Looking for a road trip that’s more than just a pretty drive? Perhaps Missouri’s “The Way of American Genius” fits your criteria.
“The Way of American Genius” follows U.S. Route 36. This four-lane corridor runs across northern Missouri, connecting the Show-Me state’s east and west boundary lines.
Getting there
Begin your adventure either at the eastern town of Hannibal, Missouri, or the western city of St. Joseph, Missouri, on U.S. Route 36. This highway is located about an hour north of Interstate 70 and is about 195 miles long.
A brief history
Highway 36 has carried several names over the years, but in 2017, Missouri Highway 36 embraced the title “The Way of American Genius.” This name certainly fits because it ties together the stories of a literary icon, retail pioneer, entertainment legend, military leader, and even one of America’s most famous kitchen innovations.
Hannibal
In Hannibal, on the far eastern end of The Way of American Genius, the big stop is the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Begin your day with a walk through six historically significant buildings that chronicle Twain’s childhood. (There are other museums in the area to see, as well.)
The town of Hannibal shaped Mark Twain’s imagination. Locals still celebrate their favorite son with the Twain on Main Festival, a downtown celebration in May that honors the author’s work.
While in the area, don’t miss the Mark Twain Cave Complex. This labyrinth cave system is one of only a few worldwide. A guided tour takes about an hour.
Plan a midday picnic at Riverview Park. It features beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River. There are many other area parks to choose from, as well.
End the day with a dinner cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat. You’re sure to hear even more stories about Samuel Clemens’ love of the river and his hometown.
For RVers, Hannibal is an easy place to slow down, park, and soak up river-town history.
Places to stay
The closest campground is Mark Twain Cave and Campground. Located just south of Hannibal near the famous cave featured in Twain’s novels, it offers RV sites with hookups, pull-through sites, showers, laundry facilities, and easy access to the area’s attractions.
Another popular option is The Meadow Campground & Coffee House near New London. It provides a quieter country setting while remaining within easy driving distance of Hannibal and the Mississippi River attractions.
For RVers who enjoy lake recreation, Jellystone Park™ Mark Twain Lake near Monroe City combines RV sites with family-oriented amenities and is a good base for exploring both Hannibal and Mark Twain Lake.
Marceline
Marceline, Missouri, gives The Way of American Genius route its Walt Disney connection. The Walt Disney Hometown Museum sits at 120 E. Santa Fe Ave. and interprets Disney’s early life in the town where he spent part of his childhood. Disney modeled Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. after Marceline’s downtown. Today, Marceline keeps the spirit alive with events such as the annual Spring Festival and museum-led Disney celebrations and visits.
Where to stay
One of the closest options is Lodder Up & Camp. The park offers full-hookup RV sites with 30- and 50-amp service and is located right in Marceline. This makes it convenient for visiting the Walt Disney Hometown Museum and the restored downtown district.
A larger campground nearby is Shoemaker’s RV Park. Located a short drive from Marceline, it features numerous RV sites with full hookups, open spaces, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Chillicothe
Chillicothe proudly calls itself the “Home of Sliced Bread.” On July 7, 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company became the first bakery in the world to sell commercially sliced loaves. This was made possible by using a machine developed by inventor Otto Rohwedder. Bakery owner Frank Bench took a chance on the invention when many bakers were skeptical that pre-sliced bread would stay fresh. Consumers loved the convenience, and sales reportedly surged almost immediately.
Today, travelers following Highway 36 can stop in downtown Chillicothe to see attractions tied to this claim to fame. Highlights include the Home of Sliced Bread historical marker at First and Elm Streets; the sliced bread mural downtown, a popular photo stop for visitors; and the Grand River Historical Society & Museum, which displays exhibits related to sliced bread and the Rohwedder bread slicer.
Chillicothe has embraced its unique history. Missouri even recognizes July 7 as Sliced Bread Day. Chillicothe regularly incorporates the sliced-bread story into tourism promotions, festivals, murals, and community events.
Places to stay
One of the most convenient choices is Lantern Lights RV Park in nearby Trenton (about 23 miles north of Chillicothe). The park offers full-hookup RV sites, is open year-round, and provides a quiet setting with easy access to U.S. Highway 65.
For RVers who prefer staying right in town, Shady Valley Court and RV Park is located in Chillicothe and caters specifically to RV travelers. The park offers full-hookup sites, accommodates larger rigs, welcomes pets, and places visitors just minutes from the Home of Sliced Bread attractions.
Another attractive option is Crowder State Park near Trenton. This state park campground offers a more scenic experience with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wooded campsites. It’s still within a reasonable drive of Chillicothe’s sliced bread landmarks.
Hamilton
Hamilton honors J.C. Penney at the J.C. Penney Memorial Library and Museum at 312 N. Davis St. Penney’s boyhood home is just a short walk away in downtown Hamilton.
Penney, born James Cash Penney, became one of America’s best-known retailers and pushed ideas that still echo in modern stores. Some of Penney’s ideas include calling workers “associates” and supporting profit sharing and employee ownership. Hamilton keeps that story front and center with J.C. Penney Day and related community events.
Places to stay
The most convenient choice is A Country Charm RV Park. The park sits just north of U.S. 36 and close to the J.C. Penney Boyhood Home and Museum. It offers full-hookup sites, accommodates larger RVs, and is within minutes of Hamilton’s downtown attractions.
Hamilton is also famous for quilting tourism centered around the nearby Missouri Star Quilt Company, making the campground a convenient base for visitors interested in both Penney history and local shopping.
Laclede
Laclede is where you find the General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site. To me, it’s one of the most meaningful stops on the route. Pershing lived in Laclede from childhood until he entered West Point. Missouri State Parks describes him as the highest-ranking military officer in U.S. history. The site includes the boyhood home (currently under renovation), Prairie Mound School, and a Pershing Memorial Museum and Leadership Archives at 905 Ausmus Drive.
You can tour the museum and enjoy a free 30-minute presentation that explains Pershing’s life and World War I service. Laclede also keeps the memory active with Pershing Days in September and an annual Memorial Day program that honors his legacy.
Places to stay
The most obvious choice is Pershing State Park Campground. It’s located only minutes from General Pershing’s boyhood home and offers RV camping in a peaceful natural setting. The area is known for wetlands, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and boardwalks.
For RVers who want additional services and supplies, nearby Brookfield also offers commercial campgrounds and RV facilities within a short drive of the historic site. Pershing State Park remains the most scenic and historically connected option for travelers following The Way of American Genius.
You should go!
There you have it! Five distinctly different stops all along (or near) Missouri Highway 36’s The Way of American Genius. The route is RV-friendly, scenic, and instructive, too! Plan your trip today!
Have you traveled along The Way of American Genius? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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