Crawford County

CRAWFORD COUNTY was founded in 1829 and named after US Senator William H. Crawford of Georgia. The county, which is located in the east-central portion of the state, is comprised of several quaint, but memorable towns and communities.

Route 66 winds through St. Cloud, Bourbon, Cuba, and Fanning. Crawford County is famous for the Viva Cuba’s Mural Project, and Cuba was dubbed the “Route 66 Mural City” by Missouri legislature in 2002. The forty-two-foot tall Route 66 Rocker in Fanning, the Crawford

County Historical Society

& Museum, the incredible

1930s Wagon Wheel

Motel, the tasty Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q restaurant, and Weir on 66 in Cuba are just some of the mustsee sights.

Wagon Wheel Motel

The Wagon Wheel Cabins, Cafe, and Station was established in the early 1900s after Robert W. and Margaret Martin purchased the land in 1934. After World War II, John and Winifred Mathis purchased the cabins. The iconic Wagon Wheel neon sign was created by John at his kitchen table. Today the Wagon Wheel is owned and operated by Connie Echols and is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66.

McGinnis Mural, Cuba

Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg

The Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba

RUNNING THE RAILS ON ROUTE 66

Cuba Formerly known as The Route 66 Race to the Rocker, this is a four-mile race down Historic Route 66. Held annually on the fourth Saturday in March. For more info: RunningTheRailsOnRoute66.com

GOOD TO KNOW: Don’t miss the fifteen-foot-long, steel replica of the Cuba-Salem branch train that sits at the Route 66/Highway 19 intersection in Cuba.

Weir on 66 in the 1930’s Phillips Gas Station, Cuba

MY CRAWFORD COUNTY CHECKLIST

• Wagon Wheel Motel • Cuba Murals • Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q • Osage Monument

Project • Giant Route 66 Rocker • Onondaga Cave

State Park • Crawford County

Historical Society & Museum • Cuba-Salem replica train • Weir on 66 ROUTE 66 KICKS

The business district of Cuba was originally located closer to the railroad tracks that run through town. In the early 1930s, Cuba merchants moved to be closer to Route 66.

Cuba, Missouri...Picture yourself here!

CUBA, MISSOURI, is a midwestern locale just a short drive from St. Louis, Branson, or Lake of the Ozarks. With its ideal location in central Missouri at Exit 208 on I-44 and Highway 19, the city of Cuba is a picturesque town with plenty of attractions, eateries, accommodations, and opportunities for fun.

Situated atop the Ozark Plateau, Cuba is the epitome of an American small town. Route 66 travelers are pleased to find a quiet uptown filled with quaint independently owned shops and restaurants. Local residents will offer a friendly wave while shop owners step out to say hello and answer questions about attractions along Route 66, which runs through the center of town.

Since 2002, Cuba proudly boasts its official state legislature designation as the “Route 66 Mural City.” It all started with Viva Cuba, a beautification committee of volunteers dedicated to keeping the town clean and beautiful for future generations. The first mural was commissioned by Peoples Bank in celebration of their onehundred-year anniversary. From there, the project expanded to thirteen more outdoor mural projects. To commemorate Cuba the murals provide a historical account of local heritage, encounters with celebrities, and community good will. In mid-October, the Cuba Fest celebration offers free narrative trolley tours to the murals and other attractions in Cuba. Stick around for a chili cook-off, cemetery tours, free music, and much more.

Travelers will find plenty of things to do in Cuba. In fact, upon arrival in Cuba, the thirty-five-foot-tall Osage Trail Legacy ™ Monument greets travelers at the Visitor Center. Inside the center visitors learn more about the impact of the Osage Nation, pick up maps and brochures, or just grab a free cup of coffee. Pick up information on local attractions like the Cuba Lakes Golf Course, Onondaga Cave, float trips, state parks, and other adventures.

VisitCubaMo.com

71 State Hwy. P, Cuba, MO 65453 573-885-2531

Cuba residents take great pride in its history! The Crawford County Historical Society Museum has epic exhibits that include handmade quilts, vintage apparel, Osage artifacts, archaic farm tools, and much more. For those who love vintage toys, there is the Antique & Collectable Toys on Wheels mini-museum located inside the Midwest Travel Plaza.

FOODIE FINDS

Eat, drink, and be merry at locally owned and operated eateries. Choose from award-winning barbecue from Missouri Hick, or try comic book-inspired gourmet options at Audrey’s Eatery located inside the Little Shop of Comics. All aboard at Frisco’s Grill and Pub for great American comfort food in a train station atmosphere. Savor a great breakfast or lunch at Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe. Take your taste buds south of the border at Riviera Maya where the margaritas are cold and the salsa is hot! New to the scene this year, Weir on 66 is now open at the corner of Route 66 and Highway 19.

But wait, there’s more! Visit Belmont Vineyards or Peaceful Bend Winery for local wine, brews, and delicious menu options that include locally sourced ingredients. In southern Crawford County, you will find Red Moose Vineyard specializing in local wine and events.

SLEEP SOUND

Sleep like a baby at many accommodation options. For those who love Mother Road nostalgia, stay at the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel, the oldest operating motel on Route 66. If the great outdoors is more your style, camp at the Meramec Valley Resort and enjoy wireless internet, paddle boats, pools, and tennis courts. Additional accommodations include Super 8, Days Inn, and Cuba Inn, and even AirBnB options like Meramec Riverside Lodge and Retreat. Download our free VISITCUBAMO app (Google Play or Apple Store) and gain access to all things Cuba! Learn more at VisitCubaMo.com or call us at 573-885-2531.

Weir on 66, the newest eatery in Cuba.

Osage Meeting in Missouri Mural

Shelly’s Route 66 Café, a mother road classic!