Two and a half hours is all it takes to trade city traffic for spring-fed rivers, glowing Route 66 signs, scenic backroads, and a weekend packed with discoveries.
Pulaski County has quietly become one of Missouri’s most memorable road trip destinations, giving St. Louis travelers countless ways to build a getaway around outdoor adventure, historic landmarks, restaurants, and small-town hospitality.
“People are often surprised by how much they can fit into one weekend here,” says Katie Dreadfulwater, executive director for Pulaski County Tourism. “You’re only about two and a half hours from St. Louis, but once you arrive, you can build an itinerary around the river, Route 66, local restaurants, shopping, and history.”
Start your weekend under the neon lights
Kick off your getaway on a Friday night at Pulaski County’s newest attraction. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, head to the Route 66 Neon Park, and stroll by all nine restored vintage neon signs. Be sure to snap a photo beside the iconic Route 66 shield.
“The Neon Park gives visitors a chance to experience an important piece of Missouri’s Route 66 history in a completely new way,” says Dreadfulwater. “Visiting at dusk lets you see the collection exactly as it was meant to be experienced.”
The park celebrates Missouri’s Route 66 heritage through authentic vintage neon signs that once lined the historic highway. After spending years tucked away in garages and storage buildings across the state, the restored collection now shines together in one place.
“Every sign has its own history,” Dreadfulwater says.
Slow down on the water
A Saturday is the perfect time to discover why no weekend in Pulaski County is complete without spending a few hours on the river. Home to some of Missouri’s most popular floating waterways, the county invites visitors to trade busy schedules for a leisurely day on the water. Spend the afternoon drifting past wooded riverbanks, enjoying the scenery, and taking in a quieter pace before returning to shore.
Several outfitters offer campgrounds with direct river access, making it easy to stay just steps from the water. Travelers also have options ranging from RV sites to newer hotels, allowing every trip to match a different style of getaway.
River mile markers line the waterways, giving visitors an easy way to track their location throughout the trip. Float season stretches through October, making fall one of the most beautiful times to visit. Autumn colors line the riverbanks, and special haunted float trips offer a seasonal twist that visitors won’t find during the summer months.
End the weekend with a trip through history
Before heading back to St. Louis, spend Sunday exploring the places that have helped shape Pulaski County’s story.
Follow historic Route 66 through Waynesville, where photo stops, vintage landmarks, and small-town streets celebrate one of America’s most famous highways.
Then make your way to Roubidoux Spring, home to one of Missouri’s most beautiful natural springs and a peaceful walking trail. Along the path, interpretive displays share the area’s natural history and the story of the Trail of Tears.
Another stop worth adding to the itinerary is Fort Leonard Wood. The military base is home to three museums that showcase World War II artifacts and military history, offering visitors another opportunity to explore the region’s rich past.
Make time for one more stop
Great food has a way of turning a quick stop into a longer visit, and Pulaski County delivers plenty of options.
The county’s Foodie Trails organize restaurants into easy-to-explore categories including coffee shops, breakfast spots, burgers, tacos, ice cream, and an impressive collection of Korean restaurants.
“People don’t expect to have so many choices when they get here,” Dreadfulwater says. “There’s always another place to try, which makes exploring part of the fun.”
Once you’ve finished your meal, spend time exploring downtown Waynesville, where locally owned boutiques, antique stores, vintage shops, specialty retailers, and gift stores line the streets.
Your weekend already has a guide
One of Pulaski County’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to build an itinerary before leaving home.
The official visitors guide, themed driving tours, food- and shopping-themed trails, and an interactive website help travelers match experiences with their interests, creating a getaway filled with outdoor adventure, history, dining, and hidden gems.
Dreadfulwater hopes that visitors leave with one thought after spending a weekend exploring the county. “One weekend is a great introduction to Pulaski County,” Dreadfulwater says. “We hope people leave saying, ‘We’ll have to come back,’ because you can’t do it all in one weekend.”
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Pulaski County Tourism. Start planning your own Pulaski County road trip with the official Visitors Guide, suggested itineraries, and trip planning resources at Visit Pulaski County.
