Michael Bushnell
Northeast News

After crossing the Mississippi River on the Chain of Rocks Bridge, Route 66 loosely followed the route of old State Road 14 as it snaked across hills and valleys of the lush Missouri countryside.

By 1931, the route was fully paved, creating greater opportunities for those who opened businesses along the newly-completed Mother Road.

No trip along Route 66 is complete, however, without a stop at one of the most iconic frozen custard shops in America, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Located at 6726 Chippewa Ave. in St. Louis, over four generations of the Drewes family have been serving up frozen treats along Route 66.

Roughly 90 miles after crossing into Missouri lies Meramec State Park, just outside of Sullivan.

Meramec State Park was opened by the state of Missouri in 1927. During the Great Depression, a number of the park’s buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

The CCC also laid out a number of roads and trails through the park between 1933 and 1935.

The park is home to more than 40 caves, the most famous of which is Fisher Cave, which is open for guided tours.

The Meramec River flows through the park, as well. It is a favorite among fishermen and floaters during the summer months.

The old route has largely been replaced by Interstate 44 along much of its length in Missouri, but if you look close, vestiges of the original Route 66 can be found on either side of I-44 along various dead ends that dot the landscape.

The linen style postcard was published by the Curt Teich of Chicago, Illinois. It is postally unused.