Mother Road
ROLLA’S ROUTE 66 SPIRIT
Rolla proudly sits along the legendary Route 66—America’s “Mother Road.” Whether you’re a road tripper, history buff, or nostalgic traveler, you’ll find classic charm and memorable stops throughout our community.
Stroll Down Memory Lane
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then
Edwin Long Hotel
Built in 1931 along Route 66, the Edwin Long Hotel was a four-story landmark with 75 guest rooms, a coffee shop, and a banquet hall. Its ground floor housed the National Bank of Rolla (now Phelps County Bank) and was the site of the Route 66 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The building remains a key piece of downtown Rolla’s history.
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then
Mule Trading Post
Originally opened in 1946 and relocated to Rolla in 1957, the Mule Trading Post became a landmark stop on Route 66. The building’s iconic neon mule sign, with ears that “flap” at night, and the vintage waving arm hillbilly sign helped make it a memorable roadside destination. Today, the space has been reborn as Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun, a lively family friendly entertainment center.
then
Johns Modern Cabins
now
Built in the 1930s near Newburg, Missouri, about eight miles west of Rolla, John’s Modern Cabins welcomed Route 66 travelers with rustic log cabin lodging and a bright neon sign. Today, only a few remnants and the faded sign remain, giving visitors a glimpse into the Mother Road’s early roadside culture and the spirit of classic American road travel.
Photo Ops Worth The Stop
Route 66 Sculpture
Strike a pose where history meets fun! This 10-foot Route 66 sculpture in Buehler Park marks the original road’s path and honors the legacy of the Mother Road.
Route 66 Mural
Discover the iconic Route 66 mural at the corner of 10th & Pine Streets in downtown Rolla. In 2013, local business owner Kent Bagnall commissioned artist Craig Thomas from Cape Girardeau to bring this vibrant mural to life.
Route 66 Centerpiece
Don’t miss one of Rolla’s most popular Route 66 photo ops! Our nearly six-foot-tall Route 66 sculpture inside the Visitor Center is a must-see (and must-snap). It’s the perfect way to mark your stop on the Mother Road.
Route 66 Roadside Eats
These locally loved and traveler-approved stops offer a taste of Rolla right along historic Route 66.
Discover even more dining options in Rolla on the Eat page.
Alex's Pizza Palace
122 W. 8th St.
A beloved Rolla staple for over 50 years, serving handmade pizzas, gyros, salads, pasta, and more, along with a full bar.
Hoppers Pub
723 N. Pine St.
A lively spot serving pub fare and drinks, featuring 66 beers on tap and a fun local atmosphere.
Maid Rite
1028 Kinsghighway
Famous for its loose-meat burgers, a true Midwest comfort food stop.
NaCl+H2O
817 N. Pine St.
Serving up fresh seafood, sizzling steaks, and craft cocktails in the heart of downtown Rolla.
Soda & Scoops
819 N. Pine St.
Sweet treats, ice cream, and old-fashioned sodas for a perfect dessert stop.
Sirloin Stockade
1401 Martin Springs Dr.
A family-friendly buffet offering hearty steaks, BBQ, and all-you-can-eat favorites.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Uptown Theatre
The Uptown Theatre, opened on December 9, 1941, was a landmark of downtown Rolla and a highlight along historic Route 66. Designed by the Boller Brothers, it featured a yellow-brick façade with bold black panels and a large triangular marquee. A hub for movies and community events for decades, it closed in 1998 and was demolished in 2010, yet remains a cherished part of Rolla’s Route 66 history.
Totem Pole Trading Post
The Totem Pole Trading Post, first opened in 1933 and operating from its familiar location since 1977, was a beloved Route 66 stop in Rolla. Known for its handcrafted gifts and welcoming roadside charm, it served generations of travelers. The store closed its doors in 2024, and while the building has since been demolished, the iconic sign remains for now, marking the place where this memorable Route 66 landmark once stood.
Zeno's Motel
Zeno’s Motel and Steakhouse, originally opened as Zeno’s Studio Motel in the mid-1950s, was a beloved Route 66 stop just west of the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla. Over three generations, it grew to 50 guest rooms with an indoor and outdoor pool, full-service restaurant, banquet facilities, and a lounge. The motel closed in October 2011, and the building was later demolished.
