Pulaski: Route 66, Museums and River Landscapes

Pulaski brings together Route 66 history, museums and river landscapes, offering different ways to shape a trip. Historic Route 66 runs through Pulaski County in the Ozark region; its stretch there lies roughly halfway between St. Louis and Joplin. When choosing a hotel in Pulaski, you can consider whether cultural history or activities on the rivers and outdoors will be the focus of your trip.

Route 66 and Its Landmarks

The Route 66 Neon Park features restored historic neon signs along illuminated paths. Information panels tell the story of each sign. The park is open; admission and parking are free. The George M. Reed Roadside Park is also part of Route 66 history: it is the oldest continuously operated rest stop on Route 66.

Other stops tell the story of the road and its surroundings. Hooker Cut is a historic Route 66 road cut through dolomite and limestone rock walls. In Devils Elbow, 200-foot-high cliffs rise above the Big Piney River; a steel truss bridge dating from 1923 also stands there. Frog Rock in Waynesville is a landmark along Route 66, designed and painted by Phil Nelson.

Museums and Regional History

The Courthouse Museum was built in 1903 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Its subjects include the Trail of Tears, the American Civil War, the Frisco Railroad, Route 66 and military history. The Old Stagecoach Stop in Waynesville dates from the 1850s and later served as a hospital during the American Civil War.

In Crocker, the Frisco Depot Museum & Caboose focuses on railroad history. Exhibits include railroad artifacts and displays, as well as an actual Frisco freight caboose where guests can take photos. The Mahaffey Museum Complex preserves the history and contributions of the military police, Army Engineers and chemical warfare units in conflicts since the American Revolutionary War. These museums have different focuses: railroads, regional history and military history.

Rivers, Fishing and Paddling

The Roubidoux Creek Conservation Area provides public access to Roubidoux Creek and opportunities for recreation on land. A 3.1-mile stretch of the creek downstream from Roubidoux Spring to its confluence with the Gasconade River is designated a White Ribbon Trout Area. Current Missouri Department of Conservation regulations apply to fishing. On the Big Piney River, the Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area extends to its confluence with the Gasconade River in Pulaski County.

The Big Piney River is a clear-water stream, suited to slow fishing from a canoe or small river jon boat. A day trip from Sandy Shoals Ford to Boiling Springs can cover a little over six miles. Outfitters in Pulaski County rent inner tubes, rafts, kayaks, canoes and jon boats, as well as paddles, life jackets and other accessories; they also offer shuttles and instruction for beginner paddlers. Roubidoux Spring contains an underwater cave. Qualified and certified cave or cavern divers may regularly dive there using compressed air; registration is required before diving.

Hiking, Nature and Local Activities

The Mark Twain National Forest includes 39,000 acres in Pulaski County suitable for hiking, backpacking and camping. Laughlin Park has information about the Trail of Tears and a one-mile path along Roubidoux Creek. Alongside river activities, visitors can also choose walks and hikes with a specific historical connection.

The Pulaski County Farmers Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, live plants, crafts, pet supplies, items made by children and other handmade goods. The selection varies according to seasonal availability. Crocker Railroad Days is an annual community celebration in Crocker; if you want to include it in your trip, check the dates in advance, as the program may vary from year to year.

Explore more destinations: St Robert, Platte, Ozark County, Barton County, St Louis, Pemiscot, Monroe County, Daviess.

For the main travel overview: Missouri.