Route 66 turns 100, and few places capture its spirit like St. Louis. Positioned along the early stretch of the Mother Road, the city has long served as a vital crossroads, where east meets west and history meets modernity. Over the past century, Route 66 has shifted course three times, reflecting St. Louis’ evolution as a transport hub, which remains an exciting gateway to the West today.
Don’t Miss Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
New Route 66 Sign in Kirkwood
To mark the Route 66 centennial, Kirkwood, Missouri, unveiled a new roadside landmark designed for passing motorists in search of the perfect photo. The 12-foot sign honours the highway’s imprint on this corner of St. Louis, where its legacy still threads through streets, storefronts and daily life. Visitors will find the sign at the corner of Kirkwood Road and Argonne Drive, within walking distance of the irresistible Spencer’s Grill.
Route 66 Cars & Guitars Festival (6 June 2026)
Held in the heart of downtown Kirkwood, this free, open-air festival captures the essence of Route 66 through music, motors and community members. Expect live performances across two outdoor stages, a vintage car show displaying classic and custom vehicles and a lively street atmosphere filled with local foods such as toasted ravioli, craft drinks and independent vendors.
Maplewood Route 66 Festival (26 September 2026)
One of the best-preserved stretches of the original route, Maplewood transports visitors to the golden age of American road travel. As you wander the neighbourhood streets, look for plaques paying tribute to businesses that have been operating since the route’s heyday. Today, the area continues to evolve – among other accolades, it was designated St. Louis’ first Green Dining District by the Green Dining Alliance, recognising its commitment to sustainable food practices. During the autumn festival, visitors can enjoy live music, classic cars, food stalls and community-led events, all celebrating the businesses and stories that define this stretch of the Mother Road.
Roads, Rivers, Rooms and Reels Exhibition, National Transportation Museum (Open from 14 March 2026)
Step into a century of road travel through this immersive new exhibition, featuring historic vehicles, rare artefacts and interactive displays that trace the evolution of Route 66 from its 1926 beginnings to its cultural revival. A standout feature is the 26-foot model of the S.S. Admiral, beautifully restored by the skilled craftsmen of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36, honouring the legendary riverboat that once defined river travel and entertainment across the Midwest.
Step into the Neighbourhoods of Route 66
Downtown St. Louis and Gateway Arch National Park
The story of the American West begins in the heart of downtown St. Louis, which is dominated by the Gateway Arch. As the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, the mid-century modern sculpture symbolises the spirit of exploration that defines Route 66. Ride the tram to the top for sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the path westward. Beyond the Gateway Arch, wander along the riverfront and stop for a slice of St. Louis-style pizza at Imo’s Pizza. Time your visit with Independence Day to witness the vibrant fireworks display over the Mighty Mississippi in a spectacular celebration of America’s 250th birthday, with two nights of headliners and a city-wide parade.
Central West End
Elegant and vibrant, the Central West End blends historic architecture with a creative contemporary edge, capturing the evolution of Route 66 into a modern cultural experience. A lively mix of cafes, galleries and independent boutiques sit amongst grand mansions and leafy streets. At its creative core is the Delmar Maker District, a hub for innovation and craftsmanship where visitors can shop for local souvenirs at Craft Alliance, try glassblowing at Third Degree Glass Factory, get creative at MADE for Kids and savour live-fire Mediterranean flavours at Esca.
Maplewood
Take a nostalgic trip through Maplewood, where classic diners, bowling alleys and hardware stores recall Route 66’s heyday. Today, family-owned originals share the spotlight with modern favourites such as internationally acclaimed Side Project Brewing, award-winning Kakao Chocolate and fair-trade-focused Zee Bee Market, continuing the tradition of delighting travellers from near and far.
Savour Classic Bites and Roadside Delights
Sweet Treats
A nostalgic roadside stop since the 1950s, Donut Drive-In has long satisfied the sweet tooth of Route 66 travellers, serving classic, freshly made donuts beneath its retro neon sign. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is another Route 66 institution, famous for its signature “concrete” – rich frozen custard blended with mix-ins so thick it’s served upside down. Since 1930, the sweet stand has drawn locals and visitors alike, becoming a must-stop for anyone tracing the flavours of the Mother Road.
Breweries & Beers
Explore St. Louis’ rich brewing heritage with a visit to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where a range of immersive experiences bring the beer-making process to life. Choose from guided tours that take you behind the scenes and then enjoy a cold one on the house! For a taste of the region’s craft scene, head to Side Project Brewing, where experimental, barrel-aged, small-batch beers offer a noteworthy twist on St. Louis’ long-standing brewing tradition.
Emblematic Eats
Route 66 isn’t complete without tasting the dishes that define a place – and in St. Louis, these specialities tell a story of cultural fusion and happy accidents. Taste the Italian-American favourite toasted ravioli – crispy, fried, beef-filled pasta said to originate at Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill. For a late-night bite or early-morning recovery, try the St. Louis slinger at Courtesy Diner, which piles potato, egg, chili, cheese, onion and protein onto one plate. And don’t miss the St. Paul Sandwich at Mai Lee, a uniquely St. Louis creation layering an egg foo young patty with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise between slices of white bread.
Enjoy Fresh-Air Adventure in the Outdoors
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Completed in 1929, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is one of the most distinctive crossings on Route 66, famed for its unusual mid-river bend. Once carrying travellers westward, it now serves as a scenic pedestrian and cycling route with sweeping Mississippi River views. Surrounding parkland and greenways offer space to walk, bike and unwind along the historic route.
Forest Park
Often called the “lungs of the city”, Forest Park is almost double the size of New York’s Central Park and offers a rich mix of nature and culture. Visitors can explore scenic walking and cycling trails, paddle across Post-Dispatch Lake or visit world-class attractions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri History Museum. In September, the park comes alive with the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race (18 – 19 September), when colourful hot air balloons fill the sky and create a spectacular show.
Route 66 State Park
Part of the original Route 66 corridor, Route 66 State Park preserves the spirit of the road through historic remnants, interpretive exhibits and scenic stretches along the Meramec River. Visit the park’s visitor centre housed in a former 1930s roadhouse to explore displays on Route 66’s history in Missouri, then head out on hiking and cycling trails that trace sections of the old roadway, spotting one of the 175 species of bird along the way. Don’t miss the special Route 66 celebration event on 7 November 2026, featuring heritage activities and programming that bring the story of the Mother Road to life.
