HSOC Corridor Information

From Missouri Outdoors

Get Your Kicks On Route 66 - Part 2
By Conor Watkins

Sights east of Rolla on the unique and historic Route 66 were introduced last week. As promised, more features of 'America's Main Street' are highlighted this week. Old Route 66 passes near Devils Elbow on present day Highway Z. Devils Elbow is named for the sharp meander (curve) in the Big Piney River that used to create large logjams when the river was used to transport logs. Highway Z consists of original pavement from a 1940's improvement to Highway 66. This stretch, built to accommodate traffic from Ft. Leonard Wood, winds through scenic bluffs and across the Big Piney River. After I-44 replaced Route 66, this four-lane stretch seems strangely empty. The river bridge across the Big Piney is scenic and consists of an interesting arch. Kudzu, an aggressively growing vine, grows on many of the bluffs during warm months. Some consider this stretch to be one of the most scenic drives in Missouri.

The original Route 66 through this area (constructed 1926) goes through downtown Devil's Elbow and crosses a steel truss bridge built for the original highway. To get to this section, turn left on the first road (Tulsa/Teardrop Rd.) just before the four-lane section crosses the Big Piney. The Elbow Inn and BBQ Pit, established 1929, is located on the right before the truss bridge. This restaurant/bar is one of the oldest buildings on Route 66 that is still housing its original business. Allman's Market in Devil's Elbow houses the Post Office and is an interesting stop. A gravel road branches off to the left just before the bridge. This road leads to part of the Mark Twain National Forest. This remote area offers scenery, bluffs for rappelling, hunting grounds, and hiking areas. When following this gravel road, one will eventually drive under a large wooden railroad trestle, which is still used to this day. To get to Hwy Z, head west from Rolla to Hwy J (exit 169). Turn left on Hwy J and cross I-44, then turn right onto Hwy Z. Hwy Z will eventually end at St. Robert, MO. While at the Hwy J exit, one might want to visit Slaughter/Conical Sink and Onyx Mountain Caverns, a commercial cave. For more info on these features, see http://www.umr.edu/~cwatkin/mooutdoors/article2.htm.

The quaint town of Waynesville is located off of Route 66 at I-44 exits 156 and 159 west of Rolla. Roubidoux Spring, with an average flow of 37 million gallons per day, is located in Waynesville and ranks as Missouri's 16th largest spring. The spring conduit is open for exploration by cave divers. All divers must be qualified and register with the Waynesville Police Dept. before entering. Diving in water-filled caves is very hazardous to the untrained.

The Caveman BBQ is a relatively new addition to the list of unique businesses located near old US 66. This restaurant is in a cave and makes for an interesting dining experience. Diners ride up the bluff in a rugged van and then use a 'miners style' elevator to get to the cave. From Rolla, take I-44 west to exit 150, which is labeled for Richland and Hwy 7. Turn right at this exit and take another immediate right on Hwy W. Follow this for a few miles until it dead ends at T intersection. Take a left turn at the T and you will be on Rochester Rd. Go less than a mile until you see the signs for the BBQ on the left at 26880 Rochester Rd.

No outdoor enthusiast should pass by Springfield without visiting Bass Pro Shop. Bass Pro, headquartered in Springfield, also has a large retail store selling and displaying almost anything outdoors related. The store is located at 1935 S. Campbell, not far off of I-44. Exit I-44 onto Hwy 65 in Springfield. Head south to E. Sunshine Rd. Turn right on this road and follow until Bass Pro appears on the left at the junction of S. Campbell.

Fantastic Caverns is advertised as 'America's only ride through cave' since tours are conducted via trams pulled by Jeeps. Because no walking is required on this tour, it is recommended for those with young children or handicaps. This large show cave is well decorated with interesting formations. The history, biology, and geology of the cave are explained on the tours. Parts of the cave are home to sensitive species such as the blind white cavefish and not open to the public. To get to this cave, head to Springfield and look for the signs. Detailed directions are given at http://www.fantastic-caverns.com/visit.htm.

Wilson's Creek National Civil War Battleground, Missouri's only National Monument, is also located near Springfield. This site represents the first major Civil War battle in Missouri. In this battle, the Union and the Confederates fought for control of Missouri in August of 1861. Although the Confederates won the battle, they also suffered heavy losses and were unable to continue north. The first Union General to die, Nathaniel Lyon, was a casualty of the battle.

The site is now preserved as a park and offers hiking, biking, picnicking, and a visitor center. The visitor center holds a museum, map of the battle, and offers a movie on the battle. Much of the battlefield is preserved and has cannons and other weapons used in the war. Historic weapons demonstrations are offered from time to time. There is a $2 fee per adult visitor to the park. Those under $16 get in free. To get to the park, exit I-44 at Hwy MM (exit 70). Follow MM and cross Hwy 60 where Hwy MM turns into Hwy M. Turn right on Hwy ZZ and then turn left on Farm Road 182. The entrance to the battlefield will be on the right.

Tri State Lead/Zinc Mining District starts at approximately Joplin and Webb City and continues to the state line. This area is no longer mined but evidence such as tailings piles are still present. The Tri-State Mineral Museum at Schifferdecker Park in Joplin has mineral specimens from the area and has displays of scale model mining processes. This site is a must see for anyone interested in minerals, rocks, and geology and is located four miles east of the state line on US 66.

Grand Falls on Shoal Creek near Joplin is one of Missouri's largest waterfalls. These scenic falls, caused by an unusually thick (25 feet) layer of resistant chert, are one of the tallest and widest waterfalls in the state. During normal flow, the falls may be as high as 15 feet tall. The falls have remained undeveloped even with their close proximity to Joplin. To reach these falls, drive south on Hwy 86 from I-44 1.2 miles until Shoal Creek is crossed. Turn right and follow approximately 3 miles. Be on the lookout for the falls on the right. Note that the road leading to these falls is flooded during very high water and that the approaches form the north side is private property.

Devil's Promenade or The Spooklight is a mysterious light located near the Missouri/Oklahoma border. No one is sure what causes this light, but legends say it is the ghost of an Indian. Others think it may be marsh gas, reflected headlights, or lights from a nearby airport. Local lore says that the light has been around long before the airport or cars. Best sightings are seen north of Seneca off of Hwy 43. Exit Hwy 44 at the Hwy 43 exit and follow south for 5-10 miles. Sightings have also been reported off of Hwy BB which joins Hwy 43.

Although Route 66 was decommissioned in the 1970s, much of the highway still exists as isolated stretches. Many of these stretches go by a new name. Those wanting a break from the relatively generic Interstate should travel old US 66. Many towns, sights, and attractions just off of the old highway are completely bypassed by the modern Interstates.

Thanks to the WPA Guide To Missouri, 'Geologic Wonders And Curiosities of Missouri', Missouri Master Plan Environmental Setting, Adventure Cyclist, Missouri DNR, Missouri Botanical Garden, the Ozark Caving Homepage, and users of MOCAVES for information on the above attractions. For more information, see the above sources.

Part 1