The morning started off slowly. Our daily routines have been interrupted and we're trying to find our rhythm. Morning checklist before leaving the hotel.
Chargers ✔
Luggage and Backpacks ✔
Snag hotel soap for camping later ✔
As we left the hotel the sun warmed our faces. Let's get back on the road!
First Stop
We left Springfield Illinois heading South on I-55. Soon we came to an attraction that's hard to miss. It's the Twistee Treat Diner and Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston.
Located at 908 Veterans Memorial Dr. Livingston IL 62058
Phone: 618-637-2544
Hours:
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (it wasn't open when we went)
This location started out as the Livingston High School gymnasium. It was then turned into a 50 booth antique mall. Later in it's life, they added the Twistee Treat Diner where you are greeted by a 50's style Diner and Ice Cream Parlor.
They also have several other "giant" items here on the grounds. The Pink Elephant is easily seen from the highway and has attracted visitors from around the world.
That was a fun stop and we wished they would've been open. Even being closed, cars were pulling in and people jumping out to get picture's of everything. Back on the highway!
The next stop on our trip was just before entering St Louis Missouri. This was another of our unexpected stops but boy was it worth it!
Welcome to the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site located near Collinsville Illinois. You can find directions for it here.
The Cahokia Mounds is a 2200 care historic site with artifacts dating back as far as 1200BCE. During the area peak around the 12th to 13th centruy, it was home to 18,000+ people of the Mississippian culture. At the time, it's population was as large as London!
The Monks Mound pictured above is open to the public to climb. Caution: it's an absurd amount of steps but the views are worth it.
On the grounds to the West is a structure called Woodhenge. Across the street to the South you can see up to 80 other mound structures built around the same time. If you look directly West you can see the St Loius Arch off in the distance.
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The interpretive center is closed due to major renovations this summer. You're still able to find plenty of information on signs and QR codes to scan.
We took in the sights from the top of the mounds and loaded back up to hit the road. Just down the road we found ourselves crossing the Missouri River and seeing the Arch.
We followed Route 66 down through Missouri. Small towns came along every 10-15 minutes. Before long we saw signs for Cuba Missouri and the World's Largest Rocking Chair. The Fanning Outpost General Store is located at 5957 Highway ZZ Cuba, MO 65453 and it's a great spot for a selfie!
Further down Route 66 we came to a place that was...out of this world. Say Hello to Uranus Missouri! Be prepared to laugh.
Onsite you'll find the Uranus Fudge Factory, World's Largest Belt Buckle and a host of other oddities.
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Some of the signs and artwork. 😂
That was a much needed laugh after some bickering during this adjustment period. It had been a long day and we were ready for some rest. Our trip today took us from Springfield Illinois to Springfield Missouri.
Stay tuned for the next day of our adventure!!!
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