Once a service and dining pit stop on Route 66, Hamel has been aligned on Route 66 since its beginning and is still on the original route. Hamel is home to the 1931 Saint Paul Lutheran Church (also called the 'Church of the Neon Cross').

Hamel was once the home of Nearon’s Tourist Cabins, a Conoco gas station, a Meramec Caverns barn sign, Cassens Car Dealership, and Fowley’s Tavern - all since demolished or converted to other businesses.

In 1937, Hamel ‘Tourist’ Haven restaurant was opened by George Cassens. Today the restaurant is re-opened under the name Weezy’s Grill and still serves up meals hot and ready like it did in the old days. Route 66 Creamery, which opened in 2021, revives the Mother Road charm, serving ice cream, steak burgers and chili.