Missouri Motorcycle Tour - Self Drive Motorcycle Tour

Day 1: Springfield Arrival

You arrive in the largest city in Missouri - Springfield - birthplace of Route 66. It was here that in 1926, plans for Route 66 were made! The state of Missouri is also known as “The Mother Of Outlaws”. In the late 19th century Thomas Coleman Younger, with his brothers Jim, John and Bob joined with Jessie and Frank James to lead the James-Younger Gang of Missouri Bandits. Overnight.

Day 2: Springfield - Rolla

This morning you pick up your bike at EagleRider’s Springfield office and your ride through the “Wild West” can begin…take legendary Route 66 and head east. Ride via the well-known towns of Conway and Lebanon, originally named after the Wyota Indians. In the late 1800’s residents discovered that the city’s water contained magnetic properties and people flocked to the Gasconade Hotel to bathe in the water that was said to contain healing qualities. You continue along scenic Mark Twain National Forest and will arrive in Rolla, founded in 1855. A group of railroad contractors built an office and a few warehouses near the farm of John Webber. The prospect of the railroad attracted 600 people within the following six months, and in 1857 a search for a town name began. Overnight.

Day 3: Rolla - St. Louis

Today you stick with the Mother of all Roads, and are on your way to St. Louis. En route you should allow time for perhaps the most enjoyable and charming roadside attractions along the entire Route 66 – Meramec Caverns. Jesse James used these caverns as a hideout, and at least once took advantage of the underground river to escape through the secret “back door”. You may want to visit the odd little Jesse James Museum, located at the I-44 Exit. Continue another 55 miles and you arrive in St. Louis, your stop for tonight. Overnight.

Day 4: St. Louis - Hermann

Out of St. Louis you are heading west on Route 100. Enjoy a most scenic ride along the banks of the Missouri River and you arrive at the quaint city of Hermann, Missouri’s most beautiful town. Established in 1837, Hermann offers the charm of old Germany and fantastic vineyards in the hills above town. German immigrants from the Rhine River valley brought their customs and culture to the Missouri River Valley in the 1830’s. The area is officially recognized as America’s First Wine District. Overnight.

Day 5: Hermann - Kansas City

Your ride continues on Route 100 West through the Missouri River Valley. Make a stop at Jefferson City and visit the State Capitol Building, rated as being the first most beautiful on the inside of all 50 US capitals by USA Today! From Jefferson City head west and travel via Lexington, Liberty and Kearney into Kansas City. Forged by a rich history, the city was founded on the banks of the Missouri River and formally incorporated in 1850. Situated within 250 miles of both the population and the geographic centers of the country, it is often called “The Heart of America”. Kansas City offers a wealth of attractions, such as world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene, superb shopping and great blues and jazz clubs. Overnight.

Day 6: Kansas City - Joplin

Today you pick up Hwy 69 and are heading south. Cross into the state of Kansas, which celebrates pioneer, aviation, farming and Native American legacies. You are on your way to Joplin, a Missouri border town, and yet another stop on the infamous Route 66. Joplin’s downtown area does hold an unlikely attraction, a vibrant mural by artist Thomas Hart Benton depicting life in Joplin at the turn of the 20th century. Joplin is also known for its high quality limestone. Overnight.

Day 7: Joplin - Springfield

Back on the Old Mother Road, you ride towards Springfield. Just a few miles out of Joplin you get to Carthage, a perfect little town, looking for all the world like the model for the idyllic though fictional town of Hill Valley from the “back to the Future” movies. Check out the outrageously ornate, ca. 1895 limestone Jasper County Courthouse in the town center. Route 66 will take you back into Springfield. Upon arrival it will be time to return your bike at EagleRider’s Springfield location and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 8: Springfield Departure

Today, your Ride with the Outlaws adventure will come to an end with your departure flight back home.