Conway Official Missouri Welcome Center — Attraction in Marshfield

I really have to admit that I was very impressed with this place! Now, given the fact that it was in the state of Missouri, I suppose that I should not be surprised, since Missouri is a red state and is very conservative in their spending. My point in mentioning the political piece is simply to state that Missouri prides itself on being extra clean, and a place like this meant to welcome travelers near and far, would absolutely be presentable and clean. The conservative piece is that a state like Missouri would not allow for partying and stragglers and nonsensical antics to erode their image.

They did not disappoint! As you can see from my photos, the exterior of the building as well as the interior were extremely clean! The men's restroom was particularly outstanding! I could not believe how clean it was in there. I guess I must have arrived around 2:30 a.m. or so, traveling west to Nevada. I fully expected to go in there and find a mess. Surprisingly, there was no mess. I didn't see food on the floors anywhere; I didn't see cigarette butts or trash anywhere surrounding the exterior of the building; nor did I find any sketchy or unscrupulous characters hanging around the building. This place is very safe!

For a building that happens to be a rest stop as well as some other things, I am pleased to say that it exceeded my expectations. Since it was very late, the food court area was closed. I can't really speak to the quality of the food. But on presentation alone, they deserve four stars...

A Retro Roadside Gem on Route 66!

If you’re cruising through Missouri and need a pit stop that’s more than just a quick stretch and snack, the Conway Official Missouri Welcome Center is a must-see roadside retreat! Not only does it tick all the boxes for convenience—plenty of parking, super clean facilities, and a well-kept picnic area—but it also has a little something extra: nostalgic Route 66 charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into the golden age of road trips.

Let’s start with the practical stuff: Parking? Loads of it. Play area for kids? Fantastic. If you’ve got little ones who’ve been cooped up in the car too long, this is the perfect place to let them run wild (safely, of course). The picnic area? A+—a great spot to refuel with your own road trip snacks while soaking up a bit of that Midwestern sunshine.

But the coolest part? The vibe. This isn’t just some generic rest stop—it’s a love letter to the classic Route 66 era. The decorations and retro aesthetic make it feel like you’ve pulled off into a scene from a 1950s road trip movie, complete with that nostalgic, carefree energy. It’s like your grandpa’s stories of “the good ol’ days” came to life, but with modern cleanliness and convenience.

Whether you’re on a great American road trip or just passing through, this Welcome Center is more than a rest stop—it’s an experience. Grab a selfie, take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. Missouri, you’ve...

I love the tribute to Mayberry and Route 66. That makes this a unique rest area. It is also spacious outside, with enough spaces to comfortably park many big trucks. I will never forget the seatbelt exhibit that featured the cars involved in two accidents. (I forget on which side, eastbound or westbound, but it was at this pair of rest areas.) In the most damaged vehicle, riders survived; in the least damaged, a beautiful young school teacher named Summer Perry lost her precious earthly life reportedly because she wasn't wearing her seatbelt. I didn't know Miss Perry, but I never forgot the exhibit about her accident. Even in her death, she continues to teach. May God comfort her parents, if they continue to live today, as well as others who knew...