Uranus Missouri: Route 66 – Weird Roadside Attraction
Taking a cross-country road trip is something that I have always wanted to do. Days after celebrating a big milestone birthday (more on that later), I hit the road in my little Honda Civic and headed out west. Cue “Life is a Highway” music. After a brief stop at my sister’s in St. Louis to catch up on some sleep, I took to the road excited about what I was going to see, even though I had no idea what that would be. I didn’t have to wait long before coming to my first stop on my epic road trip. Have you visited Uranus, Missouri, along Route 66? If you haven’t checked out what this place is about, you are missing out on a weirdly fun tourist destination. Here is everything you need to know about exploring the things to do in Uranus (yes, I just said that).
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Uranus Missouri Information
Don’t mistake Uranus for a town; it is a destination for the entire family in unincorporated rural Pulaski County. At least, that is what they want you to believe when you visit Uranus right off of the former Route 66. A total of 25 residents live in Uranus, along with over ten attractions for you and your family to explore. When you pull into the Uranus parking lot, you’ll see a row of colorful buildings showcasing fun activities in each of them.
Where is Uranus? If I have to tell you, you have bigger problems (unfortunately not the last of the bad jokes). This quirky tourist destination is located in the Beautiful Ozarks in South Central Missouri between Saint Louis and Springfield. Uranus is off of I-44 exit 163. Drive south to Hwy Z/Route 66 and turn right. You’ll see the red Uranus Fudge Factory sign in about a half-mile, on the left. Most of the activities are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can find out more about this quirky and charming destination online.
The Funkyard
People tend to start on the right for most destinations, but I’m the type of person who bucks trends and makes my own path. So I started my exploration on the left side of the complex and headed to The Funkyard. This is an open area with props set up for selfies and allows you to get out of the car and stretch your legs. You can find the Uranus Fire Department Truck driven by a giant teddy bear, dinosaurs (I really can’t figure out how they fit in here), and The Funkyard red double-decker bus driven by a skeleton. For the younger kiddos, there is a playground for them to release all that pent-up energy stored up from being on the road.
If you are hungry, there are a few options to grab some food in Uranus. Within the Funkyard, you can get a bite to eat at the Moonicorn Creamery and Funnel Cakery, which serves the best ice cream and funnel cakes. This is a one-of-a-kind dining experience where you can also order some delicious diner food and enjoy eating inside the double-decker bus diner or outside in the fun picnic area.
The Uranus Pickers
The Uranus Pickers can be found in the Funkyard. This band made its long-awaited debut back in early June this year. The three-person band picked and strummed in Uranus and even had their chicken, EC, contribute to some backup vocals. They have been so well received that the Mayor of Uranus, Louie Keen, decided to extend their time in Uranus! This mega-group started their “Reach Around America Tour” in Butte, Montana, and will finish their tour playing in Uranus.
World’s Largest Belt Buckle
And if all the crazy weird stuff in Uranus wasn’t enough, there is an official Genius Worlds Record on the property. Welcome to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. The Buckle appeared in 2017, measuring 13-ft. 4.45 in. wide and 10-ft. 1.44 in. high. The official certificate was given on May 26, 2017. Hidden back behind the Uranus Pickers, you and your whole family can get a photo with the giant metal belt buckle.
Exploring Uranus
After hanging out in the Funkyard, wander around the town and explore some of the other properties. Get a selfie next to the vintage police cruiser or get one inside the jail cell of the Uranus City Jail. After looking at the wanted signs, head outside to see all the hilarious Uranus signs posted throughout the town. Which ones are your favorite?
Besides a few stores and the Uranus Sideshow Museum, there are many other activities for you to enjoy during your road trip break. The Escape Uranus is where you attempt to solve clues and puzzles to escape their uniquely themed rooms under the time limit. Some of the themes will have you and your family trying to escape from The Uranus Dental and Proctology Clinic, Da Vinci’s Office, or the electrifying Tesla room. The wonderful thing is that Escape Uranus is always adding new rooms, so you can keep coming back to have a different experience. Another activity to experience is at The Uranus Axehole, which offers you a chance to practice your ax-throwing skills. But, wait, there’s more in Uranus! Fort Uranus Mission Outpost Outdoor Outfitters has the only indoor, climate-controlled gun range where you can practice your hunting skills.
Circus Sideshow Museum
Have you ever seen a circus sideshow? Even though circuses have gone along the wayside, you can still see weird oddities at the Uranus Circle Sideshow Museum. For $6/adult, you can explore so many historical pieces from sideshows and circuses that you could easily spend a half-hour or more in awe of what you will see. You can see unbelievable oddities like two-headed animals, including a live, two-headed turtle called Push and Pull. In addition to the weird animals, you have to see the Unicorn skulls, the Elephant Man, El Chupacabra, Fiji Mermaids, shrunken heads, a two-headed lady, and so much more. Having a family in Alton, Illinois, it was neat to see the world’s tallest man as well. Be forewarned – If you are squeamish about seeing dead animals in jars, this might not be for you.
Gift Shop/Fudge Factory
“The best fudge comes from Uranus,” and you can sample some of the freshest fudge made daily in the gift shop. Besides the fudge, you’ll find numerous types of old-fashioned candies (80 different types of saltwater taffy), drinks, hot sauce, Ozark novelties, and the funniest Uranus t-shirts ever. The Uranus Fudge Factory is home to one-of-a-kind gifts, toys, and tons of Route 66 and Uranus souvenirs, where each shop room leads to another, making you wonder how big this place is. If you don’t explore much of Uranus, the Fudge Factory and gift shop is a must-visit that you have to see to believe.
Summary
Taking a break to explore Uranus as you travel Route 66 is surprisingly fun and a must-stop on the infamous road. With all the activities and things to do in Uranus, make sure to schedule some time to spend exploring this weird roadside attraction. As cheesy as all the Uranus puns can get, it will definitely put a smile on your face. Have you visited Uranus before? If you haven’t, you probably should!
As you exit the Uranus gift shop, there is a sign that says, “If aliens are smart enough to travel through space, why do they keep abducting the dumbest people on Earth?” It does make you wonder.
Further Reading
If you are exploring Alaska, check out these posts for extra travel inspiration:
- Top 8 Activities to do at Chena Hot Springs Resort
- Arctic Circle and Beaver Village Flightseeing Tour
- Shooting the Northern Lights in Alaska
- Alaskan Dog Sled Adventure and Lots of Puppies
- Yes, There is a Santa Claus!
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