Stay at Our B&B & Celebrate 100 Years of Kicks on
Route 66 in St. Louis!
In 2026, the legendary Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary — and St. Louis is one of the most meaningful places to experience it!
Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 has long symbolized freedom, adventure, and the great American road trip. For travelers planning a centennial journey, St. Louis offers a rare blend of history, iconic landmarks, neighborhood charm, and easy access to some of the route’s most memorable stops.
Whether you’re mapping out a full Route 66 road trip or focusing on the St. Louis region, this year is a special time to visit — and choosing the right home base makes all the difference.
St. Louis and the History of Route 66
When Route 66 was established in 1926, it was designed to connect rural communities to major cities and national highways. From 1926 to 1933, the original alignment of Route 66 passed directly through the heart of Maplewood, just minutes from where TuxedoParkSTL sits today.
As traffic along Route 66 increased, Maplewood and the surrounding area flourished with diners, service stations, shops, and entertainment venues that catered to travelers passing through. Although later realignments shifted the highway, the legacy of Route 66 remains deeply woven into the community.
Today, visitors can walk along Manchester Road and discover sidewalk plaques and memorial markers that honor the businesses and landmarks that once defined this stretch of the Mother Road — a quiet but powerful reminder of how Route 66 shaped the region.
It’s also important to acknowledge the fuller history of Route 66 travel. During segregation, African American travelers relied on guides like The Negro Motorist Green Book to safely navigate lodging and dining options across the country. While Maplewood does not appear in those guides due to Route 66 being rerouted before their publication, the broader story adds important context to the centennial celebration and the evolving meaning of travel in America.
Route 66 Stops Near TuxedoParkSTL
One of the biggest advantages of staying in St. Louis is how many Route 66 landmarks are close together — especially from a central St. Louis area location like TuxedoParkSTL.
Notable St. Louis Route 66 stops near us include:
- Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Once part of Route 66, this pedestrian bridge offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and is one of the most photographed Route 66 sites in the region. - Maplewood Route 66 Sidewalk & Memorial Plaques
A walkable, self-guided look at businesses and landmarks that defined Maplewood’s Route 66 era. - National Museum of Transportation
Located in nearby Kirkwood, this museum plays a major role in Route 66 storytelling during the centennial year. Be sure and check out their 100 Year Exhibit! - Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (Chippewa location)
A true St. Louis icon and a must-visit stop along historic Route 66, known for its famous “concrete” custard and walls of Route 66 memorabilia.
Because these sites are so close together, guests can explore at a relaxed pace — without hopping between hotels or packing up each night.
Special Route 66 Centennial Events in the St. Louis Area
The centennial brings several meaningful experiences to the St. Louis area, blending history, nostalgia, and community storytelling all year long. Here are a few to get your trip planning started!
Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels
Opening in March 2026, the National Museum of Transportation special exhibit celebrates 100 years of Route 66 by exploring how Americans traveled, gathered, and made memories along the road. Highlights include:
- A 26-foot model of the historic S.S. Admiral
- A feature on the beloved ’66 Park-In Theatre on Watson Road
- A community storytelling project inviting visitors to share personal Route 66 memories
The exhibit reinforces St. Louis’ role as a transportation crossroads — not just for Route 66, but for rail, river, and road travel across generations.
Maplewood Route 66 Celebration
Scheduled for September 26, 2026, Maplewood’s Route 66 Celebration will feature vintage vendors, classic cars, live music, food, shopping, and family-friendly activities. While still months away, it’s a great event to bookmark if you’re planning a fall return visit.
Food, Nostalgia, and Local Flavor Along Route 66
Route 66 has always been as much about food and gathering places as it is about the road itself. In St. Louis, that tradition is alive and well.
From frozen custard at Ted Drewes to classic diners, barbecue spots, and neighborhood restaurants, Route 66 travelers can enjoy the same sense of hospitality that made the highway famous. Many visitors are surprised by how much Route 66 culture blends naturally into everyday St. Louis life — not staged, but genuinely lived.
Start Your Route 66 Journey in St. Louis
In April 2026, Springfield will host the official National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff. For many travelers, St. Louis makes a natural starting point before heading west or south to continue the journey.
