Pulaski County

PULASKI COUNTY, formed in 1833, was named after Revolutionary War general Polish Count Casimir Pulaski. Set right in the heart of the Ozarks, Pulaski County has no shortage of things to see and do, including getting your kicks on the county’s thirty-three original miles of Historic Route 66. The old two-lane highway winds its way through the towns and communities of Devils Elbow, St. Robert, Waynesville, Buckhorn, Laquey, and Gascozark.

The town of Waynesville, which began as a trading post, was adopted as the county seat in 1843. The county is known for its unique attractions like the 1923 steel truss Route 66 Bridge at Devils Elbow, the Uranus Fudge Factory

& Entertainment Complex

in St. Robert, and the Frog Rock and Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville. Rich, well-preserved history is also present in the Trail of Tears Memorial, 1903 Route 66 Courthouse, and the Old Stagecoach Stop Museum. Also not to miss is the engineering marvel of its time, Hooker Cut.

Hooker Cut

Hooker Cut is one of the strangest and most unique spots in Missouri. In order to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety on the two-lane alignment of the Old Road, the War Department decided that a four-lane highway would help to alleviate the congestion in heavily populated areas and facilitate movement of troops and military equipment West.

Devils Elbow Bridge

Uranus Fudge Factory & Entertainment Complex, St. Robert

The Old Stagecoach Stop, Waynesville

Roubidoux Spring, Waynesville

GOOD TO KNOW: Though the general idea that inspired Hooker Cut in the early 1940s is a technique that is often seen around the United States and the world today, at its time it was a construction miracle. The ninety-foot-deep cut was noted as being the deepest road cut in America for many years.

Jax Welborn

MY PULASKI COUNTY CHECKLIST ROUTE 66 KICKS

• Hooker Cut • Devils Elbow Bridge • Shelden’s Market • Uranus Fudge Factory & Entertainment

Complex • Old Stagecoach Stop (open Saturdays April to September) • Waynesville Square • Frog Rock • Roubidoux Bridge • 1903 Pulaski County

Courthouse Museum • Trail of Tears

Memorial Trail

The Pulaski County Courthouse is the most prominent building in town. Built in 1903 in the Romanesque Revival style, it is home to a museum with Civil War, World Wars I and II, and Desert Storm displays, as well as the original courtroom complete with wooden jury box.

Welcome to America’s Heartland

NO OTHER HIGHWAY in the history of the United States is as celebrated as Route 66. It is a throwback to a simpler time, when the idea of extended traveling was still a novelty. The Mother Road through Pulaski County holds special appeal for modern-day travelers with its blend of natural preservation, historic landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions; some alignments are from the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s. Still visible is the historic Hooker Church and Graveyard, which dates to the late 1800s. As you travel through Hooker Cut, take in the popular postcard landscape that was called the deepest road cut in America. Here you’ll see some of the best 1943 curbed pavement in Missouri. The half curb was designed to keep autos on the road but, often as not, would tip them over.

Experience the beautiful hamlet of Devils Elbow, which was bypassed in the 1940s when Highway 66 was realigned. Today’s visitors can cross the Big Piney River on the original 1923 Devils Elbow truss bridge and the 1942 Big Piney River Bridge (an excellent example of a concrete open spandrel arch bridge). Stop at the Scenic Overlook to view the picturesque 1941 United States Army Railroad Bridge, known as Schoolhouse Bridge, in the Ozark valley below.

Descending into the county seat of Waynesville, watch for Frog Rock overlooking Route 66. Stop by the 1903 Courthouse Museum, one of two courthouses located along Route 66 in Missouri, and then visit the historic Old Stagecoach Stop across the street; it has stood since the 1850s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has served as a stagecoach stop, private residence, post office, and Civil War hospital.

The road that was once the east/west thoroughfare for travelers in a hurry now serves sightseers taking a more relaxed pace to discover stops at one-of-a-kind places such as the National Park Service Trail of Tears Memorial and Roubidoux Spring.

The Pulaski County Visitor Center, located in St. Robert, is just a short distance off Route 66. Visit in person or online for your Route 66 travel resources plus local lodging and dining information.

Pulaski County Visitor Center

137 St. Robert Blvd. St. Robert , MO 573-336-6355 PulaskiCountyUSA.com

SEE & DO

Step back in time and tour two museums, the 1903 Courthouse

Museum & Old Stagecoach

Stop Museum . The courthouse features local history and a fullsize courtroom. The Stagecoach Stop offers nine rooms restored to showcase the life of this historic building, which originated as a log cabin in 1834.

Uranus Sideshow Museum – The museum is home to live show performers, historic sideshow pieces, and shock and awe displays that will have your jaw dropping.

PLAY

Trout Fishing at the Roubidoux

River, Waynesville – Plan to cast a line in and catch some Rainbow or Brown trout. Catch and keep March to October. A fishing and trout permit is needed.

Paddle Missouri’s Rivers

Get away from it all and enjoy a scenic float trip along the Big Piney and Gasconade Rivers. You may want to bring your waterproof camera for this trip to capture the abundant wildlife.

SELFIE SPOTS

Grab selfies along Pulaski’s 33 miles of Route 66. Gorgeous views along the 1923 Devils Elbow bridge, murals at the former Devils Elbow Café and stops located in Waynesville at the 8-foot Route 66 Shield, and Interactive Canoe Mural. Numerous businesses offer unique selfie stops. Access Pulaski’s County’s “Enhance Your Tour Tools” at PulaskiCountyUSA. com/route-66 to discover more great photo stops along the way.

Pulaski County Tourism 1923 Devils Elbow Bridge

Hooker Cut, Hooker

Waynesville Route 66 Shield