A Scenic Drive from Springfield, Missouri to Tulsa: Must-See Stops

Today started a bit cooler but by lunch time was in the 30s again. Different scenery today with undulating hills mixed with lots of flat areas. Definitely plenty of Route 66 attractions to enjoy as well. It was the first day we saw several other people at the attractions and some were also doing the journey.

Spirited Springfield: The Starting Point

Our journey started in Springfield, Missouri and it didn't take us long to join Route 66 although today at times it varied between dual carriageway and barely used roads.

Witness Tornado Shelters in Kansas

As you transition into the vast plains of Kansas, one of the intriguing sights you’ll encounter are the tornado shelters peppered throughout the area. These practical yet historical structures tell a story of resilience in the face of Mother Nature's fury and also a reminder of how the weather can change. I think/hoped we picked the right time to travel. I do enjoy the odd extreme weather show but don't want to be involved in anything bad in real life. We have seen signs saying roads impassable on high water and a warning that the bridges become icy before the roads! very strange when its 30 degrees an no water anywhere.

Explore the Artistic Hideaways

No road trip is complete without some artistic influence, and that's where the remarkably unique Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park in Foyil comes into play. This quirky roadside stop is home to the world's largest totem pole and is an absolute must-see for art lovers and curious travellers alike. He was an ex-woodwork teacher who retired here, bought some land and built a house then starting building totem poles and painting murals. A really nice stop and a lovely lady in the shop telling us about Ed.

Don't Miss Gary's Gay Parita

Another gem along your route is Gary's Gay Parita, a lovingly restored 1930s Sinclair gas station located on historic Route 66. This roadside attraction is both nostalgic and educational, giving us a glimpse into the past of America's most famous highway. George is the guy running it now (and for the last 9 years) and is really friendly. Him and his wife Barb is another example of a couple who have moved out here for a different lifestyle and who help keep the route alive. He has a map where people can add pins to show where they are from, the current map is from February this year and full of pins. The UK and Australia both being really well represented. You could spend 5 minutes here or 5 hrs - George is happy to chat.

Galena and the history of Cars

Another fun stop was Galena where Pixar found inspiration for the film Cars. Another nice gift shop where they love to tell you about the filming and lots of photo opportunities with different cars. Although it did remind me of our children liking the film and watching it multiple times when we visited my sister and brother-in-law.

A good day and building up for a long day on the road tomorrow as we have over 400 miles to cover.