Red Oak II Near Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri
"The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Starting in Chicago, westbound travelers traversed a series of towns in Illinois before arriving in St. Louis.
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Route 66 across Missouri stretched 317 miles and connected a variety of large cities and small towns, traversing rolling hills and valleys. The Mother Road followed much of the Kickapoo, or Osage, Trail, an Indian trail that later became the Old Wire Road. Like other Route 66 segments, the actual alignment varied over the years as engineering improvements were constructed.
When U.S. Highways 66 and 71 came through Carthage in the 1920s, the town experienced a stream of cross-country traffic. One of the first concrete-paved portions of Missouri's highway system was the stretch of road west of Carthage to Joplin. Carthage was founded in 1841, and is county seat of Jasper County.
Today, Carthage is an energetic, thriving town of over 14,000 residents. It is a popular stop on Route 66, situated between Springfield and Joplin. The city features numerous overnight lodging options for travelers. In addition to Route 66 attractions such as the 66 Drive-in Theatre and the Boots Court, a number of other places are popular with residents and visitors, including Red Oak II.
We've driven much of Route 66, including multiple segments across Missouri, and visits to Carthage.
Map showing the approximate location of Carthage on Historic Route 66 in Missouri
Red Oak IITwo miles northeast of Carthage, and just off of Route 66, is the community of Red Oak II, created by artist Lowell Davis. After he discovered that his hometown of Red Oak had become a ghost town, he bought buildings from there and moved them to his family's land near Carthage, and gave them new life. He called this creation Red Oak II. Visitors today will find a unique collection of early 20th century buildings like a general store, Grandpa Weber's Blacksmith Shop, Feed and Seed Store, an old school house and a church. Today, most of the buildings in Red Oak II are privately owned. Admission is free; a donation box is located in front of the Bellestarr House. Many roadtrippers on Route 66 traveling in western Missouri make a visit to Red Oak II. Structures such as the Phillips 66 gas station bring back memories of those earlier years on the Mother Road! Route 66 travelers from around the world make Red Oak II a "must see" attraction. It is physically located at 10917 Loop 122, off Kafir Road, Carthage, MO ... To get there, take Highway 96 going east from Carthage, pass Kellog Lake, turn left on CR #130 to Kafir Road. Turn right on Kafir and go 1/2 mile ... Red Oak ll is on the right. For more information, visit the official website of Red Oak II and phone 417.793.1655 ... also visit Red Oak II on Facebook View traveler comments/reviews and more photos at Red Oak II at TripAdvisor |
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Lodging Options in Carthage
Carthage, Missouri Travel Guide Carthage, Missouri hotels, traveler reviews and reservations |
More Scenes Around CarthageOne of the first concrete-paved portions of Missouri’s highway system was the stretch of road west of Carthage to Joplin, laid in 1920. In 1926, this route became part of Route 66. Along the route today travelers find Kellogg Lake, Powers Museum, Carthage Municipal Park, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 66 Drive-In Theatre and the 1939 Boots Court. |
Boots CourtThe Boots Court, a historic motel, is located along the famed U.S. Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri. One of the oldest and few remaining in operation on Route 66, The Boots was constructed in 1939 by Arthur Boots. After many decades of catering to travelers, this iconic and unique Streamline Moderne motel fell into disrepair. Over the last decade, flat roof restoration was completed and partial room renovations were begun by previous owners. The nonprofit Boots Court Foundation saved the motel from possible demolition and has overseen a full restoration. Boots Court is now open for Route 66 travelers to enjoy, at 107 South Garrison Avenue in Carthage. Official website of the Boots Court and Boots Court on Facebook ... Phone 417.310.2989 Traveler reviews and photos of the Boots Court at TripAdvisor |
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| The Boots Court Motel Visitors Center is located next door to the motel, and serves as the motel office and a visitors center for travelers. It’s an old Sinclair gas station and is looking great after extensive work and restoration! The owners stock lots of special "Carthage Only" and "Route 66" products and gifts. | |
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Please come again! To Carthage Missouri on Route 66! |
66 Drive-In TheatreIt is located at 17231 Old 66 Boulevard in Carthage. Phone 417.359.5959 For more information, opening dates and show times, visit the official website of the 66 Drive-In Theatre |
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![66 Drive-In Theatre, Carthage, Missouri](images/photos-missouri/carthage/66-drive-in-theater-carthage-missouri.jpg "\") |
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Gay Parita Sinclair Filling StationThe original structure on this site near Carthage was built in 1930 by Fred and Gay Mason. Fred named the station "Gay Parita" after his wife Gay. The station burned in 1955 and did not reopen. It was later lovingly recreated by Gary and Lena Turner in 2005. Gary passed away in 2015, and the site is commonly known today as "Gary's Gay Parita". Barbara Barnes, Gary's daughter, and George Bowick continue to operate the station today. It is located between Halltown and Spencer, Missouri, about 25 miles west of Springfield, 3 miles west of Halltown and close to Carthage. Route 66 roadtrippers always make a stop at this station, at 21118 Old Highway 66, Ash Grove, Missouri (see map below). Highly recommended! For more information, visit Gary's Gay Parita website and Gay Parita on Facebook or phone 843.324.6661
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Interactive Map of Carthage, Missouri
More Information & Resources about Carthage |
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