3 Places Along Midwest Route 66 Worth the Visit

For a very long time, I have had a passion for the Mother Road, Route 66. It is something about riding the route that just draws me in and captures every breath of me. While I have had the opportunity to make stops from Illinois to California, today’s article is dedicated to three places along Midwest Route 66 that’s worth the visit.

These stops include the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, The Pink Elephant in Livingston, Illinois, and an overnight stop at the Historic Route 66 KOA in Eureka, Missouri.

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Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

For starters, the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 110 W Howard Street in Pontiac, IL. Nostalgic relics from The Mother Road, such as shield murals, photos, license plates, the microbus and more are showcased within the museum

Upon arrival if you park behind the museum, you are immediately greeted with many different 3D wall murals, the huge Route 66 mural, the Wishing Well Motel Sign, the wishing well, itself, and the Waldmire School Bus mobile home.

Inside of the museum are several different floors with a lot to see. For example, the Steak ‘n Shake Diner and Microbus exhibit is on the 1st floor, as you work your way up to the 2nd floor there’s a 1940’s Toy Collection and various photo exhibits on the 3rd floor. There is even a War Museum on the 3rd floor.

Almost anything you can think of concerning living in the era of Route 66 is there. There is no admission cost, however donations are accepted and encouraged.

Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, Illinois

Another fun stop along Route 66 in the Midwest is the Pink Elephant Antique Mall found 30 minutes outside of St. Louis, MO. To be more specific, it is located at 908 Veterans Memorial Drive in Livingston, IL. Simply take I-55 (Exit 37).

Some years back when I was researching places to visit while on Route 66 on Roadside America, the Pink Elephant came up. I made a note of it but we never made it until recently.

If you are unfamiliar, Roadside America features a host of travel tools and guides to unusual attractions, tourist traps, weird vacations, and road trips.

And, this is exactly what this stop is. A stop full of fun and whimsical oddities such as the green UFO house, the pink elephant, the diner waitress outside of the ice cream shop, the giant cycle, etc.

According to Roadside America, in early 2010 a saucer-shaped Futuro House became part of the outdoor collection. It’s large and green. Laer in 2017 the mall unveiled its newest vintage treasure, a fully restored Uniroyal Gal who is dressed like a waitress. She stands next to a large ice cream cone.

Speaking of the waitress, I noticed that she gets her clothes changed from time to time. How adorable is that?

In addition to the fun statues and photo opps, there are so many mentions of Route 66 on the side of the trailers, on the side of the building, and sprinkled throughout the grounds.

It’s definitely worth the visit. Be sure that you have your camera fully charged.

Historic Route 66 KOA in Eureka, Missouri

Lastly, is the Historic Route 66 KOA in Eureka, MO, also right outside of St, Louis. The Historic Route 66 KOA in Eureka is a must visit if you adore Route 66.

It is less than one-mile from Six Flags St. Louis and Interstate-44. Amazingly, it’s also only about 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Being located only 30 minutes away from downtown St. Louis attractions such as the City Museum and Arch makes this an affordable option for those on a travel budget.

Each KOA campground is independently owned and operated. The Historic Route 66 KOA has been in business for more than 20 years and continues to attract visitors on both off season and peak season.

During the day, visitors can explore the sites of St. Louis, Missouri or stay and get involved in the many activities that are conveniently located on the campground such as basketball, ping pong, or the playground.

At night, campers can grill and make s’mores on the fire or go inside, relax, and watch cable television.

While visitors have the option of tent camping, cabin camping, or RVing, we chose to camp in one of the KOA’s cabin efficiencies.

Cabin efficiencies come with a tv, a small table/bench, windows that can be opened, AC, a full-size bed, and a set of bunk beds. Beds are comfortable and cabins are clean. Outside of the cabins, visitors are equipped with a grill, porch swing, and fire ring.

Tent campsites run approximately $35 per night. Efficiency cabins run approximately $45 per night. RV sites run approximately $55 per night. Prices are subject to change.

There is also an original, Route 66 nostalgic Kozy Kaboose which campers can rent for approximately $99 per night. All overnight rental fees vary depending on how many nights you stay and what night you stay.

For those who do not have bathrooms in their cabins, the Historic Route 66 KOA offers two, clean shower rooms that are open 24 hours a day.

In addition to the shower rooms, there are rooms to clean dirty dishes, as well as your clothes. Additionally, there is Wi-Fi, cable tv, a pool, bike rental availability, and propane and firewood from the Office/Store.

Road Trip Tips During COVID-19

Finally, before you take off on any of these three Route 66 Midwest road trips, keep safety first. Make sure that your vehicle has been properly maintenanced, especially if you are headed off the beaten path.

Next, be sure to wash your hands, use sanitizer, and or gloves, especially if you are leaning up against props for photos and shopping and touching things. Keep a stock of essentials in your vehicle, so that you are always prepared.

Lastly, if you are doing anything indoors, be sure to wear your mask for your protection and safety, as well as the protection and safety of others.