A Route 66 highway journey is without doubt one of the nice highway journeys in America. Known as The Mother Road and the Main Street of America, Route 66 was the primary thoroughfare by the United States for many years. This historic route runs from downtown Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, overlaying a complete distance of about 2,400 miles (3,900 km). The Mother Road was one of many authentic highways throughout the U.S. Highway System and have become an iconic image of American tradition and cross-country highway journeys.
final route 66 Road Trip Guide
Built in 1926, Route 66 was a highway of desires passing by eight states all the way in which to the west coast. John Steinbeck gave Route 66 its title “The Mother Road” within the Grapes of Wrath following the Joad household as they traveled west alongside Route 66 after being pushed from their house. Along the way in which, they found that The Mother Road was crowded with different migrants. Read extra about highway journeys at 25 Best Road Trips within the World
Dust Bowl, Depression, and War
During the Great Depression, Route 66 was crammed with individuals dreaming of a greater life within the West as they escaped the drought-stricken southern plains often known as the Dust Bowl. Route 66 was a highway of misplaced desires but additionally hope as individuals drove to Santa Monica taking the shortest distance between Chicago and Los Angeles on the lookout for a greater future.
During World War II troopers and navy autos used this highway extensively because it was probably the most direct route by the nation from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Route 66 Hey Day
As the melancholy pale away, households flocked to Route 66 to take their summer season holidays to see the Grand Canyon and different iconic websites in California and Arizona from the Nineteen Fifties to the Eighties.
Soon the Mother Road grew to become often known as the Main Street of America crammed with neon indicators, present retailers, gasoline stations and enjoyable memorabilia. Route 66 was a rip-roaring good time by the 50s to the 70s. In 1984 the final phase of the freeway was decommissioned and the previous route of Route 66 was now not. People have been now in a rush driving the Interstates to their locations.
Businesses alongside Route 66 closed and the historic buildings fell into damage.
Where does Route 66 Start?
Starting in Chicago, Route 66 passes by eight states. The states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ending California. There are loads of issues to see alongside the driving route as every part passes by a number of main cities and small-town America alongside the way in which.
The authentic start line was downtown Chicago at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in 1926. In 1933 it was modified to Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive alongside the shores of Lake Michigan.
Where Does Route 66 End?
The official ending level of Route 66 is at Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards in Santa Monica. Highway 1 ends at these boulevards subsequently, that’s the place the route formally ends. Santa Monica Pier is only a mile away and the official End of Trail signal was erected right here in 2009 to commemorate the non secular ending of route 66. I imply who wouldn’t wish to go all the way in which to the Pacific Ocean proper when driving route 66 proper?
Since that signal was erected, Santa Monica erected official indicators at Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards making it one other enjoyable place to go earlier than heading to Santa Monica Pier for enjoyable and festivities.
Things To See On Route 66
If you aren’t planning on driving your entire previous route 66 to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, we have now damaged down one of the best issues to see alongside the Mother Road by part.
Car leases could be booked a technique when you don’t have your individual. So there isn’t any excuse to not drive this historic freeway if you end up in America. (Or at the very least a portion or two). Since it spans throughout America, there’s a superb probability you’ll be someplace near Route 66 throughout your United States travels.
1. Route 66 Illinois
Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago at Lake Michigan and there’s a signal indicating the unique historic route begins on the nook of West Adams Street and Michigan Ave the place 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States.
If you might be driving the opposite approach, you’ll discover the Route 66, Historic Route Ends signal on the nook of Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive.
While in Chicago there are many issues to see and do, and we recommend spending at the very least 2 days within the metropolis earlier than beginning your drive alongside route 66. Make certain to go to Navy Pier to be able to say your Route 66 journey went from Pier to Pier. Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier provides the final word bragging rights. Who wouldn’t wan to drive from Lake Michigan and drove all the way in which to the Pacific Ocean. Read extra at: 21 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago
Things to See on Route 66 in Illinois
You can’t miss visiting the capital of Illinoise Springfield and there are many historic websites to see on this metropolis. So make a a day of it.
Springfield Illinois can also be the place you’ll discover the house of Abraham Lincoln that has been restored. It can also be free to enter and you may go to the Lincoln Tomb, Abraham Lincoln’s last resting place. Don’t overlook to cease in to see the Capitol Building in Springfield.
The Cozy Dog Drive In can also be situated in Springfield Illinois a route 66 icon that has been in operation since 1949. It’s house to the unique sizzling canine on a stick.
