Take a short but storied ride through the Ozark foothills as we follow Historic Route 66 through the heart of Rolla, Missouri. This six-mile stretch of the Mother Road blends small-town Americana with collegiate charm, offering a glimpse into the legacy of one of the most famous highways in the world—all set against the backdrop of a town that straddles the line between rural Missouri and academic innovation.
We begin our journey turning west onto old Route 66 from MO-V, just east of Rolla. Right away, it’s clear we’re traveling on the earlier of two historic alignments that once carried traffic through this region. Though the GPS gives us a brief hiccup—enough to warrant a short pause—it’s fitting for a road that predates digital navigation by nearly a century. The road here is narrower and quieter than its modern counterparts, a reminder of the days when travelers measured miles in memories, not minutes. As we approach town, the landscape begins to shift—open spaces give way to small businesses, aging motels, and mid-century storefronts, all echoing Route 66’s golden age.
Soon, we make a left turn onto US-63, joining the newer alignment of Route 66 that cuts directly through Rolla. Here, the Mother Road runs concurrent with the town’s main artery, and we’re surrounded by a more bustling, urban environment. On our right, the campus of the Missouri University of Science and Technology dominates the landscape, its mix of classic red-brick buildings and modern labs a testament to the town’s dual identity—rooted in tradition yet always forward-looking. Just west of the campus lies a quirky roadside attraction: a half-size replica of England’s famous Stonehenge, carved from solid granite by the university’s own high-pressure water jet systems. It’s one of those delightful Route 66 oddities you’d never expect, but won’t forget.
Turning west onto Kingshighway, we begin our slow approach to the modern interstate system that largely supplanted this route. The road here is broader, lined with gas stations, fast food chains, and signs pointing to I-44. Yet amid the modern clutter, bits of the old road shine through—a diner that hasn’t changed its menu since the Eisenhower years, or a classic neon sign flickering in daylight. We cross the western terminus of Missouri Route 72 and approach the first of two modern roundabouts, part of the city’s efforts to smooth traffic at what was once a chaotic interchange. Curious to see if any spurs or business loops of old Route 66 veer off here, we make a full circle before continuing on. Crossing over I-44, we enter the second roundabout and wrap up our drive by merging westbound onto the very highway that once rendered this section of Route 66 obsolete.
Though only a few miles long, this segment of Historic Route 66 captures the essence of America’s great road trip era. It’s a road that has evolved with time—its quiet stretches giving way to roundabouts and university quads—but its spirit endures. From the fading echo of neon motels to the granite slabs of Stonehenge on a college campus, Rolla’s slice of the Mother Road proves that even in the shadow of progress, the past still finds ways to roll on.
🗺️ Route Map
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