Missouri Route 97

State highway in southwestern Missouri

Route 97 is a highway in southwest Missouri. Its northern terminus is at Route 32 eight miles (13 km) south of El Dorado Springs; its southern terminus is at Route 86, four miles north of Wheaton.

Route 97 starts at a curve of Route 32, 8 miles south of El Dorado Springs. Runs south for 8 miles, where State Hwy B joins it for a 2 mile stretch to the western edge of Jerico Springs. On the western side of Jerico Springs, the road turns to the east. In downtown Jerico Springs, Hwy B continues straight; while 97 turns to the south. 3 miles south of Jerico Springs, at the junction of State Hwy D, 97 turns east for a few miles, before turning back south to Lockwood. At Lockwood, 97 intersects US Route 160. It then crosses the BNSF railroad Fort Scott sub in downtown Lockwood; then runs south for 14 miles to a junction with Missouri Route 96. After crossing 96, it crosses Spring River & the Missouri & North Arkansas railroad, just north of Stotts City. It then passes through Stotts City; then 2 miles south of Stotts City; it crosses I 44 at exit 38; then it turns west on the old US Route 166 roadbed for 2 miles, before turning left (south) to go to Pierce City. In Pierce City, it shares a 2 block stretch of Missouri Route 37; then turns south & crosses the BNSF Cherokee Sub. Two miles south of Pierce City, it intersects US Route 60 at Yonkerville; also the home of the Monett Municipal Airport. Route 97 runs south for 7 miles, passing the unincorporated community of Pulaskifield. South of Pulaskifield, it intersects State Route B, then turns west for 2 miles to its southern terminus at Missouri Route 86; four miles north of Wheaton.