Revised 2024

Welcome to Cuba, Missouri! Also known as the Route 66 Mural City, Cuba is known for art, history, water, and wine! We’ve uncovered 20 things to do in Cuba, Missouri 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. 

First thing, download the VISITCUBAMO app from Google Play or the Apple Store. Once installed users have access to maps, events, and descriptions of area attractions, restaurants, wineries, and much more. 

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. Learn more. 

The Millworks Mural Cuba MO

Millworks Murals pictures the vintage building where Francis Nixon worked on 54 years.

 

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 Mace grocery, the produce section has a glorious mural that shows a farmer’s bounty.  The local bakery has artwork inside and out. The interior walls are covered with bread bakers and country scenes. Outside around the back, playful characters adorn the building. At the Midway Petroleum 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. Learn more.

 

 

 

 

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.

This was the original school that was later torn down. It sat in front of the present museum.

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.

The History Museum has been part of Cuba’s history since 1934.

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 travelers into a  1931 Phillips 66 Station for a unique dining experience. Along the route is the Historic Landmark Wagon Wheel Motel & Connie”s Shoppe, the oldest operating motel on Route 66. 

Cuba’s Murals along the Route 66 Corridor have spurred public art projects throughout town.

Go to the County Fair

Join the city of Cuba at the Crawford County Fair every 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.

Harry Truman attended the fair in the 1940s.

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, travelers 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. 

Spyder bikes with the Route 66 Red Rocker

This group of Spyder Riders returned for a new photo of their colorful bikes with the Route 66 Red Rocker.

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. 

The Osage tribe had their home in Missouri.

The Osage were a brave tribe that inhabited Missouri and traveled the Osage Trail.

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.   Learn more.

MO Hick BBQ Cuba, Missouri

MO Hick BBQ on Route 66

Play in the 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.  Learn more.

Viva Cuba Garden Train Replica Cuba MO

The train replica reminds us of our heritage as a railroad town.

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.  Learn more.

Kinder Cemetery Tour 2012

The trolley is heading back to Cuba Fest for another tour group.

Play a Round of Golf

The Cuba Lakes 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!

Cuba Lakes opened in 1973.

Cuba Lakes Golf Club opened in 1973.

Float the Meramec River

There is nothing like floating in 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.  Learn more. 

Cuba MO Social Distancing

Go to Jail

Back in 1908, there was the calaboose or the local jailhouse. Residents of Cuba felt better that the nefarious criminals were secured. Peek inside to see what life was like for a criminal in Cuba at the turn of the century. Learn more.

Preserving the history of Cuba’s Calaboose.

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. Learn more. 

Souvenir Wadlow pin Cuba, Missouri

You can get a souvenir collector’s pin at Hayes Shoe Store.

Get Small 

Visit the Toy Car and Truck Museum inside the Midwest Travel Plaza right next to Dottie’s Family Restaurant. This impressive collection spans decades with cars, trucks, and trains that kept youngsters entertained for hours decades ago. 

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. Learn more. 

Wagon Wheel Motel neon sign Cuba Missouri

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 Mary’s Country Store, 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 you.  Learn more.

Lone Star Antique Mall Cuba, Missouri

Well-lit glass cases hold an abundance of special items.

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 on seasonal hours. For more information about Cuba, contact the Cuba Visitors Center at 573-885-2531 or email us at info@visitcubamo.com