A Route 66 highway journey is likely one of the nice road trips in America. Often called The Mom Highway and the Principal Avenue of America, Route 66 was the primary thoroughfare by means of america 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 Mom Highway was one of many authentic highways throughout the U.S. Freeway System and have become an iconic image of American tradition and cross-country highway journeys.
final route 66 Highway Journey Information
In-built 1926, Route 66 was a highway of goals passing by means of eight states all the way in which to the west coast. John Steinbeck gave Route 66 its identify “The Mom Highway” within the Grapes of Wrath following the Joad household as they traveled west alongside Route 66 after being pushed from their residence. Alongside the way in which, they found that The Mom Highway was crowded with different migrants. Learn extra about highway journeys at 25 Best Road Trips in the World
Mud Bowl, Melancholy, and Conflict
Through the Nice Melancholy, Route 66 was full of folks dreaming of a greater life within the West as they escaped the drought-stricken southern plains often called the Mud Bowl. Route 66 was a highway of misplaced goals but additionally hope as folks drove to Santa Monica taking the shortest distance between Chicago and Los Angeles on the lookout for a greater future.
Throughout World Conflict II troopers and navy autos used this highway extensively because it was essentially the most direct route by means of the nation from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Route 66 Hey Day
Because the despair light away, households flocked to Route 66 to take their summer time holidays to see the Grand Canyon and different iconic websites in California and Arizona from the Nineteen Fifties to the Eighties.
Quickly the Mom Highway turned often called the Principal Avenue of America full of neon indicators, present retailers, gasoline stations and enjoyable memorabilia. Route 66 was a rip-roaring good time by means of the 50s to the 70s. In 1984 the final section of the freeway was decommissioned and the previous route of Route 66 was now not. Individuals have been now in a rush driving the Interstates to their locations.
Companies alongside Route 66 closed and the historic buildings fell into break.
The place does Route 66 Begin?
Beginning in Chicago, Route 66 passes by means of eight states. The states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ending California. There are many issues to see alongside the driving route as every part passes by means of a number of main cities and small-town America alongside the way in which.
The unique 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.
The place Does Route 66 Finish?
The official ending level of Route 66 is at Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards in Santa Monica. Freeway 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 Finish of Path signal was erected right here in 2009 to commemorate the religious 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.
Issues To See On Route 66
Should you aren’t planning on driving your entire previous route 66 to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, we now have damaged down one of the best issues to see alongside the Mom Highway by part.
Car rentals may be booked a method for those who don’t have your individual. So there isn’t a excuse to not drive this historic freeway if you end up in America. (Or at the very least a portion or two). Because it spans throughout America, there’s a very good probability you may 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 Avenue and Michigan Ave the place 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States.
In case you are driving the opposite manner, you’ll discover the Route 66, Historic Route Ends signal on the nook of Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive.
Whereas in Chicago there are many issues to see and do, and we advise spending at the very least 2 days within the metropolis earlier than beginning your drive alongside route 66. Be certain that to go to Navy Pier with the intention to say your Route 66 journey went from Pier to Pier. Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier gives the last word bragging rights. Who wouldn’t wan to drive from Lake Michigan and drove all the way in which to the Pacific Ocean. Learn extra at: 21 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago
Issues to See on Route 66 in Illinois
You’ll be able to’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. Additionally it is free to enter and you may go to the Lincoln Tomb, Abraham Lincoln’s remaining resting place. Don’t overlook to cease in to see the Capitol Constructing in Springfield.
The Cozy Canine Drive In can also be positioned in Springfield Illinois a route 66 icon that has been in operation since 1949. It’s residence to the unique scorching canine on a stick.
Illinois can also be residence to three muffler males statues. In your route make certain to cease in Wilmington, Atlanta and sure, Springfield to see these giants. In its heyday, route 66 noticed large statues strewn alongside the route promoting companies similar to tcar restore retailers and eating places alongside the historic route.
Route 66 Corridor of Fame Museum in Pontiac is value a cease the place you’ll be able to peruse its hundreds of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia.
In Pontiac, Illinois, there may be the Illinois Route 66 Corridor of Fame and Museum showcasing the historical past of route 66.
