Route 66 Day Trip from St. Louis: Cuba, MO
If you have’t heard, this year is the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and the towns along the historic highway are celebrating in a big way! I’ve always loved the idea of road trips but personally 3 hours is about as along as I want to sit in a car, especially with little kids. Luckily there are tons of great short road trips in Missouri and this summer is the perfect time to explore the towns on Route 66. First up: Cuba, MO.
This is the perfect first venture on Route 66 because it’s the home of the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit this summer! It’s a kid-friendly FREE showcase marking 100 years of the Mother Road! Plus it’s just an hour and a half from St. Louis. Here’s how to take the family on a fun day trip (or scroll down if you want to make it an overnight adventure!)
This post is sponsored by the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit
The Exhibit:
Now through September 14, the Crawford County Historical Society is hosting the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit.
This free exhibit brings Route 66 to life through immersive storytelling, large-format displays, and interactive elements designed for all ages. Inspired by the documentary series Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road, it highlights the people, places, and stories that shaped this legendary highway. For the kids, they have a passport and easy to follow prompts on each display to keep them engaged!
👉 When to go:
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (May 5 – September 14)
Located right in downtown Cuba at 308 N Smith St, Cuba, MO 65453
Completely free!
Grab a passport and explore the FREE traveling exhibit.
The exhibit is hands on and perfect for kids to learn and explore Route 66’s history in Missouri.
Spend the Day in Cuba:
Once you’ve explored the exhibit, don’t rush back! Cuba is full of quirky Route 66 charm that makes for a perfect slow-paced day trip.
Start Your Morning at a Route 66 Classic: Grab breakfast at Shelly's Route 66 Cafe, where you’ll find all the breakfast staples served with a side of nostalgia.
Snap a photo with the Route 66 sign: Located on the edge of town (across the street from Missouri Hick BBQ) is a giant Route 66 sign you can snap photos with to commemorate the historic anniversary.
Wander through the outdoor art: Cuba is known as “Mural City,” and once you’re downtown, you’ll see why. Many of the buildings are covered with colorful murals telling the story of the town, the road and the people.
Get your BBQ fix: You can’t visit without stopping at Missouri Hick BBQ. Known for its smoked meats and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a must for barbecue lovers and a perfect midday break.
Gaze up at the GIANT rocking chair: Just outside of town is one of the world’s largest rocking chairs (it’s now the second biggest). It’s the kind of quirky roadtrip thing you’ve got to stop and see. Plus grab some fudge or old fashion soda at Fanning Outpost.
Don’t miss all the murals around Downtown Cuba, right along Route 66.
The giant rocking chair on Route 66 is one of those road side attractions you’ve got to check out.
Make it an Overnight Adventure:
If you have the time, I highly recommend turning this day trip into a full overnight getaway. One of the best parts about visiting Cuba, Missouri is how close you are to some of Missouri’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, making it easy to mix Route 66 nostalgia with a little nature.
We stayed at a cabin in Steelville during our visit and loved spending time in the woods as a family. The proximity to the Meramec River makes this a great chance to add a float trip to the weekend getaway,
Local outfitters offer canoe, kayak, and raft rentals, making it easy even if you’re not bringing your own gear.
And if you want to stay on dry land, check out Meramec State Park for a hike!
Save this for a summer road trip adventure!
Thank you to Assertion Films and the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit for sponsoring this post!