06/11/2026
Throwback Thursday 🛣️ 🏠
For my first throwback Thursday spotlight I would like to point out a well known land mark and give both the real estate and the creators some credit: this piece of real estate is the historic Red Cedar Inn!
The Red Cedar Inn is one of the most iconic historic properties along Missouri's stretch of Route 66. Located at 1047 E. Osage Street in Pacific, the building was constructed in 1934 by brothers James and Bill Smith shortly after Route 66 reached Pacific and shortly after the repeal of Prohibition.
The Smith brothers built the inn using red cedar logs harvested from their family's farm in nearby Villa Ridge. Designed to resemble a Missouri pioneer-era lodge, the rustic architecture—with its hand-hewn logs, white chinking, and knotty pine interior—was intended to catch the attention of travelers exploring the newly established Mother Road.
The restaurant quickly became a popular stop for Route 66 travelers. In addition to serving meals and cocktails, the property originally included gasoline pumps, making it a true roadside destination. The inn became known for its fried chicken and attracted notable visitors, including baseball legends such as Dizzy Dean and Ted Williams.
The Red Cedar Inn remained under the ownership and operation of the Smith family for three generations. After decades as a community gathering place and tourist destination, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 because of its significance to Route 66 history and its remarkably intact architecture.
The restaurant closed in 2005, but the building survived preservation efforts. The City of Pacific acquired the property in 2017 and undertook a restoration project. Today, the building operates as the Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about Route 66, Pacific's history, and the legacy of one of Missouri's most recognizable roadside landmarks.
CREDIT TO:
National Park Service – Red Cedar Inn
City of Pacific – Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center
National Register of Historic Places / Red Cedar Inn history
Route 66 News – Preservation and restoration history