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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi
Map Pin
10170 MO-266, Bois D'Arc, MO 65612, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Wait… Am I Still on Route 66?
Welcome to Day 2 of our Epic Route 66 Self-Guided Driving Tour from Springfield Missouri to Amarillo, Texas!

If you’re following along on a Route 66 adventure, you may have noticed something a little confusing on your map or road signs — Route 66 seems to go by a bunch of different names. You’ll see signs for Interstate 44, Old Route 66, Historic Route 66, Business 40, and even something called Bicycle Route 66.

So… what gives?

Well, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. Highway back in 1985. That means it’s no longer part of the official federal highway system. But it never really went away. Over time, sections of the original road were replaced by faster interstate highways — like I-55, I-44, and I-40. These are the roads most people use to travel across the country today.

But here’s the cool part — many parts of the original Route 66 still exist! Locals call them “Old 66” or “Historic Route 66,” and they often run parallel to the interstates. Right now, you are actually driving one of these original routes. These roads are where you’ll find the real magic: roadside diners, neon signs, quirky attractions, and small towns that kept the spirit of Route 66 alive.

As for Bicycle Route 66 — that’s a designated cross-country cycling route that follows the historic alignment as closely as possible, but it's for two wheels, not four.

So, if your GPS shows you bouncing between different names, don’t worry — you’re still on the Mother Road. Route 66 may not be a single straight line anymore, but its legacy is very much alive — and you’re driving right through it.

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Place #2
Distance: 9.97mi
Map Pin
21498 MO-266, Everton, MO 65646, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Cruising the Mother Road – The Spirit of Route 66
As you roll along this scenic stretch of Route 66 between St. Robert and Springfield, you’re not just covering miles—you’re cruising through living history. This filler stretch may not have a major town, but it carries the heartbeat of the Mother Road.

Route 66, commissioned in 1926, was more than just a road—it was a symbol of freedom, opportunity, and adventure. It connected small towns across eight states, bringing commerce and culture to places previously off the map. During the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, thousands of families used this road to flee the drought-stricken plains, chasing the promise of a better life in California. John Steinbeck even called it the “Mother Road” in The Grapes of Wrath, a name that stuck.

One of the lesser-known but fascinating facts about this stretch? Many of the curves and contours were shaped not by engineers—but by mules. When the route followed older trails and postal roads, it often stuck to paths carved out by wagon wheels and pack animals. That’s why some sections have unexpectedly winding routes, especially through the Ozarks.

Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot remnants of ghost towns, weathered billboards, or the remains of long-closed motor courts, all whispering stories of travelers who came before you. This isn’t just filler. It’s the soul of Route 66—quiet, enduring, and full of stories waiting to be told.

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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Wait… Am I Still on Route 66?
Map Pin Place 2 Cruising the Mother Road – The Spirit of Route 66
Map Pin Place 3 Spencer Station – A Living Time Capsule on Route 66
Map Pin Place 4 Miami, Missouri – A Quiet Detour Off the Mother Road
Map Pin Place 5 Whimsical Totem Pole Park
Map Pin Place 6 The Iconic Blue Whale
Map Pin Place 7 Tulsa, Oklahoma – The Oil Capital of the World
Map Pin Place 8 Rolling Through the Heartland – Between Tulsa and Oklahoma City
Map Pin Place 9 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Heart of the Mother Road
Map Pin Place 10 Route 66 Roadside Americana – Between Oklahoma City and Shamrock
Map Pin Place 11 Washita National Wildlife Refuge – A Hidden Natural Haven on the Mother Road
Map Pin Place 12 Art Deco U-Drop Inn
Map Pin Place 13 The Leaning Tower of Texas
Map Pin Place 14 Almost at the End of the Road in Amarillo
Map Pin Place 15 Iconic Cadillac Ranch



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Related travel ideas and destinations for you to explore

Best Self-Guided USA Scenic Drives: Audio Tours & 1-Day Itineraries

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 8.5 to 12 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 17 stops, covering top attractions such as Wait… Am I Still on Route 66?, Cruising the Mother Road – The Spirit of Route 66, Spencer Station – A Living Time Capsule on Route 66, Miami, Missouri – A Quiet Detour Off the Mother Road, Whimsical Totem Pole Park.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Wait… Am I Still on Route 66? (Address: 10170 MO-266, Bois D'Arc, MO 65612, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!