Villa Ridge: Following in the Footsteps of Route 66

Villa Ridge tells the story of Route 66 not only as a road, but also through the places associated with travel. A truck stop with sleeping rooms and showers, a motel, a café, and a camp represent different functions along the road. Those interested in highway culture will find a specific historical focus here rather than simply a route on a map.

Two Highways and Their Stops

In 1926, U.S. Highways 66 and 50 ran through Villa Ridge. The Diamonds Restaurant building was built in 1950 along historic Route 66; the site included a truck stop with sleeping rooms and showers. The chronology links an early road route with a later facility along the way. The two highway numbers are part of Villa Ridge’s history in 1926, while the Diamonds building is specifically associated with Route 66. This makes it possible to distinguish the road route from individual historic stops.

Stropman's Camp at 1128 Highway AT adds a different combination to the picture: the camp included cabins as well as a store and office building. Unlike the truck stop, which is characterized by its sleeping rooms and showers, the focus here is on the cabins and the combination of store and office. The different functions make the roadside landscape more varied than a series of similar stops. Those exploring the history of travel can consider how differently lodging and provisions were organized at these places.

Motel, Café, and Remembrance

The Sunset Motel in the 400 block of Highway AT served as lodging. Key's Twin Bridge Cafe was located at 1370 Highway AT and opened in 1948. Its name referred to the Key family and the two bridges over the Bourbeuse River. The original café was later demolished. The motel and café thus tell different stories: the motel represents overnight stays, while the restaurant represents food along the way and also has a specific name connected to the river and the bridges.

For a Route 66-focused drive, the historic route can begin at the eastern end of Villa Ridge, on the border with Gray Summit. From there, it follows old Route 66, now Highway AT, west to Wayside Stop at 3302 MO-100. The stop is part of the Route 66 roadside sequence. This direction, from the eastern edge of town westward, links the historic road connection with a named destination. Check current road routes and conditions before setting out.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

St John the Baptist Gildehaus Church adds a distinct point in time. Services are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday; additional times apply on holidays. If you plan to attend a service, check the current parish schedule beforehand, as times may change. Villa Ridge has a clear profile as a place to stay: it is especially worth considering when looking for a vacation rental if you are interested in the history of the highway and its stops. The town’s history and your preferred route can therefore inform your travel plans. If you would like to include individual buildings as stops, check in advance whether visits are possible.

Discover more destinations: Sullivan, New Haven, Pacific, Union, Saint Clair.

For the broader travel overview: Franklin County.