Explore Lesser-Known Stops on Historic Route 66: St. Louis to Tulsa

On this stretch of Route 66, you’ll pass through three states. Be sure not to blink or you might miss Kansas. It is home to less than 14 miles of Mother Road!

By the time you reach where the wind sweeps down the plain, you’ll understand why this section of the country was made for towering roadside attractions. You’ll also discover ghost towns and one whimsical blue whale with a romantic origin story.

Meramec Caverns

One of the most famous attractions ever marketed along Route 66, Meramec Caverns has welcomed road-trippers for generations. Travelers can explore vast underground formations before continuing west along the Mother Road through Missouri.

World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair｜Cuba, MO

The 42-foot high rocking chair was erected on April Fools’ day in 2008. Despite this, it was never a joke. It held the title for 7 years.

To secure the official record for “World’s Largest Rocking Chair” in the Guinness Book of World Records, builders made a 27,000-pound chair. This chair was built to rock back and forth like its much-smaller inspiration.

The chair lost its first place position in 2015. This happened when Casey, Illinois, known as “the small town of big things,” built their own super-sized rocker. This new rocker clocks in at more than 55 feet tall.

Renamed the “Route 66 Red Rocker,” Cuba’s contender still towers over the Fanning Outpost General Store, where visitors can stock up on sodas, snacks, and souvenirs.

Gary’s Gay Parita｜Ash Grove, MO

The Gay Parita filling station and garage was established in 1930 in Ash Grove, Missouri, 20 miles west of Springfield. Built by a couple and named after the wife, Gay, the Sinclair station burned down in 1955. In 2005, the property was brought back to life by Gary Turner, an entertainer from California. Turner filled the replica station with old signage, memorabilia, and his enormous personality, welcoming travelers from all over the world.

Turner and his wife died within five months of each other in 2015. After their passing, their daughter Barb and her husband George took over. This decision gave this historic slice of Route 66 yet another new lease on life.

Red Oak II ｜Carthage, MO

Internationally known artist Lowell Davis grew up in (and eventually left) Red Oak, Missouri. When Davis came back to his hometown, he found it virtually deserted. He began purchasing buildings and moving them 20 miles west to land he owned in Carthage.

It’s here that Davis recreated his vision of small town America. Red Oak II is home to a cafe, diner, town hall, school, and bandstand. It also includes a blacksmith shop, playground, and general store.

Metal sculptures made by Davis dot the property. Visitors are still welcome five years after Davis’ death. They are encouraged to stay on the gravel road and be respectful of the private community.

Galena, KS｜Cars on the Route

The Kansas stretch of Route 66 is a great example of “quality over quantity.” It packs several bucket-list destinations into just 13.2 miles of Mother Road. Fans of Cars, the 2006 animated classic, may be especially starstruck in Galena. The film is credited with spurring a Route 66 revival craze. Galena is a former mining town. A rusty tow truck outside of a circa-1934 Kan-O-Tex service station inspired animators to create the beloved Tow Mater character.

The property was purchased in the early 2000s. It was restored by four women. Now, it’s known as “Cars on the Route.” The property now houses a restaurant, gift shop, drive-thru Route 66 sign, and welcome center.

Blue Whale of Catoosa｜Catoosa, OK

Built by Hugh Davis in the 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift for his whale-loving wife, Zelta. In the decades since, the Blue Whale of Catoosa has become one of the most-recognizable destinations along the Mother Road. It’s not hard to see why.

The whimsical whale rises 20 feet above a swimming pond along Route 66 and features a slide and diving platform. Swimming is no longer allowed at the attraction. However, visitors can enjoy a picnic on the grounds. They can also admire the impressive metal and cement love letter. Local volunteers restored it after the Davis’ deaths.

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