Illinois can also be house to three muffler males statues. On your route be certain that to cease in Wilmington, Atlanta and sure, Springfield to see these giants. In its heyday, route 66 noticed big statues strewn alongside the route promoting companies reminiscent of tcar restore retailers and eating places alongside the historic route.
Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac is price a cease the place you may peruse its hundreds of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia.
In Pontiac, Illinois, there may be the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum showcasing the historical past of route 66.
Odell Station in Odell Illinois is without doubt one of the historic locations to cease alongside the route. This service station has been restored and you may cease in to speak to the volunteers in regards to the drive forward.
2. Route 66 Missouri
The primary metropolis in Missouri is St. Louis and it’ll welcome you with its gateway arch. Missouri is the biggest metropolis on Route 66 between Chicago and downtown Los Angeles.
In Missouri, you’ll be crossing the Chain Rocks Bridge as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. The historic bridge connects Illinois and Missouri on route 66.
The Meramec Caverns are limestone caves that you have to cease at. They should not solely one of many in style roadside points of interest alongside historic route 66, however they’re additionally one of the vital in style points of interest in Missouri.
In Springfield Missouri, there’s a automotive museum the place you may see classic vehicles that drove this route faithfully. There is one other Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.
Did there’s a Cuba within the United States? Cuba Missouri was named after the Caribbean Island and is situated in Missouri. It is formally designated Route 66 Mural City depicting scenes from the Route 66 heyday.
And lastly, you’ll be passing by Joplin Missouri since route 66 goes immediately by its downtown. Its historic buildings will take you again in time transporting you to the times of the Mother Road. Stop at its murals for some nice photograph alternatives
3. Route 66 – Kansas
Kansas is the shortest part of Route 66 with solely 13 miles of the Mother Road reducing by the southern portion of the state.
If you’re a fan of the Pixar film, Cars, cease at Cars on the Route, and the previous gasoline station and present store that sells snacks, and film memorabilia. I didn’t see Cars, however apparently, a few of it happened on route 66.
If you have got youngsters, they’ll acknowledge the tow truck Tow Tater from the film. Besides the tow truck, there may be an previous jalopy and a hearth truck, so be certain that to cease there.
Baxter Springs has the Coopers Dry Goods Store and diner relationship again to 1865 and the historic Bush Creek Bridge. There are the same old previous gasoline station, nook shops, and museums alongside Route 66.
4. Route 66 – Oklahoma
The reverse of Kansas, Oklahoma has the longest part of Route 66 with 400 miles of the Mother Road slicing by the state.
In Oklahoma, you’ll go by the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City alongside the historic route. But there are numerous roadside points of interest and historic websites to see as properly. Tulsa metropolis is unquestionably pleased with its route 66 heritage and as you drive alongside the primary avenue of America, its East Gateway welcomes you to a locations that actually embraces its historical past.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is without doubt one of the most well-known points of interest on route 66. This big blue whale marks a preferred swimming gap for individuals driving route 66 within the Seventies and within the 2000s in was restored to its former glory.
There are a few museums alongside this route – The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma and the National Route 66 Transport Museum in Elk City exhibiting artifacts celebrating the spirit and historical past of route 66.
Be certain to see the previous vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. And be certain that to Grab a basic soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.
Other Route 66 Attractions in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has performed an amazing job restoring its historic websites and buildings and there are a number of stops that you would be able to get pleasure from alongside this stretch. Some of the quirkier roadside points of interest embody.
The Round Barn in Arcadia relationship again to 1898 Pops in Arcadia that stands out with its big landmark, a neon soda pop bottle standing tall out entrance. The World’s Largest concrete totem pole in Chelsea Afton Station is one other good cease that could be a restored service station that has a present store the place you should purchase memorabilia and a few good maps and books about route 66.
5. Route 66 – Texas
Once you enter the Lone Star State there are many issues to see on Route 66. The 200 mile stretch of the Mother Road provides one thing for everybody. Read subsequent: 29 Best Things to do in Austin, Texas
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch is without doubt one of the most iconic stops on route 66. Located in Amarillo the Cadillac Ranch is in style resulting from its 10 Cadillacs standing nostril down which are coated in graffiti. If there may be one landmark to see in Texas, it’s the Cadillac Ranch.
Plus when you just like the artwork set up on the Cadillac Ranch, you have to go to the VW Slug Bug Ranch that performs homage to the well-known attraction. The VW Slug Bug Ranch options 5 VWs buried nostril deep into the bottom similar to the Cadillac ranch however .
