The Strangest Road Names in Missouri and How They Got Them
In the heart of Missouri, just a short drive north from St. Louis, lies the quirky enclave of Affton, a suburb known less for its landmarks and more for its curiously named roads. One of the most talked about is “Zzyzx Road,” an oddity that catches the eye on maps and signage. The name traces back to a California origin, where a mineral springs resort once bore the name Zzyzx, chosen by its creator to be the last word in the English language. While Affton’s Zzyzx Road isn’t a tourist attraction per se, visitors driving through suburban Missouri will find it a delightful conversation starter, emblematic of how whimsical or borrowed road names can punctuate everyday landscapes. The best time to spot this road is during a leisurely afternoon drive when the soft light of late spring enhances the mellow residential charm of the area.
Heading west from Kansas City, about a half-hour’s drive, the town of Weston offers another slice of Missouri’s eccentric naming culture with “Sni-A-Bar Road.” This stretch runs adjacent to the Sni-A-Bar Creek, whose name originates from early French settlers, possibly meaning “snye” (a side channel of a river) combined with a local family name. Visitors to Weston can enjoy the nearby Weston Bend State Park, where the hiking trails along the Missouri River bluffs reveal panoramic views of the river valley. The Sni-A-Bar Road itself winds through rolling farmland and rustic homesteads, a drive that feels like stepping into a rural postcard. Spring and early summer are ideal for this journey, as wildflowers bloom along the roadside and the park’s trails are lush and inviting.
To the southeast of Columbia, about 20 minutes away, the small town of Rocheport reveals the famously strange “I-70 Frontage Road.” While frontage roads themselves are common, the peculiar charm here is in how this stretch embodies a local paradox: a road that feels more like a neighborhood street, lined with historic stone homes and art galleries, rather than an artery hugging a major interstate. Rocheport’s frontages serve as reminders of the town’s days as a river port, with nearby Katy Trail State Park inviting cyclists and walkers to enjoy a scenic 240-mile path along the Missouri River. The unique blend of historical architecture and modern trail culture makes Rocheport an exceptional place to explore on a sunny fall day when the leaves paint the landscape in warm hues.
Far to the southeast, near the bootheel of Missouri and about 45 minutes southwest of Cape Girardeau, the tiny community of Dutchtown claims one of the state’s oddest road names: “Turkey Foot Road.” The name, evocative and strange, reportedly comes from the shape of a local creek system that spreads out like a turkey’s foot. Visitors to Dutchtown can explore the nearby Trail of Tears State Park, which offers hiking trails through deep forests and along paddle-friendly waterways. The park’s serene environment creates a striking juxtaposition with the road’s quirky name. Early autumn, when the weather cools and the park’s hardwoods blaze in color, is the best time to connect these natural and cultural oddities in one visit.
About an hour’s drive southwest of St. Louis, in the Ozark foothills near Potosi, travelers can find “Possum Trot Road,” a name that conjures images of rural life and wildlife antics. This area leads to the Mark Twain National Forest, where the Elm Trail offers a moderate 3.5-mile loop through dense woodlands filled with native elm and oak. The road’s name reflects the local fauna and small-town humor, a slice of Missouri’s rustic character preserved in the landscape. Spring mornings, when possums and other nocturnal creatures retreat and songbirds fill the air, offer an immersive experience for those hiking or driving these backroads.
In St. Joseph, near the Kansas border and about 30 minutes northwest of Kansas City, “Pony Express Road” pays homage to Missouri’s role in the legendary mail service that bridged the continent. Visitors can immerse themselves in this history at the Pony Express Museum, where exhibits detail the daring riders and the fast-moving relay system. The road itself runs through neighborhoods where plaques and signs connect the past to the present, inviting exploration by bike or on foot. The museum and its surroundings are particularly evocative on crisp spring mornings, when the museum’s façade gleams in the sunlight and the spirit of adventure feels alive.
Finally, in the rolling hills near Rolla, roughly 90 minutes southwest of St. Louis, “Eel Run Road” offers a glimpse into the odd place names born from nature’s surprises. It traces along a small creek known for its eel-like fish, a local curiosity that early settlers found distinctive enough to immortalize. The nearby Ozark Trail courses through the region, inviting hikers to tackle challenging climbs and rewarding overlooks. Summer evenings, with long daylight and cooler forest temperatures, provide the best conditions to appreciate the interplay of Missouri’s wildlife heritage and its unusual toponyms.
Each of these roads and their regions captures a piece of Missouri’s layered history—a blend of settlers’ imaginations, natural features, and cultural legacies. From whimsical borrowings to wildlife-inspired names, the state’s landscape is dotted with linguistic oddities that invite travelers to explore not just the scenery but the stories that roads and rivers carry across the Show-Me State.