If you’re looking for a classic stretch of interstate in the Missouri Ozarks, this 16-mile drive on Interstate 44 from Gascozark to Lebanon is a great slice of highway Americana. We kick things off by merging onto I-44 at Exit 145, just outside Gascozark—a small spot on the map, but a familiar gateway for travelers rolling west through the Show-Me State.
As we settle into the rhythm of the interstate, rolling hills and a parade of green countryside set the tone. The first few miles are all about the open road, with patches of woodland and farmland mixing together. Before long, we pass Hazelgreen, a blink-and-you-miss-it community that’s quintessential rural Missouri. If you’re the type to chase roadside nostalgia, keep your eyes peeled for the vestiges of old Route 66 running parallel to the interstate in spots—there’s real history baked into the landscape here.
Not too far down the road, we cruise by Eden Roadside Park, a classic rest stop that has welcomed generations of roadtrippers. While today it’s mostly just a shaded patch to stretch your legs, you can almost imagine the heyday when families picnicked under the trees and snapped photos with the old park signs. A few miles further west, the highway bends near the Bear Creek Conservation Area, a great reminder that this part of Missouri is a favorite for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just catching sight of local wildlife, Bear Creek is worth a detour if you have time to spare.
Rolling into Sleeper, we hit another classic Route 66 spot—this little community is a nod to Missouri’s mid-century travel history, back when every curve of the road promised a new motor court or diner. There are still some remnants of old alignments and quirky roadside businesses if you venture just off the interstate.
After passing Sleeper, the landscape flattens a bit as we head southwest, and in just a few more miles, it’s time to leave I-44 behind. We take Exit 130, which puts us right at the doorstep of Lebanon, a city known for its hospitality and Route 66 charm. Here, the drive ends by turning onto historic Route 66, but if you have time, Lebanon itself is worth a look—downtown is packed with local shops, old-school diners, and the Route 66 Museum, which is a must-stop for highway buffs.
Along this drive, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes Missouri road trips memorable: rolling green hills, a dose of mid-century nostalgia, and plenty of opportunities to hop off the main drag and explore. Whether you’re chasing the ghosts of Route 66 or just enjoying a smooth run on the interstate, this stretch from Gascozark to Lebanon offers a quick, satisfying slice of classic Missouri highway travel.
Historic Alignment Note:
The section near Lebanon marks a connection to historic U.S. Route 66, which I-44 now bypasses. The Route 66 Museum in Lebanon is located at the end of this drive—making it a great stop for history fans.
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments