Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Crawford County, Missouri, offers a delightful escape for museum enthusiasts. Just a short drive from Jefferson City and St. Louis, a museum day trip in Cuba Missouri is filled with historical gems to unique local exhibits. Get away for a day and explore the attractions, food, and fun in the Route 66 Mural City.
Here’s a guide to making the most of your day trip on the Cuba Missouri Museum Trail:
Crawford County Historical Society Museum – crawfordmomuseum.com
Located at 308 N Smith Street, the century-old building is a relic in and of itself. Tucked behind the doors of the stoic building is a treasure trove of Ozark artifacts and antiquities. Upstairs displays of vintage handstitched wedding gowns to outfits worn to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis are thoughtfully arranged. The basement is filled and dedicated to the tools used from the kitchen to the field. The lower level includes an early 1900s Dentist’s office and a replica of a Telegraph Office.
Tours are available by request.
Call ahead to confirm the hours of operation. Wednesday-Fridays and most Saturdays from 10:00-2:00 Call: 573.885.6099
Cuba Visitor Center Osage Trial Legacy – osagetraillegacy.com
Look for the 35 ft Osage metal sculpture at EXIT 208 off Interstate 44, behind the Cuba Visitor Center. This monument is dedicated to the Osage Nation and tells a story of perseverance, survival, and triumph. Inside the Cuba Visitor Center is an Osage Exhibit. The display includes Geoge Catilin Paintings of the Osage, an Osage Proclamation, and an 8-minute documentary of the Osage journey from Missouri to Oklahoma.
Call ahead to confirm the hours of operation as they sometimes change. Monday- Saturday 9:00-3:00 Phone: 573-885-2531
Hayes Shoe Store – @hayesshoestore
Located along Historic Route 66 at 103 South Smith Street, the local shoe store has a great big secret! It houses shoes worn by the tallest man ever to have lived, Robert Wadlow (1918-1949) of Alton, IL. Along with the size 37AA shoe, there is a fascinating exhibit of antique shoes. While there, examine the unique architecture of the building and shop the latest styles for yourself.
Call ahead for store hours. Phone: 573.885.7312
Mural Street Museum –
Cuba is known as the Route 66 Mural City and for good reason. There are 15 murals located around town. Each mural includes a QR code to scan for the story behind the mural. Our murals contain stories of economics, war, love, and respect. Think of it as an open-air museum. The murals are located along Historic Route 66 and some are on side streets off the main route. To read, hear, and see a map of all the mural stories, go to cubamomurals.com or download the Visit Cuba MO app.
Wagon Wheel Motel https://www.wagonwheel66cuba.com/
Built-in 1935, the Wagon Wheel Motel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. As of this blog post, the business still holds the record for the longest-operating motel on Route 66. Rich in history, the motel and gift shop reveal pieces of the past. Connie’s Gift Shoppe offers Route 66 books, magazines, and one-of-a-kind items to commemorate the mother road. The property also has a hidden gem, the Wall of Fame, where Wagon Wheel guests sign, autograph, and write messages to fellow travelers.
Call ahead for availability to book a stay at this historic landmark. Phone: 573.885.3411 Just a short drive from Jefferson City and St. Louis, a museum day trip in Cuba Missouri is filled with art, artifacts, and great food. Why not plan a mini-staycation and explore other area attractions? While you’re here, be sure to tag us in your social media posts #greetingsfromcubamo
