City: St. Louis, MO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (636) 938-7198

Description: Route 66 State Park showcases the history and mystique of the historic highway known as “the Mother Road,” a roadway that has come to represent American mobility, independence, and the spirit of adventure. Located along the original Route 66 corridor (I–44), the 409-acre park features a variety of recreational activities and historical displays showcasing Route 66. The Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse, serves as the park’s visitor center and houses a collection of memorabilia. There are also ample opportunities to picnic, exercise, bird-watch, or to just commune with nature, as the park area is home to more than 40 types of birds and a diverse set of trees, plants, and animals. Picnic sites are scattered beneath the shade trees. Level walking, bicycling, and equestrian trails throughout the park are perfect for beginning bike riders. There’s also a boat launch, pavilions, and a playground.