Travelers will soon be experiencing more pleasant respites from their drives through the Show Me state. MoDOT is putting out the welcome mat at several new, user-friendly welcome centers, which showcase the region they serve.

More facilities, lighting, and parking have been added, and some centers also provide such convenience that “users never even have to open a door,” said Rand Swanigan, MoDOT roadside management specialist. 

“We want people to feel welcome no matter where they are traveling in Missouri,” Swanigan said.  “We are working to make each new center reflect the part of Missouri where it is located.”

One new welcome center opened on Interstate 44 eastbound from Oklahoma near Joplin in November.  It will feature a mural reflecting the scenic vistas of Joplin.

Another facility will opened in late winter near Eagleville greeting travelers on Interstate 35 southbound from Iowa, which is part of Missouri’s Prairie Passage. Large metal silhouettes of buffalo and a Native American have been placed in the prairie grasses just behind the building.  

A third location is set to open in early 2009 near Conway between Lebanon and Springfield on I-44. Buildings will welcome visitors on both the eastbound and westbound lanes.  Both will be designed to take visitors on a trip down historic Route 66. 

“Themed picnic shelters will look like store fronts on historic Route 66, and pictures will reflect other towns along this route,” Swanigan said.

Several more facilities are expected to be built in the next few years. They will continue to welcome visitors and showcase the unique aspects of the parts of Missouri they call home.