While visiting the Cadillac Ranch, cease into Amarillo for a day or two to benefit from the metropolis. This is the place you could find a classic motel and get your kick on route 66 for the evening.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is one other iconic cease on Route 66. Feeding 500 thousand individuals a yr (principally coming from a Rout 66 drive) the Big Texan Steak Ranch is known for its 72 ounce steak dinner problem. Are you up for it?
Other Texas Route 66 Attractions
Mid Pointe Cafe in Adrian. Did that when driving route 66 in Texas, you have got made it midway from Chicago to Los Angeles? Grab lunch on the Midpoint Cafe which is the oldest repeatedly working cafe on the route. Snap a photograph as you’ve pushed 1139 miles already and you’ve got 1139 to go!
Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean will take you thru a photographic journey of the historical past of the Dust Bowl. This museum showcases classic memorabilia from the Mother Road together with classic gasoline pumps and a museum devoted to barbed wire. You heard me accurately, barbed wire was referred to as Devil’s Rope and also you’ll discover a full assortment of barbed wire (I by no means knew there was earlier than) and fencing instruments.
The Conoco Tower Station is a neon-lit, Art Deco Tower that dates again to the Thirties and preserve an eye fixed out for the leaning water tower in Groom
Check out extra Texas Travel
6. Route 66 – New Mexico
The main metropolis in New Mexico is Albuquerque. Albuquerque, New Mexico has loads of historic points of interest and chances are you’ll wish to spend the evening right here as there’s a classic motel that’s nonetheless in operation. The El Camino Motel will certainly take you again in time. Read extra: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico
Things to see in New Mexico – Route 66
Tucumcari has a superb portion of Route 66 points of interest in New Mexico with a dinosaur museum, roadside motels, and previous gasoline stations. The Teepee Curios gasoline station in Tucumcari has a big concrete teepee out entrance and as you cruise by New Mexico, you may cease right here to browse its present store.
It is in Tucumcari that you just’ll additionally discover the Route 66 Monument. The basic Cadillac fin is a well-liked photograph cease on route 66 in New Mexico.
Santa Rosa has the Route 66 Auto Museum of New Mexico. It is free to enter with a donation and showcases classic vehicles, and scenes from the Mother Road.
The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is price stopping at when driving by New Mexico. The crystal clear waters of this blue pool make it a preferred diving vacation spot.
Santa Fe, New Mexico was a preferred cease on the sooner Route 66 alignments and has a couple of issues to see together with the La Fonda Hotel, one of many oldest accommodations within the United States. Read extra: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico
7. Route 66 – Arizona
Arizona has a number of Route 66 Attractions which are properly preserved and is unquestionably price a cease as you drive the primary avenue of America. Read our full Arizona Road Trip
Williams, Arizona, is taken into account one of the best preserved stretch of Route 66 and right here it feels as if time has stood nonetheless. It has historic gasoline stations, quirky cafes and historic buildings.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post is situated in Joseph City and has been a Route 66 staple since 1949. Original proprietor Jim Taylor put a statue of a black rabbit in a black convertible and the Jack Rabbit Trading Post was born.
Winslow Arizona – I can’t imagine we didn’t make it to Winslow Arizona. I really like the Eagles and I’m at all times singing “Standin’ on the corner of Winslow Arizona…” from Take it Easy.
If you might be on the lookout for a singular place to remain in Arizona, make your strategy to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. During the migration west alongside the Mother Road, the Wigwam Motel chain was a distinguished chain. Today, solely three survive and two are situated alongside Route 66. One is in Holbrook and the opposite Wigwam Motel is in California.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon isn’t on the unique Route 66 however it’s situated simply north of Main Street America and is definitely worth the detour to see this pure canyon clocking in 277 miles (455 km) lengthy, a mile (1.6 km) deep. It lives as much as the hype. In truth, it was throughout the Nineteen Fifties that households made their approach alongside route 66 to see the Grand Canyon that was shaped by the Colorado River slicing by and eroding the canyon for hundreds of years.. When we visited the Grand Canyon, we stayed in Williams Arizona and took day journeys to the Grand Canyon.
To plan extra on your Grand Canyon journey learn our guides:
Detour to Las Vegas – Route 66
Las Vegas might not formally be on Route 66 however how will you not pop into town if you find yourself so shut? Many individuals go to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so after you have got spent a few days exploring this pure marvel, make your strategy to the mom of neon lights Las Vegas. It’s the proper praise to a drive alongside America’s primary avenue. Read extra: Off the Strip – Things to do Outside Las Vegas
Route 66 – California
The last cease on the nice American highway journey. This is the place dreamers ended their journey alongside the Mother Road in Santa Monica seeking the American Dream. Let’s undergo a few of the websites to see that are particular to Route 66 in California. Read extra: 16 Best Cities in California
The Wigwam motel chain was constructed within the Thirties and Nineteen Forties. Today of the three surviving motels are situated on historic U.S. Route 66. You’ll discover one Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook, Arizona, and the opposite between Rialto and San Bernardino, If you might be on the lookout for a singular place to remain, the Wigwam Motel is a good selection.
