Pulaski: Route 66, the Ozarks and River Landscapes

Pulaski County offers many different reasons to visit: Historic Route 66 runs through the Ozarks, while rivers and wooded areas provide space to enjoy nature. There are also museums, distinctive road structures and places that reveal the region’s history in special ways. As you plan, you can first decide whether you want to focus mainly on Route 66 history, activities on the water, or hiking and nature.

Route 66 and Its Distinctive Stops

Route 66 Neon Park displays restored historic neon signs. Lighted paths lead past the signs, and information panels tell their stories. The park is open, and admission and parking are free. George M. Reed Roadside Park is also part of Route 66 history: it is considered the oldest continuously operated rest stop on Route 66. The Route 66 section in Pulaski lies roughly halfway between St. Louis and Joplin.

At Hooker Cut and Devils Elbow, the landscape itself becomes part of the story. Hooker Cut is a historic road cut through dolomite and limestone walls. At Devils Elbow, 200-foot cliffs rise along the Big Piney River, and a steel truss bridge built in 1923 stands nearby. In Waynesville, discover Frog Rock, a landmark along Route 66 designed and painted by Phil Nelson.

Museums and Regional History

Built in 1903, the Courthouse Museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Its topics include the Trail of Tears, the American Civil War, the Frisco Railroad, Route 66 and military history. In Waynesville, the Old Stagecoach Stop tells another part of the past: the building was constructed in the 1850s and later served as a hospital during the American Civil War.

In Crocker, the Frisco Depot Museum & Caboose displays railroad artifacts and exhibits on railroad history. The museum includes an actual Frisco caboose where visitors can take photos. The Mahaffey Museum Complex preserves the history and contributions of the Military Police, Army Engineers and chemical warfare units in conflicts dating back to the American Revolutionary War. Crocker Railroad Days is an annual community celebration in Crocker; the program may vary from one year to the next. For groups and gatherings, the Heritage Cultural Arts Center offers presentations featuring art and music that explore connections between Mother Earth and all nations.

Rivers, Paddling and Nature

Fishing and hiking come together at Roubidoux Creek. A 3.1-mile section downstream from Roubidoux Spring to its confluence with the Gasconade River is designated as a White Ribbon Trout Area. Check the current regulations before fishing. Roubidoux Creek Conservation Area provides public access to the creek and opportunities for recreation on land. Laughlin Park has information about the Trail of Tears and a one-mile path along Roubidoux Creek.

The Big Piney River also offers different ways to experience the water. Its Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area extends to its confluence with the Gasconade River in Pulaski County. A day trip on the river can cover a little over six miles from Sandy Shoals Ford to Boiling Springs. The clear water is well suited to slow fishing from a canoe or small river jon boat. Outfitters in Pulaski County rent inner tubes, rafts, kayaks, canoes and jon boats, as well as paddles, life jackets and other necessary equipment. They offer shuttles and an introduction to paddling for beginners.

An underwater cave is located at Roubidoux Spring. Qualified and certified cave or cavern divers may regularly dive there using compressed air; registration is required before diving. If you prefer trails and wooded areas, Pulaski County has 39,000 acres of Mark Twain National Forest suitable for hiking, backpacking and camping.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

You can choose your vacation rental based on which of these experiences you want to combine. Route 66 stops and museums offer a different focus from a day trip on the Big Piney or time on trails in the forest. The Pulaski County Farmers Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, live plants, arts and crafts, pet supplies, goods made by children and other homemade products. The selection varies depending on seasonal availability.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: St Robert, Barton County, Franklin County, Benton County, Bates County, Wright County, Newton County, Andrew County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.