Take a drive through the rolling hills and storied landscapes of eastern Missouri as we follow a five-mile segment of Historic Route 66 from Stanton to Sullivan. This quiet yet evocative stretch of road traces the footsteps of generations of travelers, meandering parallel to Interstate 44 while preserving the slower pace and charm of the Mother Road. Here, in the heart of Crawford County, the pavement whispers the past—of roadside diners, full-service stations, and road-weary families on cross-country vacations.
We begin our journey in the unincorporated village of Stanton, turning west onto the Historic Route 66 Byway. The small community—once a bustling stop for Route 66 travelers—now serves as a gentle reminder of the era when neon signs and souvenir shops dotted the highway. Almost immediately, we pass by the entrance to Meramec Caverns, one of Missouri’s most enduring roadside attractions and a legendary hideout of Jesse James, according to local lore. Though we don’t stop this time, it’s hard not to imagine the allure it held for motorists seeking adventure underground.
From Stanton, the road curves gently southward before bending back west, hugging the I-44 corridor while keeping its distance. The landscape opens up to low ridges and wooded parcels, occasionally broken by homes, pastures, and the remnants of 20th-century Americana—vintage signage, gravel driveways, and even a few original concrete slabs hiding beneath layers of asphalt. The hum of traffic on the interstate remains a faint companion to our right, but here on Route 66, the experience is far more intimate and reflective.
As we near Sullivan, we lose visual contact with the interstate altogether, dipping behind a tree line and weaving around the outskirts of town. This final approach brings us closer to the heartbeat of small-town Missouri, where the air shifts slightly with the scent of nearby backyards and barbecues. Route 66 threads its way through a mix of residential and light commercial areas before culminating at the junction with MO-185—a gateway to both Meramec State Park and downtown Sullivan.
Our short but meaningful journey ends here, but the spirit of the drive lingers. This segment may be brief in distance, but it holds tightly to the heritage of the road that connected Chicago to Santa Monica, providing a still-accessible glimpse into the legacy of American car travel. In a world that prizes speed and efficiency, this stretch of Route 66 reminds us that sometimes, the scenic route is the destination.
🗺️ Route Map
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