Missouri Route 21 (Mo 21) is a state highway in the central and eastern portions of the U.S. state of Missouri. The route runs in a general north‑south direction, extending approximately 120 miles (193 km) from its southern terminus at U.S. Route 65 in Buffalo, Hickory County, to its northern terminus at U.S. Route 24 in Lexington, Lafayette County.
Route description
- Southern terminus: Intersection with U.S. Route 65 in Buffalo, Hickory County.
- Key towns and cities along the route: Higginsville (Lafayette County), Warrensburg (Johnson County), Higginsville, Pilot Grove (Monroe County), and Lexington (Lexington).
- Major intersections:
- Intersects Interstate 70 near Warrensburg.
- Crosses U.S. Route 50 in Warrensburg.
- Connects with Missouri Route 13 in Higginsville.
- Intersects Missouri Route 124 near the city of Smithton.
- Northern terminus: Intersection with U.S. Route 24 (Northwest Expressway) in Lexington.
The highway traverses a mixture of rural farmland, forested areas, and small municipal centers. It provides a primary connector between the Ozark foothills in the south and the Missouri River valley in the north.
History
- Established as part of Missouri’s original state highway system in the 1920s.
- The alignment has remained largely consistent since its designation, though minor realignments and improvements have been made to accommodate traffic volume and safety standards.
- In the mid‑20th century, portions of Route 21 were upgraded to a two‑lane paved surface, replacing earlier gravel segments.
Maintenance
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for the maintenance, resurfacing, and signage of the entire route.
Significance
Missouri Route 21 serves as a regional connector for agricultural transport, local commuters, and provides access to recreational areas such as the Lake of the Ozarks region via linking roadways. It also functions as an alternate north‑south corridor to the parallel U.S. Route 63.
