Totem Pole Trading Post on Route 66 in Rolla Missouri

Since 1933, the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Mo. has welcomed customers from all over the world as travelers along Route 66 stopped to eat, fill up their gas tank, and buy souvenirs. Many of its merchandise came from local crafters, such as homemade baskets, wood stools, and other well-crafted items from the Ozarks. In it's early days, it served as a restaurant, gift shop, service station, and the first coin-operated laundromat in Phelps County, according to its owner, Tim Jones. A sign at the entrance claims it to be the oldest Missouri business on Route 66.

More than nine decades later - nearly as old as the Mother Road - the Totem Pole Trading Post closed its doors permanently September 30, 2024. After growing up and working in the business for more than 60 years, Jones said it was time to retire. The building has been sold and bargain hunters were able to get some good deals on much of his Route 66 memorabilia and merchandise. It's an end to an era for the popular Route 66 destination but its stories and memories will live on.

[joshbirdsong]

I remember going here as a kid all the way up tell I was a high school senior! And the atmosphere around here was always just joyful and filled with love, when I heard it was closing it made my heart so sad! But the best things in life never last forever and it’ll be a cherished memory in all of our hearts and minds!