If you’re looking for things to do in Lebanon, Missouri, the Route 66 Museum is a great place to start. Located inside the local library, this free museum explores the history of transportation through the Ozarks, the development of Route 66, and Lebanon’s role along the Mother Road. During our Route 66 road trip, we visited museums and exhibits all across the country, and we appreciated that this one combined broader Route 66 history with plenty of local stories, artifacts, and exhibits unique to Route 66 Lebanon Missouri. In this post, we’ll share all about the museum, how to visit, our honest review, and plenty of photos.
About Lebanon’s Route 66 Museum
Located inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library, the Route 66 Museum tells the story of transportation through the Ozarks and the role Lebanon played in the history of America’s most famous highway. While the museum is relatively small, it’s packed with information, artifacts, photographs, maps, and exhibits that help connect the area’s past to the development of Route 66.
One of the things we found most interesting was how the museum traces the evolution of travel through the region. Long before Route 66 existed, Native American tribes used footpaths through the Ozarks. Those paths later became wagon roads used by settlers and traders before eventually evolving into the highways that crossed Missouri in the early automobile era.
The exhibits focus heavily on local history, giving visitors a better understanding of how Route 66 shaped Lebanon and the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll find historic photographs, transportation artifacts, maps, and displays that highlight both the development of the Mother Road and everyday life along it.
How to Visit the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri
Address: Inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library, 915 S Jefferson Ave, Lebanon, MO 65536
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm
Admission: Free!
The History of Route 66 in Lebanon
Lebanon’s transportation history stretches back long before the creation of Route 66. The Ozark region was originally home to the Osage and Wyota peoples, who traveled through the area using a network of established trails. These routes later became important transportation corridors for settlers moving west.
The first permanent white settler in the area was Jesse Ballew, who arrived in 1820. As settlement increased, the trails through the region became wagon roads and eventually major transportation routes. During the Civil War, the road through Lebanon became known as the “Wire Road” because telegraph lines connected St. Louis and Springfield along the route. Laclede County was officially established in 1849, with Lebanon serving as the county seat. Interestingly, the community was originally called Wyota before being renamed Lebanon at the request of a minister whose hometown was Lebanon, Tennessee.
When Route 66 was designated in 1926, it closely followed the path of these much older transportation routes through the Ozarks. The highway passed directly through Lebanon and remained on its original alignment until 1957. Later, Interstate 44 was built along much of the same corridor. Unlike many Route 66 communities that struggled after being bypassed by the interstate, Lebanon benefited from I-44 following a similar route, helping the city remain an important stop for travelers.
Today, Lebanon has a population of around 15,000 residents, and its Route 66 heritage remains an important part of the community’s identity.
Is the Route 66 Museum Worth Visiting? Our Review
We enjoyed our visit to the Route 66 Museum and think it’s worth a stop if you’re traveling Route 66 through Missouri. Best of all, admission is free!
One thing we appreciated was that the museum includes plenty of actual artifacts and recreated displays. Some Route 66 museums and exhibits we visited during our three-month journey leaned heavily on text panels, but this museum does a nice job mixing information with things to look at. There are still plenty of stories and historical details to read, but the exhibits help bring that history to life.
The museum also strikes a good balance between broader Route 66 history and stories specific to Lebanon. Since we visited quite a few Route 66 museums along the Mother Road, we always appreciated finding exhibits that highlighted local history rather than repeating the same information over and over. Learning about Lebanon’s role in Route 66 history gave the museum its own personality and made it feel different from other stops along the route.
Of course, we also got a kick out of learning about the Nelson family from Lebanon. It’s not every day we find our last name featured in a museum exhibit!
Some of the highlights were the larger recreated displays, including a 1950s gas station, a diner, and a tourist cabin. These exhibits help visitors imagine what travel along Route 66 looked like during the highway’s heyday. Combined with the photographs, artifacts, maps, and local stories throughout the museum, they make for an enjoyable and informative visit.
More Route 66 Attractions in Lebanon, Missouri
If you’re exploring Lebanon’s Route 66 attractions, there are several other historic stops worth checking out while you’re in town.
The most iconic is the Munger Moss Motel, a vintage motor court that opened in 1946. Its famous neon sign has become one of the most recognizable Route 66 landmarks in Missouri and remains a popular photo stop for travelers following the Mother Road.
Another interesting stop is Boswell Park, where you’ll find the last remaining cabin from Camp Joy. One of the first tourist camps on Route 66, Camp Joy opened in 1927 as a tent campground before expanding to include cottages, a gas station, and a grocery store. Most of the original complex has disappeared, but one cabin was preserved and relocated to the park.
Keep an eye out for Lebanon’s three large Route 66 murals as well. The colorful public art celebrates the city’s connection to the Mother Road and makes for some fun photo opportunities around town.
For a unique overnight stay, consider the Manor Inn Bed & Breakfast. The home was originally built in 1903 and later operated as a hotel before being converted into the bed and breakfast that welcomes guests today.
If you’re looking for something a little different, Bowlmor Lanes offers bowling, batting cages, arcade games, and food right along Route 66. It’s a fun option for families or anyone looking to take a break from sightseeing.
Even More Route 66
Make sure to check out all our Route 66 blog posts here:
