Where Route 66 Meets the Rivers
A peaceful float trip down flowing, spring-fed waters is a signature experience in Pulaski County. But this corner of the Ozarks is more than just fun days on the water — witness the history of America’s most famous highway with a collection of Route 66 attractions.
This Day-to-Day Pulaski County Itinerary
Day 1 of Things To Do in Pulaski County, MO
Cruise down the Mother Road into the heart of the Ozarks and arrive at one of the most unique attractions on the entire 2,448-mile road — Uranus Fudge Factory & General Store, an entertainment complex offering delicious fudge and cheekier humor. Explore the Sideshow Museum — featuring more than 100 weird and bizarre exhibits — and enjoy some friendly competition at Putt Pirates Mini Golf. Of course, you can’t leave without a photo opp in front of the gargantuan Mayor Louie.
Immerse in the fascinating history of the U.S. Armed Forces at the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood, featuring three Army museums in one expansive complex: the U.S. Army Military Police Corps Regimental Museum, the U.S. Army Engineer Museum, and the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Museum. Open to the public, these exhibits offer an up-close look at the incredible history and contributions of servicemen and women since the Revolutionary War.
For dinner, grab a bite at Route 66 Taco & Wing Company, featuring a menu of delicious, savory, and creative tacos ranging from traditional street tacos to innovative twists like the Bayou gator taco and the Nashville hot chicken taco, plus baskets upon baskets of traditional and boneless wings with an astounding array of sauces and dry rubs.
Wrap up your day in Saint Robert with a visit to Route 66 Neon Park, featuring a collection of authentic neon signs that once stood over Missouri’s portion of the Mother Road. Lovingly restored, these dazzling, mid-century masterpieces cast a warm glow over the highway just as they did generations ago.
Day 2 of Pulaski County Attractions
Embark on the float trip of your choice, from the wide and swift Gasconade River to the meandering Big Piney River, both waterways provide a relaxing yet exciting adventure. Choose your vessel — inner tube, canoe, kayak, or paddle board — and drift peacefully downstream, periodically dipping your toes in the cool, refreshing waters. Prefer a more active outing? The Big Piney and Gasconade have both been cited as some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country; cast a line in search of your next fishing story. No gear? No problem! The many outfitters around Pulaski County are thrilled to welcome groups with all the essentials they may need, including vessels, life preservers, and trash bags. Many outfitters can even provide a campsite or cabin so your group can maximize time spent in the Great Outdoors.
Day 3 of Final Pulaski County Activities
Head back out on the Mother Road and stop by the Birthplace of the Byway, Waynesville. Explore a historic downtown district teeming with nostalgia beginning with a photo in front of the 8-foot Route 66 Shield in front of the 1903 Courthouse Museum, one of two period courthouses on Missouri’s portion of the Mother Road. Peruse masterful outdoor paintings by muralist Ray Harvey and locals, then schedule a tour of the Old Stagecoach Stop, featuring a rich history that includes a role as a central stop on the Wire Road, a Civil War hospital, and lodging for soldiers during the construction of Fort Leonard Wood.
After lunch at Hopper’s Pub, head out to Laughlin Park on the west side of town, home to the National Park Service Trail of Tears Memorial, featuring a walking trail with storyboards illustrating the tragic tale of Native Americans forced to migrate across the country. While there, catch a glimpse of Roubidoux Spring, a second-magnitude freshwater spring with an average output of 37 million gallons of water per day. Guided tour options are available for the Waynesville Historic Walking Tour and the Cherokee Encampment for a fee. For dinner, treat yourself to the spicy and savory flavors of Mu Bahn Thai, featuring a menu of delicious Thai favorites along with sweet treats and refreshing sips.
BREAKOUT BOX: The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau offers the following services to group planners.
- Itinerary Referrals — Connect you with area businesses for fun activities for your group to enjoy and experience.
- Accommodation & Dining Searches — Assist with locating lodging and dining venues to meet your needs and price point.
- Museum Tour Coordination — Connect you with Pulaski County Museum curators.
- Regional Itinerary Assistance — Assist with hub and spoke trips to visit our wonderful, regional neighbors.
- Welcome Reception — Start your group’s journey at our modern Visitors Center. Our hospitality team will make your group feel special with customized goody bags and refreshments. Browse four rooms of information in our museum-like center. Souvenirs are available for purchase. Motorcoach parking on-site.
- Site Visits — Coordinate site visits with local lodging and venue locations.
- Promotional Images — We can provide you with Pulaski County promotional images to use in your tour marketing, website, or Facebook page.
Contact Visit Pulaski County
- Katie Dreadfulwater
- email@pulaskicountyusa.com
- 573-336-6355
- visitpulaskicounty.org