What highway journey would miss stopping at McDonalds and whereas in San Bernardino you may hit up one other in style route 66 attraction? The McDonald’s museum is situated in San Bernardino and is a free museum that you would be able to discover.
Bottle Tree Ranch is a unusual murals in Helendale that was a preferred cease on route 66. Unfortunately, it’s now closed as its proprietor handed away, however hopefully it is going to reopen sooner or later.
Calico Ghost Town within the Mojave Desert. This previous mining city within the Mojave Desert dates again to 1881. It was an enormous silver mine and in the present day you may take a mining tour watch previous west reveals and benefit from the views of the encircling desert.
The Mother Road Museum in Barstow has shows in regards to the Mother Road historical past.
Hollywood – It’s now time to spend a couple of days exploring Los Angeles Check out – 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More
Santa Monica – End of the Trail
Santa Monica Pier that is the non secular finish of Route 66 as a result of you may dip your toes within the Pacific Ocean. There is an indication there that claims Route 66 End of Trail and a mile in from Santa Monica pier at Highway 1 close to Mels Diner.
So, now you have got pushed the whole route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica Read More: The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary
About The Mother Road
Route 66 was a busy and thrilling historic route by America that noticed individuals touring usually to the west coast from center America. But that every one modified in 1985 when the necessity for velocity was on the prime of individuals’s lists. As the interstates got here in, the previous roads connecting the east to west coast, went out.
Those days are lengthy gone and in the present day, the 3940 km (2448 miles) route is a shadow of its former self with solely pockets nonetheless clinging to a bygone period. Read: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona
What Happened to Route 66?
Why did Route 66 crumble? In the Eighties, the freeway system was constructed bypassing a lot of the cities situated alongside the route. With vacationers driving on to the vacationer points of interest of Arizona and California quick and effectively on Interstates as an alternative of the sluggish backroads of Route 66, most cities alongside the historic Route 66 fell into disarray.
But through the years, some started to rebuild and pockets of nostalgia have cropped up all through the route. The attract of the highway journey nonetheless holds robust and it’s on the prime of many individuals’s bucket lists to take this driving tour throughout America.
The Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is devoted to preserving the spirit of Route 66, describing the attract of the Mother Road and what makes Route 66 price preserving. Make certain to see the statues of the Muffler Men that have been used to advertise automotive restore retailers alongside the historic route.
And when you spend the evening on this portion of Route 66, you should definitely catch a film on the Skyview Drive In Theatre in Litchfield. It’s one of many final remaining authentic drive ins on Route 66.
Quirky Roadside Attractions
Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Along this route you’ll discover the bizarre Paul Bunyon sizzling canine statue, the world’s largest coated wagon, and Abe Lincoln holding an ax. There are soda retailers and diners.
How lengthy Does it Take to Drive Route 66?
You can drive your entire route 66 and it’ll take about 2 weeks (three weeks when you actually wish to take your time which we advocate). But you are able to do parts of Route 66 as properly. There are many parts that you would be able to drive. As we mentioned, route 66 passes by 8 states with lots to discover in every.
It’s not simple to navigate Route 66 with simply Google Maps however there are apps and information books that will help you out.
It’s good to have that additional safety as a result of at instances, we felt utterly remoted. There have been moments the place we barely noticed one other automotive on the route. We drove it on the finish of summer season throughout shoulder season so which may be the case. We usually we questioned if we had taken a mistaken flip, however fortunately, quirky indicators would at all times pop as much as tell us we have been stepping into the appropriate immediately.
If you might be “driving west” just like the Nat King Cole tune, you’ll begin in Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and at last finish in Santa Monica, California.
Choosing Your Route 66 Transportation
Being Canadian, we simply leap in our automotive and head southwest to drive route 66. But when you don’t have the posh of driving to a place to begin, you may try automotive rental corporations and even determine on an RV rental to get pleasure from this historic driving route. Some individuals have it on their bucket listing to drive basic vehicles throughout the unique route and there are basic automotive leases that cater to this dream. You may guide a technique leases from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Compare costs at CarLeases.com
Another nice thought is to hire an RV to expertise the mom highway. Cruise America provides RV leases and will help you intend the proper highway journey itinerary.
