In Pulaski, Route 66 heritage, river activities and military history come together. Historic Route 66 runs through Pulaski County in the Ozarks; this stretch lies approximately halfway between St. Louis and Joplin. For your trip planning, it is worth focusing on a specific theme: road and museum history offer different topics from paddling, fishing or hiking.
Route 66 and Ozark History
At Route 66 Neon Park, restored historic neon signs line illuminated paths. Information panels tell the story of each sign. The park is open; admission and parking are free. Road construction and Route 66 heritage also shape the sights outside the park: Hooker Cut is a historic road cut with dolomite and limestone walls. In Devils Elbow, 200-foot-high cliffs rise above the Big Piney River; a steel truss bridge dating from 1923 also stands there. George M. Reed Roadside Park is the oldest continuously operating rest area on Route 66. Frog Rock, a landmark along Route 66 in Waynesville, was designed and painted by Phil Nelson.
Museums and Historical Topics
Built in 1903, the Courthouse Museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Its topics include the Trail of Tears, the American Civil War, the Frisco Railroad, Route 66 and military history. The Old Stagecoach Stop in Waynesville dates to the 1850s and later served as a hospital during the Civil War. At the Frisco Depot Museum & Caboose in Crocker, you can find railroad artifacts and exhibits on railroad history; the museum also has a genuine Frisco caboose where guests can take photos. The Mahaffey Museum Complex preserves the history and contributions of the military police, Army Engineers and chemical warfare units in conflicts since the American Revolutionary War. The collection thus ranges from road and transportation history to military topics.
Rivers, Fishing and Paddling
Under Missouri’s current fishing regulations, a 3.1-mile stretch of Roubidoux Creek is designated as a White Ribbon Trout Area. It extends downstream from Roubidoux Spring to the confluence with the Gasconade River. The Big Piney River’s Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area extends to its confluence with the Gasconade River in Pulaski County. The Big Piney is a clear stream, suited to slow fishing from a canoe or small river jon boat. A day trip on the river can cover a little more than six miles from Sandy Shoals Ford to Boiling Springs.
Outfitters in Pulaski County rent inner tubes, rafts, kayaks, canoes and jon boats, along with paddles, life jackets and other necessary accessories. They also offer shuttles and provide paddling instruction for beginners. For planning, it helps to consider the type of boat, route and support offered together. Qualified and certified cave or cavern divers may regularly scuba dive at the underwater cave at Roubidoux Spring; registration is required before diving.
Hiking and Seasonal Offerings
Pulaski County includes 39,000 acres of Mark Twain National Forest, suitable for hiking, backpacking and camping. Roubidoux Creek Conservation Area offers public access to Roubidoux Creek and opportunities for land-based recreation. Laughlin Park has information about the Trail of Tears and a one-mile trail along Roubidoux Creek. These different options range from a specific trail route to larger forest areas.
At the Pulaski County Farmers Market, you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, live plants and crafts, among other items; offerings vary with seasonal availability. Crocker Railroad Days is an annual community celebration in Crocker. Check the dates and program details for the relevant year when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: St Robert, Osage County, Ray, Livingston, Barton County, Camden County, St. Charles, Scott County.
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