Spend a few days exploring St. Louis’ Route 66 history, museums, neighborhoods, and landmarks — then continue on to Springfield and beyond. It’s an easy, logical way to experience both the beginning of the centennial celebration and the road itself.
Walk Through Route 66 100 Years of History in Maplewood
One of the most meaningful ways to experience Route 66 in the St. Louis area is on foot, right in the heart of Maplewood. From 1926 to 1933, the original alignment of Route 66 passed directly through this community, helping transform Maplewood into a bustling stop for travelers seeking lodging, dining, fuel, and entertainment along the Mother Road.
As Route 66 traffic increased, Maplewood thrived as a retail and service hub. While the town experienced economic challenges in the mid-20th century, a steady revitalization beginning in the late 1990s brought new life to the historic business district. Today, that history is preserved and shared through a series of sidewalk plaques along the 7200 and 7300 blocks of Manchester Road.
As you stroll the district, you’ll encounter two types of plaques: Tribute Plaques, which honor businesses that once operated along Route 66, and Memorial Plaques, which commemorate iconic landmarks that defined the Route 66 experience for generations of travelers.
St. Louis Route 66 Tribute Plaques
These plaques recognize businesses that played a role in Maplewood’s Route 66 era and helped shape daily life along the highway.
-
Empire Supply
-
Citizens National Bank
-
Jay B. Smith Funeral Home
-
Scheidt Hardware
-
Saratoga Lanes
-
Kalb Electric
-
Sunnen Products Company
St. Louis Route 66 Memorial Plaques
These plaques honor legendary Route 66 landmarks that drew visitors from near and far and became part of the road’s enduring story.
-
Chain of Rocks Bridge
-
Fun Fair Park
-
The Wedge
-
Katz Drug Store
-
66 Park-In Theatre
-
Coral Court
Walking this stretch of Maplewood offers a quiet, reflective way to connect with Route 66’s past — one that complements the larger museums, attractions, and celebrations happening throughout the centennial year.
Stay At The TuxedoParkSTL During Your Centennial Visit & Explore Route 66 History in St. Louis
After a full day of exploring, having a calm, comfortable place to return to matters. TuxedoParkSTL offers a quiet, welcoming alternative to busy hotels, set in a residential neighborhood just minutes from Maplewood, Kirkwood, Clayton, and St. Louis’ central corridor.
Guests visiting Route 66 appreciate:
- Easy access to major Route 66 sites
- A peaceful setting to unwind after busy sightseeing days
- Comfortable rooms with a personal touch you don’t get in hotels
- The option to book multiple rooms for group trips
It’s an ideal home base for couples, friends, history lovers, and road-trippers who want to experience Route 66 without sacrificing comfort.
The Route 66 Centennial will draw visitors from across the country, and St. Louis is firmly in the spotlight. Whether you’re planning a spring visit tied to museum exhibits, a summer road trip, or a fall return for special events, booking early helps ensure the best experience.
Explore St. Louis’ Route 66 history, soak in the nostalgia, and enjoy the journey — with TuxedoParkSTL as your comfortable home base along the Mother Road.
Until Next Time,
The Tuxedo Park Team
Looking for more information about Tuxedo Park or the St. Louis Area?
Travelers exploring Route 66 in St. Louis will find a wide range of historic attractions, museums, neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks throughout the region. From Maplewood’s original Route 66 alignment to classic stops like Ted Drewes and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, St. Louis plays an important role in the story of America’s most famous highway. Visitors planning a Route 66 Centennial trip often look for comfortable alternatives to busy St. Louis hotels, choosing a more personal stay at a St. Louis Bed & Breakfast instead.
Located in Webster Groves near Maplewood, Kirkwood, and the central corridor, TuxedoParkSTL offers a convenient home base for Route 66 travelers visiting museums, events, and historic sites across the St. Louis area. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a longer road trip, or a group visit during the Route 66 Centennial celebration, staying at a centrally located Bed & Breakfast makes it easy to explore everything St. Louis has to offer while enjoying a quiet, comfortable place to relax at the end of the day.