If you don’t have your individual automotive and must fly into the start line, there are many automotive rental corporations all alongside the route the place you may hire every thing from basic vehicles to convertibles.
Stops on Route 66
We have created a map of the stops on route 66 that will help you determine. My brother referred to as me an really determined that he was going to drive to Chicago to start his highway journey and begin driving West to see how far they might make it.
You could also be flying into Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, or perhaps visting mates in Oklahoma City or New Mexico and easily wish to drive a selected portion. Whichever a part of route 66 you select, you’ll discover lots to see alongside the previous route and we’ve highlighted one of the best issues to see on route 66.
How to plan Your Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
Planning a highway journey alongside Route 66 could be an thrilling journey, but it surely additionally requires cautious preparation. Here are some steps that will help you plan your journey:
Determine Your Route
There are a number of potential itineraries for driving Route 66, so you need to select one which fits your pursuits and schedule. Consider the space you wish to cowl every day and the stops you wish to make alongside the way in which.
Check highway situations: Some sections of Route 66 could also be closed or have restricted entry, so it’s vital to test the newest highway situations earlier than you go. Think about time of yr – Route 66 is a protracted highway journey and temperatures and terrain modifications drastically. In Arizona and the encircling desert it might probably turn into extraordinarily sizzling within the summertime however nice within the winter. In the northeast, winter snow is usually a actual issue and have an effect on your route 66 travels. Make reservations: If you’re touring throughout peak season, it’s a good suggestion to make resort or campground reservations upfront to make sure you have a spot to remain every evening. A classic motel on route 66 will promote out shortly so plan accordingly. Plan your funds: Establish a funds on your journey, together with the price of gasoline, meals, lodging, and actions. Prepare your automobile: Make certain your automobile is in good situation earlier than you go, and take into account bringing a spare tire, jack, and fundamental instruments in case of an emergency. You can hire a automotive to drive a portion or select a technique leases and drop it off once you get to your vacation spot. Compare costs at RentalCars.com Pack good: Pack garments and kit appropriate for the climate situations, in addition to a map or GPS system, a digicam, and every other necessities you would possibly want. Make an inventory of must-see sights: Research the points of interest and sights alongside Route 66 that you just don’t wish to miss. We have given some nice concepts for what to see on route 66, however with a freeway spanning 2400 miles, we couldn’t cowl every thing.
By following these steps, you may be certain that your Route 66 highway journey is secure, comfy, and memorable.
Route 66 Signs And Quriky Roadside Attractions
As Americans migrated west on the lookout for work, it captured the creativeness of the nation. Luckily, a number of the indicators, quirky roadside points of interest, and memorabilia have been preserved. One of one of the best issues about driving Route 66 is to drive with no plans.
Go with the circulation and cease once you see one thing nostalgic or historic. You’ll discover a number of roadside points of interest alongside the route 66 and as vacationers and Americans journey extra to revisit an easier previous, extra points of interest are opening up.
All alongside the route from Chicago to California cities cling to a not so distant previous and some vacationers who got down to recreate their very own American Dream by driving alongside the long-lasting route making it the final word highway journey.
The cities that have been bypassed by the Interstates refuse to stop and appeal to guests from around the globe desirous to catch a glimpse of America’s glory days.
There are previous vehicles on show, a soda store and 50’s model gasoline stations, a colourful downtown and naturally Route 66 indicators and neon indicators leftover adverts from its heyday.
There are previous motor accommodations, The Road Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gas Station, and the previous normal retailer. If you will purchase any souvenirs, purchase them in Seligman as a result of they’ve every thing highlighting the historic Route 66.
It actually is a tremendous journey. The picturesque panorama with cows grazing within the distance and rolling hills surrounding our lonely stretch of highway takes you again to a time when individuals didn’t stare at their telephones and when household was in the beginning.
My favorite have been the adverts for Burma Shave. These quirky indicators lined up in teams of 5 advised a bit of story with a foolish punchline on the finish, punctuated by a last signal promoting “Burma Shave”
Loads of instances you’ll come throughout run down buildings and ghost cities. If it might probably’t appeal to vacationers, cities utterly shut down.
National Parks Along Route 66
Route 66 travels by a few of America’s most lovely surroundings. You’ll wish to take your time and make some detours to see the National Parks alongside the route. Here is an inventory chances are you’ll wish to take into account.
We cherished driving the historic Route 66. There has by no means been a greater time to take a highway journey throughout America. While individuals plan on staying nearer to house, it is a excellent spot to start out.