Route 66 State Park
A historic roadhouse visitor center and peaceful trails on the site of the former Times Beach, offering a glimpse into Route 66 history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for trails
Route 66 State Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather for trails
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic roadhouse visitor center and peaceful trails on the site of the former Times Beach, offering a glimpse into Route 66 history.
"A hidden gem with pleasant staff and nice souvenirs, perfect for a restroom break on your trip."
🚗 Navigate to Visitor Center
Ensure you navigate specifically to the visitor center, as trails are on the opposite side of the highway.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy quiet walks on concrete paths or wooded trails; animals are welcome.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Roadhouse Visitor Center
Eureka, MO
Explore a 1935 roadhouse turned museum, showcasing Route 66 history and local exhibits.
Times Beach Memorial
Park grounds
Reflect on the former town of Times Beach and its history of dioxin contamination and cleanup.
Meramec River Trails
Along the Meramec River
Enjoy peaceful walks and scenic views along the Meramec River on well-maintained trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Visitor Center Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Navigate to Visitor Center
Ensure you navigate specifically to the visitor center, as trails are on the opposite side of the highway.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy quiet walks on concrete paths or wooded trails; animals are welcome.
🏛️ Historic Roadhouse
Visit the 1935 roadhouse for exhibits on Route 66 and the area's unique history.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the essence of the Mother Road and its historic roadside attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Navigate to Visitor Center
Ensure you navigate specifically to the visitor center, as trails are on the opposite side of the highway.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy quiet walks on concrete paths or wooded trails; animals are welcome.
🏛️ Historic Roadhouse
Visit the 1935 roadhouse for exhibits on Route 66 and the area's unique history.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the essence of the Mother Road and its historic roadside attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Route 66 State Park to be a peaceful and informative stop, particularly appreciating the historic visitor center and the scenic trails along the Meramec River. While some note the lack of overt memorials to Times Beach, the park is generally seen as a well-maintained gem offering a quiet respite and a connection to Route 66 history.
"I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't it. The Route 66 State Park sits where Times Beach once was. The town of Times Beach was evacuated in 1983 after a severe dioxin contamination that was used to spray the roads. The combination of the mixture was used in Agent Orange. Extensive cleanup took place and the Route 66 State Park opened in 1999."
Brandi Compass
"We were looking for a restroom while on our trip. I decided we'd stop by here instead of thr run-of-the-mill gas station.
I was very glad we did because this is a hidden gem.
The gentleman working was very pleasant, and so knowledgeable on the area. (The beautiful mustang photo'd was his 1967 Ford Mustang, although he said he wished it was a '66)
Loved this place and got some nice souvenirs."
Brandon R.
"The former Times Beach, MO that was decimated by dioxin poisoning and cleaned up by the government in the 90’s. Nice, peaceful walks through the land, going to and along the Meramec River and back. I wouldn’t thought there’d be signs or something commemorating Times Beach but there is nothing, like no one wants to remember it which I found sad."
FFKDTP1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Route 66 State Park is located in Eureka, Missouri, directly off of historic Route 66. The visitor center is on one side of the highway, and the trails are on the other, so be sure to navigate to the specific area you wish to visit.
Public transportation options to Route 66 State Park are limited. It is best accessed by car, especially if you are planning a road trip along Route 66.
From St. Louis, take I-44 West to Exit 270. Take Exit 270 to merge onto US-66 W/Historic Route 66 toward Eureka. The park entrance will be on your right.
Yes, you can drive the entire Route 66, which spans 3,240 km across eight states from Illinois to California. Route 66 State Park is a significant stop along this iconic journey. +1
Nearby towns like Eureka and St. Louis offer various accommodation options for visitors planning to explore Route 66 and its attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Route 66 State Park is free to enter. You can explore the trails and visitor center without any admission cost.
The visitor center hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Missouri State Parks website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
The park grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours for activities like hiking and biking. The visitor center has specific operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general park access. The visitor center is open on a first-come, first-served basis during its operating hours.
Special events or guided tours may be offered periodically. Check the Missouri State Parks website or inquire at the visitor center for any scheduled activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore hiking and biking trails, visit the historic 1935 roadhouse visitor center with exhibits on Route 66, and enjoy the peaceful scenery along the Meramec River.
Times Beach was a town that was evacuated in 1983 due to severe dioxin contamination from road spraying. The area was cleaned up and later became Route 66 State Park.
Yes, restrooms are available within the park, particularly at the visitor center.
Yes, animals are welcome in the park, but visitors are reminded to pick up after their pets.
The park offers both paved concrete paths suitable for walking, biking, and skating, as well as wooded trails for a more natural hiking experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic roadhouse visitor center, scenic views along the Meramec River, and the remnants of the old Route 66 highway offer great photo opportunities.
While Times Beach itself is now part of the park, the focus is on the cleanup and the natural environment. The visitor center exhibits may offer historical context for photography.
As you drive along historic Route 66, you'll find numerous classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and vintage signs that make for excellent Route 66-themed photos. +1
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The park's natural setting along the Meramec River may offer opportunities to photograph local wildlife. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, and let the kids explore the natural surroundings. It's a great, low-key stop that breaks up a longer road trip, offering a chance to stretch legs and learn a bit about local history in a relaxed setting.
🚗 Road Trippers
It's an ideal spot for a quick break to use restrooms, grab a souvenir, or simply enjoy the scenery. The park's location makes it a convenient point to learn about the 'Mother Road' and the unique story of Times Beach.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Times Beach
The park, which opened in 1999, now stands as a testament to environmental remediation and a place for quiet reflection. While there are no overt memorials to the town itself, the peaceful landscape and the visitor center's exhibits offer a glimpse into this chapter of Missouri's history. Visitors can walk the trails and ponder the transformation of the land, a stark contrast to its past.
It's a poignant reminder of the impact of industrial byproducts and the efforts made to restore contaminated sites. The park's serene environment offers a chance to connect with nature while acknowledging the human stories tied to the land.
Experiencing Route 66
Driving Route 66 offers a unique perspective on the real United States, moving away from interstates to experience the heartland's charm. Along the way, travelers can find everything from vintage motels and gas stations to unique local eateries and natural wonders. The park itself, with its 1935 roadhouse visitor center, provides a tangible connection to the highway's past, showcasing exhibits that detail its significance.
Many travelers plan their trips to hit specific favorite spots, with sections from Oklahoma to Arizona often cited as particularly scenic or interesting. Whether you're driving the entire route or just a segment, Route 66 State Park offers a valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and spirit of this legendary American highway.
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