Neon at Night

February 10, 2026

The iconic neon-lit trail through Missouri still burns brightly.

Neon signs gained popularity in the mid-1900s along with the rise of Americans traveling along Route 66 became a way for businesses to advertise to tired travelers. Soon, the bright and colorful signs pointing out court motels, bowling alleys, and restaurants began to pop up all over. By night, Route 66 transformed into a glowing, enchanted labyrinth of light, beckoning motorists to stop for a cozy bed and a color TV, to fill up their gas tank, or to savor a late-night cup of coffee. Many of these tempests of light that led travelers onward still line the route today, offering a vivid glimpse back in time. Whether it’s the Route 66 Society restoring neon signs, like the Munger Moss Motel sign, or entire cities coming together to bring burnt-out displays back to life, like at St. Robert’s Route 66 Neon Park, it’s clear that we aren’t finished with the magic of neon. After a century of humming to life each night, the neon still buzzes on as dusk settles over Missouri.

Neon Sign Park, St. Robert MO, Notley Hawkins — *• After being restored in 2021, the Stanley Cour-tel sign, once the landmark of a 1950 motel, was moved to the Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert.*

Wagon Wheel Motel Sign, Cuba MO, Notey Hawkins — *• The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba opened in 1938 and is still in operation today.*

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Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon MO, Notley Hawkins — *• The Munger Moss Motel opened in 1946 in Lebanon. It is closed for renovations as of December 2025, but visitors may stop by for a picture under its iconic neon sign.*

National Bank of Rolla Building, Rolla MO, Notley Hawkins — • *Once the Edwin Long Hotel, this building now houses Phelps County Bank. In 1931, the hotel hosted a Route 66 ribbon cutting, celebrating the highway’s completion across Missouri.*

• Opener photo: Gillioz Theatre in Springfield opened in 1926, advertising vaudeville and film. Today, the restored theatre presents film, concerts, comedy, theatre, and opera.

All photos are by Notley Hawkins.

This article was orginally printed in the February 2026 issue of Missouri Life.