Welcome to Cuba, Missouri! Also known as the Route 66 Mural City, Cuba is known for art, history, water, and wine! There are plenty of things to do in Cuba, MO that will bring smiles to the whole family! We’ve even uncovered a few awesome fun selfie spots travelers can’t resist! Every corner is Instagram-worthy! Come see what we mean.
#1 Tour the Outdoor Murals
Situated along the Route 66 corridor, the Historic Uptown tells Cuba’s history from the start in 1857. Each mural depicts an iconic tale of war, adventure, intrigue, and love. Pick up a FREE mural map at the Visitors Center or Uptown near the murals. Better yet, use the VISITCUBAMO app to navigate the mural trail. Visit Cuba Murals
#2 Tour the Indoor Murals
The moniker, Route 66 Mural City is well deserved. Walk into any of the many businesses in Cuba and see more works of art:
- At the Mace Supermarket, the produce section has a glorious mural that shows a farmer’s bounty.
- At the TA Plaza, look overhead for a delightful array of classic automobiles painted by famous muralist Ray Harvey to celebrate Route 66.
- Even the Crawford County Historical Museum has interior murals depicting life as a teenager in the 1950’s.
#3 Visit the Museum
The Crawford County Historical Society is not what you expect from a small-town museum. In fact, exhibits rotate monthly to keep patrons coming back. View artifacts and exhibits that include handmade quilts, vintage apparel, Osage artifacts, archaic farm tools, and much more. Located at 308 N. Smith Street in Cuba, MO. Learn more
#4 Explore Recklein Commons
This quiet street provides a beautiful setting for the Cuba Veterans Memorial. This granite monument is inscribed with the names of local veterans who served our country. Across the street, the Crawford County Public Library District provides books, videos, internet access, and printers. Learn more
#5 Cruise Historic Route 66
The city of Cuba is fortunate to have Route 66 run through the center of town. At the intersection of Route 66 and Highway 19 is Weir on 66, a new take on an old tradition. Formerly the Fourway, this new eatery welcomes the travelers into a 1931 Phillips 66 Station for a unique dining experience. Along the route, there is the Historic Landmark Wagon Wheel Motel & Connie’s Shoppe which is the oldest operating motel on Route 66.
#6 Go to the County Fair
Join the city of Cuba at the Crawford County Fair in July. A tradition for over 70 years, the county fair offers agricultural exhibits, pageants, LIVE concerts, food, and carnival rides. Located at Hood Park, this event is family-friendly and is a guaranteed good time! Learn more
#7 Stop at the Fanning Outpost
A fun and delicious stop on Route 66, this stop is a prime source of gourmet popcorn, flavored fudge, funky sodas, and Route 66 memorabilia. Outside, travels encounter the largest Red Rocker in Missouri which presents the perfect selfie opportunity. If you want the whole family in the picture, the friendly folks inside will take the photo for you! Learn more
#8 Discover Local Osage History
Stop at the Cuba Visitor Center off I-44 EXIT 208. Upon arrival, the 35 ft. tall steel Osage Legacy Monument, created by local artist Glen Tutterow, greets travelers. Inside the center, watch a short documentary about the Osage people and their impact on today’s highway system. See artworks or George Catlin, a famed artist for painting Native Americans. Learn more
#9 Embrace Local Flavors
Eat, drink, and be merry at locally owned and operated eateries. Choose from award-winning BBQ from Missouri Hick, or All aboard at Frisco’s Grill and Pub for great American comfort food in a train station atmosphere. Savor a great breakfast or lunch at Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe. Take your taste buds south of the border at Riviera Maya where the margaritas are cold and the salsa is hot! But wait, there’s more! Visit Peaceful Bend Winery for local wine, brews, and delicious menu options that include locally sourced ingredients.
#10 Play in a Park
Cuba Missouri loves to play. Visit Hood Park, home of the Crawford County Fair. Here visitors can walk, bike, fish, play ball, have a picnic and so much more. To cool off, go to Tangle Creek Park, home to the Cuba Municipal Pool and Splash Park. For a quiet stroll or stop, visit Viva Cuba Gardens at the center of town. Created and maintained by Viva Cuba volunteers, this park is a beautiful space to walk, read, or reflect on the day. The garden includes an 1873 Train Replica created by local artists Glen and Curtis Tutterrow.
#11 Come to Cuba Fest
On the third Saturday in October, Cuba rolls out the welcome mat for a day of autumn fun. To commemorate Cuba’s history, free narrated tours of the murals and cemeteries are on the schedule. Watch as local civic clubs make apple butter, or enter the chili cook-off contest that is always a crowd favorite. This annual event is FREE.
#12 Play a Round of Golf
The Holiday Ranch Golf Course on Hwy. O offers a two–lake course challenge. This nine-hole course is meticulously maintained and will not disappoint. After a round, end the day with a drink and a meal at the clubhouse. This is a favorite spot for Sunday Brunch!
#13 Float the Meramec River
There is nothing like floating the cool waters of the Meramec on a hot Missouri day! Plan a guided trip or bring your own boat or inner tube, either way, outdoor enthusiasts will love it! To get on the river, go to the Riverview Public Access on Highway O, just outside of Cuba for a park complete with parking, picnic tables, and a boat launch.
#14 Go to Jail
Back in 1908, there was the calaboose or the local jailhouse. Residents of Cuba felt better that the nefarious desperados were secured. Peek inside to see what life was like for a criminal in Cuba at the turn of the century.
#15 Get Tall
Get a selfie with the tallest man who ever lived and his shoes! Visit the Hayes Shoe Store on Route 66 to see a cardboard cutout of Robert Wadlow who was from Alton, Missouri. His shoes, a mere 37 AA in size, are on display. While there, check out the other antique shoes on display. Be sure to pick up a commemorative pin.
#16 Get Small
Visit the Toy Car and Truck Museum inside the Midwest Travel Plaza right next to Dottie’s Family Restaurant at EXIT 208. This impressive collection spans decades with cars, trucks, and trains that kept youngsters entertained for hours.
#17 Go Spulunking
Missouri has over six thousand caves throughout the state. Crawford County is lucky to have Onondaga Cave State Park; home of Jessie James’ hideout located in Leasburg. Enjoy a cool cave on a hot day!
https://mostateparks.com/park/onondaga-cave-state-park
#18 Thrift Stores Galore
Love finding a great bargain! Cuba hosts a variety of consignment and secondhand shops. Stop by the Cuba Visitor Center for an exclusive “thrift list” including stores within a three-county radius.
#19 Discover National Landmarks
For those who love mother road nostalgia, stay at the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel, the oldest operating motel on Route 66. The iconic neon sign, designed by owner John Mathis around 1947, welcomed travelers to the Wagon Wheel motel as it still does today. The Wagon Wheel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
#20 Uncover the Best Antiques
When it comes to antiques, Cuba’s Antique Mall is just what you’re looking for. Start with Two Olde Crows and find vintage quilts, cast iron, and items you never thought you’d see again. Then head over next door to Lone Star Antiques, where there are aisles of collectibles, hand braided rugs, classic furniture, and so much more. Head uptown to Spirals Gallery for a collection of antiques and home furnishings that will inspire.
And we are just getting started! There are so many Route 66 attractions and things to do in Cuba, MO, we want to keep you coming back! Please contact attractions directly for specific information. For more information about Cuba, contact the Cuba Visitors Center at 573-885-2531 or email us at info@visitcubamo.com.
