Missouri's Charming City Along Historic Route 66 Has Unique Sights To Explore

Along the 2,238-mile-long Route 66 linking Chicago and Los Angeles, you'll pass by quirky and fun cities like Springfield, Illinois, and beautiful scenery worthy of a stop. On this storied route in southwestern Missouri, you'll find one of the state's most beautiful cities known as "a delightful slice of small-town USA," with friendly folks and a rich, unique history to explore. Carthage, Missouri, was named after the ancient city of Carthage and was settled in 1842, before being largely burned during the Civil War. From the ashes of war rose a stunning and wealthy city built during the Victorian era, famed for its beautiful "Carthage Marble," a unique and beautiful type of limestone used in the construction of the Missouri State Capitol and the towering Jasper County Courthouse (the second-most photographed building in the state after the St. Louis Gateway Arch).

In the early age of the automobile, Carthage had one of the first paved roads in the state, tying it to nearby Joplin. This road (today called Central Avenue) soon became part of Route 66 and serves as the primary thoroughfare for reaching many of the city's most iconic museums, tourist attractions, and historical sites. The intersection of Central Avenue and Garrison Avenue was also the crossroads where Route 66 met the Jefferson Highway, which ran from New Orleans up to Winnipeg. As you pass by this storied intersection, don't forget to stop by the Boots Court Motel Visitors Center to pick up your unique Route 66 passport. The visitors center is one of over 600 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in town.

While Carthage is known for its ties to Route 66, it is also the site of the first major battle in the Civil War (before the Battle of Bull Run). The Battle of Carthage was fought on July 5, 1861, between the Missouri State Guard, composed of several thousand Southern sympathizers, versus 1,100 disciplined German-Americans fighting for the Union. To see the battlefield where both sides claimed victory, make a quick detour to the Battle of Carthage State Park, just to the east of Carter Park. Civil War buffs won't want to miss visiting the city's Battle of Carthage Civil War museum, where you'll find a display and artistic depictions of the battle along with unique artifacts from the war, including bullets, letters, and Confederate money. The museum is free and open daily.

If you're ready to stretch your legs for a bit longer, or are looking for a unique slice of nostalgia and quintessential Americana vibes, head to Red Oak II, Missoura, one of the most unique and artistic sights in southwestern Missouri just northeast of Carthage. Similar to how this Route 66 town bursts with colorful nostalgia and charm, Red Oak II is a free, open-air museum to the early 20th century that was built by Lowell Davis, an internationally acclaimed artist from the area. Davis transformed a field into a traditional Midwestern town by moving discarded buildings, gas pumps, and signs and restoring them to their past glory. Though the town may look like a studio, a handful of residents still live there and ask that visitors be respectful toward their properties.

Whether you've been on the road for a few days or a few minutes, put the car in park and explore the unique sights of colorful and walkable downtown Carthage, where you'll find a thriving small business district of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes around the Jasper County Courthouse. Within this historic, half-mile block, you'll find plenty of on-street parking and several local eateries. The Carthage Deli will take you back to the 1950s with delicious milkshakes and sandwiches, served up with a side of Americana. Afterward, head for a quick walk or drive south on Main or Grand Avenue where you'll pass gorgeous mansions constructed during the city's mining heyday at the turn of the 20th century. Mining magnates and local politicians, such as Colonel William H. Phelps, constructed mansions showcasing the city's tremendous financial and natural resource wealth. If you'd like to see the home up close and personal, book a free tour (donations are welcome) through one of the city's most opulent houses.

For a small city of less than 13,000, Carthage has several unique locations to take your mind off the road and escape for a few hours. Just outside of the city, the historic 66 Drive-in Theatre is one of the few drive-ins remaining along Route 66 and is complete with a large concession stand doling out classic hot dogs and fresh popcorn. Visitors on Tripadvisor and Google Maps also rave about the local Stone's Throw Dinner Theatre, where you'll get a tasty, home-cooked meal and a spectacular performance. If you have time for more, head to nearby Joplin, oozing with art and natural beauty. Those flying in will also find the nearest airport in Joplin.