Missouri Highway 266: Springfield to Halltown

Missouri Highway 266 may not be a long route, but it more than makes up for it in historical and scenic significance. This 17-mile stretch in southwest Missouri traces part of the original alignment of historic U.S. Route 66, and it carries with it echoes of a bygone era of American road travel. We begin our journey on the western edge of Springfield, where Route 266 branches off from Interstate 44. Almost immediately, the highway puts us in the mood for a slower-paced, nostalgia-filled drive, with rural charm beginning to show itself just minutes outside the city.

Heading westward, we travel past open fields and scattered trees, the kind of backdrop that sets the tone for a true Route 66 experience. Shortly after passing the junction with Missouri Route T, the road shifts slightly southwest as we approach the tiny community of Plano. There’s not much in the way of development here—just a few residences and farmsteads—but that’s part of the charm. The peaceful scenery, combined with the subtle dips and curves of the roadway, makes for a relaxing ride. This segment is particularly popular with travelers retracing the path of the Mother Road, and you might even spot a few vintage cars or bikers making the pilgrimage.

Once we pass through Plano, the road straightens out again and carries us west into Halltown. Halltown is a small but memorable stop, home to a handful of antique shops and rustic buildings that seem frozen in time. Here, Route 266 intersects with Missouri Route 96, but our drive doesn’t end just yet. Continuing west for another half mile along what is now signed as “Old Route 66,” we reach the crown jewel of this journey: Gay Parita Sinclair Station. This lovingly restored roadside gas station and Route 66 shrine is a must-visit destination for history buffs and highway fans alike. With vintage signage, classic cars, and plenty of photo ops, Gay Parita is a living tribute to the golden age of road travel—and a perfect place to end this scenic drive.