Route 66’s centennial is shining a spotlight on communities across Missouri. In Rolla, locals are celebrating the milestone with a full calendar of events designed to encourage travelers to stay a little longer.
Located along Interstate 44, between St. Louis and the Springfield and Branson region, Rolla has long been a natural pause point for road trippers. The city is embracing Route 66’s milestone by inviting visitors to explore its history while experiencing the restaurants, festivals, and local traditions that define the community.
“We’re conveniently located in the middle of Missouri,” says Aimee Campbell, Visit Rolla’s tourism director. “A lot of people traveling between St. Louis and the Springfield or Branson area end up stopping here, so it’s always been a natural place for travelers to pause.”
A Crossroads for Route 66 Travelers
Rolla’s central Missouri location has long influenced travelers. The presence of Missouri University of Science and Technology brings a steady flow of families and international visitors, while the Mother Road continues to draw classic car enthusiasts and explorers from across the country and abroad.
Often described as the “perfect size” destination, Rolla offers city conveniences with rivers, state parks, and outdoor recreation just a short drive away.
“You have some of the amenities of a city, but you can get from one side of town to the other in less than 10 minutes,” Campbell says.
That accessibility has long made Rolla a popular stop for travelers. “Some of the original Route 66 stops have faded over time,” Campbell says. “But travelers are still drawn to the stories.”
That nostalgia continues to shape the way that travelers experience Rolla today.
Where Route 66 History Lives
Rolla still holds several visible connections to the route’s past, with landmarks that reflect the highway’s long history in the region.
Route 66 landmarks across Rolla include:
- Edwin Long Hotel: Now home to Phelps County Bank, the former Edwin Long Hotel’s historic building hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Route 66 paving through Missouri.
- Mule Trading Post: Once a beloved Route 66 stop, it’s now reimagined as Ole Mule Axes N Fun, blending nostalgia with a modern experience.
- John’s Modern Cabins: There are still remnants of a historic motor court, where travelers once stopped along the Mother Road.
- Route 66 Sculpture at Buehler Park: This modern tribute is set along a preserved stretch of the original Route 66, connecting the road’s history to today.
Just outside Rolla, the nearby St. James winery region adds another layer to the Route 66 experience. Located roughly 10–15 minutes away, the wineries offer an easy side trip for visitors looking to extend their stay.
Rolla’s Route 66 Party Starts in Rolla
The city’s biggest focus this year is a pair of signature events designed to capture the influx of centennial travelers.
On May 2 from 2–7 p.m., Rolla will host a downtown Route 66 kickoff block party, featuring live music, a cruise-in, the opportunity to dine along Route 66, and family-friendly activities. “We’re calling it a block party,” Campbell says. “We want it to feel like a community celebration where people can come downtown, listen to music, check out the cars, and spend time together.” Public House Brewing Company will also release a commemorative Route 66 beer during the event, while organizers plan giveaways every 66 minutes.
A month later, from June 4–6, Route 66 SummerFest returns with an expanded three-day schedule. Visitors can expect live music, a car show, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities, including the popular hillbilly drag race, when modified lawn mowers race down the track. A drone show is a new addition to the popular festival. “It’s grown into a really big event,” Campbell says. “Most of the activities are free, so families can come out and enjoy the whole day.”
Hot Rod Power Tour Drives Into Rolla
Thousands of classic cars are expected to roll through Rolla on June 11 as the Hot Rod Power Tour travels along Route 66. Organizers anticipate roughly 6,000 vehicles, with participation likely being even higher during the centennial year.
To welcome travelers, city leaders plan to close portions of downtown and turn the area into a gathering space where visitors can explore local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
“Our goal is to pull people off the highway and show them everything Rolla has to offer,” Campbell says.
A Calendar Full of Reasons to Visit Rolla
Although Route 66 is a major focus this year, Rolla’s event calendar includes much more than highway celebrations.
The long-running Lions Club Carnival returns around the Fourth of July with rides, games, fireworks, and a drone show.
Additionally, The city’s Celebration of Nations returns September 26. The festival highlights the university’s global population, with more than 90 countries represented through food, performances, and cultural exhibits.
At the same time, more travelers are choosing regional road trips. “I think people are looking for places they can drive to within five or six hours,” Campbell says. Rolla sits in that sweet spot, offering easy access, a busy events calendar, and authentic Route 66 character.
As travelers mapping their Route 66 centennial journey will discover in Rolla: Come for the Mother Road, and plan to stay awhile.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Visit Rolla. Start planning your visit and learn more about Rolla’s upcoming events, attractions, and Route 66 experiences at visitrolla.com.
