Springfield offers some outstanding vintage neon lighting of some original Route 66 stops.
While not along Route 66, Springfield does have the World's Largest Fork which makes it worth the slight detour to see, because after all... it IS the World's Largest Fork
Before leaving Springfield we had a quick stop at the abandoned Shamrock Court.
Paris Springs Junction MO
Today's stretch of road is what I had envisioned the trip being. Rolling country side with no sign of the Interstate we paralleled through much of the first three days.
Before long we encounter the remade 1930 Gay Parita Station. Reworked by Gary Turner it is now a collection of artifacts making for a really cool stop.
Spencer MO
One of my favorite things on the old route is the old bridges still in use, like this 1929 truss bridge across Johnson Creek.
Carthage MO
The recently renovated 1939 Boots Court Motel is still open today.
Kathy was told by the owner of the Boots Court Motel that the second most photographed landmark in Missouri behind the The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage. I can see why.
Just outside of Carthage is the Route 66 Drive-In. Opened in 1949 it closed in 1985 only to be refurbished an opened in 1988. It still is in operation today.
Webb City MO
32 feet tall atop a 40 foot hill these 110 ton Praying Hands were sculpted in 1972.
Galena KS
Into Kansas for... well... 13 miles.
Riverton KS
Outside Riverton is the Rainbow Curve Bridge which was built in 1923 over Brush Creek and is now the only surviving marsh arch bridge on Route 66.
Commerce OK
First stop as we pass into Oklahoma is the hometown of Mickey Mantle. Part of Route 66 through town has been renamed Mickey Mantle Boulevard.
...and this converted filling station which is now re-purposed into an ice cream stand.
Miami OK
This location of Waylon's Hamburgers as you pass through town is the last remaining location of a 1960's chain.
A quick photo of the oldest existing Marathon Oil Station dating back to 1929.
Afton OK
A self proclaimed tourist trap, the Afton Station, a converted station/garage, is a quirky stop with an extensive collection of Route 66 memorabilia
Foyil OK
Four miles east of Foyil is the Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park. Is it worth the slight detour? Well only if you like 90 ft. tall concrete totem poles... maybe.
Catoosa OK
Once the highlight of small water park, The Blue Whale is now fully restored and considered one of the most photographed items on Route 66.
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