to transport you back to the heyday of Route 66.

Route 66 Murals & Meramec River Bridge

Art lovers will enjoy the collection of murals depicting Ozark's place in Route 66 history. Stop by the Ozark Actors Theatre or Ozark Courthouse to admire these colorful works of public art. The 14 foot tall mural at the theatre depicts the Richmond Brothers, who performed daredevil stunts along Route 66 to attract travelers to Ozark.

For a scenic view, head to the Highway 65 & Route 66 Meramec River Bridge. This historic steel truss bridge that spans the Meramec River provides Instagram-worthy views. Pull over in one of the parking areas near the bridge to snap some photos of this iconic Ozark backdrop.

Annual Route 66 Festival

Each fall, Ozark celebrates its Route 66 heritage with a festival featuring live music, a classic car cruise and truck show, craft vendors, food trucks and more. The free event draws thousands of attendees along with over 500 classic cars. It's a fun way for both locals and tourists to soak in Ozark's roots along the Mother Road.

Route 66 Museum & Visitor Center

For a deeper look into the history and culture of Route 66, make a stop at the Route 66 Association of Missouri Museum & Visitor Center. This museum in downtown Ozark contains educational exhibits about the highway's history, as well as vintage cars, photographs, artifacts and a gift shop.

Some highlights include a recreated 1930s Beale Cafe dining room, an interactive map mural of Route 66 through Missouri and an impressive "Wall of Fame" featuring music legends like Nat King Cole who toured along the Mother Road. Guided tours are available by appointment.

Route 66 Still Lives on in Ozark

Though sections of Route 66 have been replaced by the interstate system, Ozark continues to preserve the nostalgia and unique culture that developed along the Mother Road. From retro motels to mom-and-pop diners, this stretch of Route 66 offers a glimpse into classic Americana.

With annual festivals and attractions celebrating Ozark's place in Route 66 history, travelers of all ages can experience the magic of driving down the Main Street of America. So cruise through town in a vintage ride, stop for a milkshake and enjoy the enduring spirit of Route 66 in Ozark, Missouri.

FAQs

What are some of the vintage motels to stay at in Ozark along Route 66?

Some of the classic Route 66 motels in Ozark you can stay at include the Town & Country Motel, Trail Inn Motel, Munger Moss Motel and Rest Haven Motel. Many have been renovated but still retain their retro neon signs, architecture and midcentury decor.

Where can I find good classic American diner food in Ozark?

Deline's Dixie Cafe is a great spot for homemade comfort food like chicken fried steak, pot roast and biscuits and gravy. Their building has been operating as a restaurant since the 1950s. Route 66 Ice Cream Parlor serves up retro ice cream treats and sodas.

What Route 66 attractions are located in downtown Ozark?

Downtown Ozark has several Route 66 themed murals like the one at Ozark Actors Theatre depicting the Richmond Brothers stuntmen. The Route 66 Museum & Visitor Center contains educational exhibits and artifacts from the Mother Road's history.

When is the annual Route 66 Festival in Ozark?

The Ozark Route 66 Festival takes place each fall, usually in late September or early October. It includes live music, a classic car show, food trucks, craft vendors and more. Check the event schedule on the city's website for details.