Route 66 Neon Park Set to Illuminate Saint Robert, Missouri in May 2025

In the scenic Ozarks, a new attraction is on the horizon that promises to shine a spotlight on the iconic Route 66. The Route 66 Neon Park, located at George M. Reed Roadside Park in Saint Robert, Missouri, will host its lighting ceremony on the evening of May 9, 2025. This park stands as the first of its kind in the state, featuring nearly a dozen restored neon signs that once adorned the Missouri stretch of America's most famous highway.

Saint Robert's Mayor James Breckinridge shared his enthusiasm about the new park, stating, "The opening of the Route 66 Neon Park in Saint Robert is a proud moment for our city and for all of Pulaski County." He emphasized the significance of the park, explaining that it not only preserves the historical essence of the Mother Road but also honors the rich culture and heritage that Route 66 has imparted to the region.

The path to creating the Neon Park began back in 2014, initiated by a meeting between Beth Wiles, Executive Director of the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, and the Missouri Route 66 Association's Neon Heritage Preservation Committee. After discussions led to fundraising efforts starting in 2015, the Pulaski County Preservation Organization successfully acquired nine neon signs and raised over $12,000 for the project. By October 2020, the City of Saint Robert took over the development, actively working to make this vision a reality.

The signs, collected and refurbished by dedicated private collectors, were once utilized as advertisements along Missouri's Route 66, which stretches from St. Louis to Joplin. Each sign in the park will be accompanied by storyboards that narrate its history, allowing visitors to appreciate the depth of significance behind these glowing artifacts. A variety of contributors played a crucial role in the park’s establishment, with many signs being donated by groups like Friends of the Mother Road, Inc. and entities such as Missouri State Parks.

According to Beth Wiles, "The Route 66 Neon Park is a pivotal attraction for both Pulaski County and the state of Missouri along the iconic Mother Road." She further articulated its purpose, stating, “Neon Park not only celebrates our heritage but also invites future generations to cherish the beauty of these luminous works of art.”

Known colloquially as the Mother Road since its inception in 1926, Route 66 has evoked waves of reverence, nostalgia, and exploration. This famous highway was a lifeline for travelers heading from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, bringing countless visitors into Pulaski County during its peak. In conjunction with the establishment of Fort Leonard Wood in the 1940s, Route 66 served as a catalyst for new enterprises and residents to the region, which eventually became known as Saint Robert.

The enduring legacy of Pulaski County's association with Route 66 was solidified when then-Gov. John Ashcroft signed House Bill 1629 into law on July 10, 1990, making Missouri the first state to grant historic recognition to Route 66. This pivotal moment cemented Pulaski County's title as the Birthplace of the Byway.

Stephen Foutes, Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, added, "Route 66 Neon Park is an excellent addition to the already noteworthy Route 66 attractions across Missouri. It serves as a testament to the commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of this notable highway, ensuring that it remains alive for future generations."

Some of the featured signs at the Neon Park include:

- AlPac Motel: Once located east of Pacific, MO, this motel sign advertised the establishment known for its “Good Food.”

- Alura Motel: This sign, featuring a unique triple-stroke lettering style, has a rich history tied to the motel near St. Louis, built in the '40s.
- D G Liquor: Operating until 2009, this establishment featured a sign that has since been restored and relocated to the park.
- Motel St. Louis: Known as the