Southwest Missouri
A well-preserved stretch of Route 66 runs through Halltown and Paris Springs
Lawrence County carries a recognizable segment of historic Route 66 through small communities like Halltown and Paris Springs, a durable piece of the county's roadside identity worth understanding as heritage rather than as a current commercial highway
Old Route 66 once ran through Lawrence County. It crossed the county on its way between Springfield and the Joplin area. Along the way, it passed through small towns like Halltown and Paris Springs.
Today this is history, not a busy main road. If you want to drive across the state now, you take the interstate (the modern freeway system). The old Route 66 path lives on as local roads, leftover roadside spots, and a few saved or fixed-up sites. These places draw travelers who love Route 66.
So think of these stretches as a piece of the past and a tourism treat, not a fast way to get somewhere.
Things change over time. Which old roads, buildings, and stops are still open can shift. So check the exact sites, hours, and owners before you plan a visit. For real history here, start with the State Historical Society of Missouri and Missouri’s tourism and historic-preservation resources, rather than ranking lists or travel blogs.
Where to see it
- Route 66 in Missouri
Use NPS for Missouri Route 66 context before following the Halltown and Paris Springs stretch.
- Lawrence County Place Names
Use SHSMO for place-name context in Lawrence County.
References
More from Lawrence County: browse every local note for the county.
Last checked against the sources above: June 15, 2026.