Things to Do Near Piney Bend on the Big Piney River

The Uranus Fudge Factory is a roadside attraction and general store located on Route 66 in Missouri, known for its humorous and suggestive theme, quirky decor, and, of course, fudge. It's a popular stop for travelers looking for a unique and fun experience.  While fudge is a main draw, the store also sells a variety of novelty items, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. 

Devil's Elbow, Missouri, is an unincorporated community in Pulaski County known for a sharp, dangerous bend in the Big Piney River that gave it its name and was a treacherous spot for early loggers and later Route 66 travelers. Today, the area is a picturesque Route 66 landmark featuring a historic 1923 steel truss bridge, a scenic Route 66 overlook, a wooden truss railroad bridge built in 1941 a popular holiday light display, and the opportunity for fishing and other outdoor activities.

 Route 66 Neon Park, an open air museum located in the George M. Reed Roadside Park, along Route 66. Signs were rescued from fields and storage facilities, have been refurbished, and brought back to the road for all to enjoy. Signs originated along Missouri's section of the Mother Road, from St. Louis to Carthage. The park is open from sunrise, with the neon lights on from dusk until midnight.  Free admission.  Picnic tables and trash receptacles are available. Leashed pets are allowed.  Parking is available on site.

Waynesville's vibrant, historic downtown is infused with unique boutiques, antiques, relaxing spas, entertainment, great food, culture, and tradition. Taste the Bavarian Alps or delicious meals made from scratch.

For some local history visit The Old Stagecoach Stop or the 1903 Courthouse Musuem. Stop and take a photo in front of the Route 66 Shield or visit the many unique shops and restaurants downtown Waynesville has to offer. All within walking distance of each other to make for a relaxing afternoon.

Roubidoux Spring is a significant, cold-water, second-magnitude freshwater spring and a popular cave diving site in Waynesville, Missouri, known for its underwater cave system. Located in Laughlin Park and near Historic Route 66, it features trails, a boardwalk, and interpretive signage about the Trail of Tears, along with opportunities for rainbow trout fishing. The spring's outflow is Roubidoux Creek, a 57-mile-long tributary to the Gasconade River.

Fort Leonard Wood is a U.S. Army training installation located in the Missouri Ozarks. The main gate is located on the southern boundary of the city of St. Robert. The post was created in December 1940 and named in honor of General Leonard Wood (former Chief of Staff) in January 1941. Originally intended to train infantry troops, in 1941 it became an engineer training post with the creation of the Engineer Replacement Training Center.

Along a quiet, remote stretch of Route 66 near Jerome, MO is the now deteriorated Trail of Tears Memorial. It was built by Larry Baggett to memorialize the plight of the Cherokee Nation's forced march and relocation from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.

Baggett often spoke to visitors of hearing a voice that told him to create the monument on behalf of the Native Americans who suffered and died near his land. Mr. Baggett studied Indian culture, astrology and numerology, fusing his beliefs into this monument. The site consists of concrete figures, including a seated man, wishing well, a man with water pouring from his mouth, and a spectacular white buffalo. Most of the concrete work is encrusted with local stone.

After Mr. Baggett's death in 2003, the site was sold and was in disrepair. In 2018, the site was reopened to the public and has open hours from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The natural bridge is impressive and located in an old creek bed, a tributary stream which had cut through Gasconade dolomite. The bridge is 13 feet tall and spans 40 feet. The area includes oak and hickory forested hills, glade openings, limestone bluffs, and bottomland hardwoods. The parking area serves as the trailhead for a short, very scenic, 2.5-mile-long loop trail. This 2.5-mile loop trail is considered a moderate hike due to the rugged and rocky terrain. Find features like stunning foliage, beautiful limestone rock formations, and a rocky creek along this amazing trail. The trail provides a long view overlooking Clifty Creek, glimpses of its occasional permanent pools, passes through small scattered glades, which are being managed with prescribed fire, follows a short walk just above Clifty Creek, and crosses the creek twice. Long views of the creek valley are best viewed from the trail during the winter months.

Missouri’s largest winery crafting a variety of sweet to dry wines that reflect our unique growing region.

Explore the rich flavors of St. James Winery, crafted with care right in the heart of Missouri wine country. Whether you’re searching for a new favorite or revisiting a classic, our selection has something for every taste.

Just off Historic Route 66 in St. James, our winery is a great place to stop by or to spend the afternoon. Enjoy a personalized wine tasting then relax in our family and pet-friendly outdoor space, The Gardens.

At Fugitive Beach, the fun never stops! The coolest waterpark in Missouri, whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape, we have something for everyone. Immerse yourself in crystal blue water, ride the thrilling waterslides, take a leap of faith and do some platform jumps or simply relax in a tube. Our selection of activities are sure to leave you with endless possibilities for a memorable summer. Explore our website to discover more about the ultimate summer experience we offer. 

This site on South 17 Highway offers an amazing view of The Roubidoux River Valley from high above. There is a parking lot with short, very uneven trail that heads down to a very large rock over a bluff that you can walk out onto to take in the amazing view. Bonus points if you go for sunset!

On the drive here you will drive through the Mark Twain National Forest and the historic Fairway Fire Tower.

Paddy Creek Recreation Area is a campground and day-use area located within the Mark Twain National Forest in northwestern Texas County, Missouri. It is adjacent to the Paddy Creek Wilderness, a 7,035-acre protected forest of hardwood trees, steep cliffs, and streams. 

The recreation area is located in a hollow alongside Paddy Creek, which is a tributary of the Big Piney River.

The main attraction is the Big Piney Trail, a challenging 16.1 mile loop accessible from the recreation area. The Paddy Creek Trailhead is also the starting point for an easier 1-mile loop.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a public recreation area encompassing 3,751 acres (1,518 ha) on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, about five miles south of Camdenton, Missouri, in the United States. The state park's most notable feature is the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka, an early 20th-century stone mansion that was modeled after European castles of the 16th century.

The park also features caves, sinkholes, and bluffs overlooking the lake. It is a prominent example of karst topography, which is geological formation shaped by the dissolution of a layer or layers of soluble bedrock.[5] A 70-acre (28 ha) portion of the park was designated as the Ha Ha Tonka Karst Natural Area in 1981.[6]

Maramec Spring Trout Park is a privately owned nature reserve near St. James, Missouri, and is one of the state's premier trout fishing destinations. The park is home to the fifth-largest spring in Missouri, which supplies a trout hatchery and fishing waters with a consistent flow of 56-degree Fahrenheit water year-round. 

In addition to trout fishing, Maramec Spring Park offers a range of recreational and educational experiences. 

• Camping: The park provides both basic and electric campsites along the Meramec River, with showers and restrooms available.

• Hiking: Visitors can explore numerous trails through the park's forests and along the river.

• History: The park features the ruins of the Maramec Iron Works, which operated from 1829 to 1876, making it one of the first successful ironworks west of the Mississippi. The site, a National Historic Landmark, also has museums detailing its history.

Ozark Caverns is an unlit cave in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri, known for its guided lantern tours and the unique "Angel's Shower" formation.

Visitors explore the cave with the aid of handheld lanterns, giving the experience an authentic and rustic feel. Knowledgeable guides share information about the region's history, geology, and native peoples.

​The cavern is left in a natural, unlit state to help preserve the bat population. This adds to the natural and rustic feel of the tour.

The Bagnell Dam Strip is a historic and lively commercial area located in Lake Ozark, Missouri, at the foot of the Bagnell Dam, which created the Lake of the Ozarks. The Strip is a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and family-friendly activities. 

Route 66 Driving Tour

Get your kicks along Pulaski County USA's 33 original miles!

Approximate Drive time 1.5 hours, but you will want to take your time at historic sites, visiting with locals, and taking in gorgeous scenic views. 

Some of the stops on this tour include....... 

• Route 66

• Hooker Cut

• Munger Moss - Elbow Inn & BBQ Pit

• 1923 Steel Bridge

• Devils Elbow

• Graham's Camp

• Scenic Overlook - Railroad Trestle

• Big Piney Bridge

• Piney Beach Cabins

• Devils Elbow Motel

• Mark Twain Motel & Restaurant

• Route 66 Neon Park

• George M. Reed Roadside Park

• Frog Rock - W H Croaker

• Old Stagecoach Stop

• Waynesville Square

• Route 66 Courthouse Museum

• 8 Foot - Route 66 Shield, Waynesville

• Route 66 Interactive Mural

• Trail of Tears National Park Service Intrepretive Trail and Monument

• Roubidoux Spring - Big Spring

• Gasconade Bridge - Road and Bridge