Odell Station in Odell Illinois is likely 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 concerning the drive forward.
2. Route 66 Missouri
The principle 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 it’s essential to cease at. They aren’t solely one of many common roadside points of interest alongside historic route 66, however they’re additionally one of the crucial common points of interest in Missouri.
In Springfield Missouri, there’s a automotive museum the place you’ll be able to see classic automobiles that drove this route faithfully. There may be one other Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.
Do you know there’s a Cuba in america? Cuba Missouri was named after the Caribbean Island and is positioned in Missouri. It’s formally designated Route 66 Mural Metropolis depicting scenes from the Route 66 heyday.
And at last, you’ll be passing by means of Joplin Missouri since route 66 goes instantly by means of its downtown. Its historic buildings will take you again in time transporting you to the times of the Mom Highway. Cease at its murals for some nice picture alternatives
3. Route 66 – Kansas
Kansas is the shortest part of Route 66 with solely 13 miles of the Mom Highway chopping by means of the southern portion of the state.
In case you are a fan of the Pixar film, Vehicles, cease at Vehicles on the Route, and the previous gasoline station and present store that sells snacks, and film memorabilia. I didn’t see Vehicles, however apparently, a few of it happened on route 66.
When you have youngsters, they’ll acknowledge the tow truck Tow Tater from the film. Apart from the tow truck, there may be an previous jalopy and a fireplace truck, so make certain to cease there.
Baxter Springs has the Coopers Dry Items Retailer 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 alternative of Kansas, Oklahoma has the longest part of Route 66 with 400 miles of the Mom Highway slicing by means of the state.
In Oklahoma, you’ll move by means of the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma Metropolis alongside the historic route. However there are lots of roadside points of interest and historic websites to see as nicely. Tulsa metropolis is certainly happy with its route 66 heritage and as you drive alongside the primary avenue of America, its East Gateway welcomes you to a locations that basically embraces its historical past.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is likely one of the most well-known points of interest on route 66. This large blue whale marks a well-liked swimming gap for folks driving route 66 within the Nineteen 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 Nationwide Route 66 Transport Museum in Elk Metropolis exhibiting artifacts celebrating the spirit and historical past of route 66.
You’ll want to see the previous vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. And ensure to Seize a basic soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.
Different Route 66 Sights in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has accomplished an excellent job restoring its historic websites and buildings and there are a number of stops which you can take pleasure in alongside this stretch. Among the quirkier roadside points of interest embody.
- The Spherical Barn in Arcadia relationship again to 1898
- Pops in Arcadia that stands out with its enormous 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
When you enter the Lone Star State there are many issues to see on Route 66. The 200 mile stretch of the Mom Highway gives one thing for everybody. Learn subsequent: 29 Best Things to do in Austin, Texas
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch is likely one of the most iconic stops on route 66. Situated in Amarillo the Cadillac Ranch is common as a result of its 10 Cadillacs standing nostril down which might be lined in graffiti. If there may be one landmark to see in Texas, it’s the Cadillac Ranch.
Plus for those who just like the artwork set up on the Cadillac Ranch, it’s essential 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 .
Whereas visiting the Cadillac Ranch, cease into Amarillo for a day or two to benefit from the metropolis. That is the place you could find a classic motel and get your kick on route 66 for the night time.
The Massive Texan Steak Ranch is one other iconic cease on Route 66. Feeding 500 thousand folks a 12 months (principally coming from a Rout 66 drive) the Massive Texan Steak Ranch is known for its 72 ounce steak dinner problem. Are you up for it?
Different Texas Route 66 Sights
Mid Pointe Cafe in Adrian. Do you know that when driving route 66 in Texas, you might have made it midway from Chicago to Los Angeles? Seize lunch on the Midpoint Cafe which is the oldest constantly operating cafe on the route. Snap a photograph as you’ve pushed 1139 miles already and you’ve got 1139 to go!
Satan’s Rope Museum in McLean will take you thru a photographic journey of the historical past of the Mud Bowl. This museum showcases classic memorabilia from the Mom Highway together with classic gasoline pumps and a museum devoted to barbed wire. You heard me accurately, barbed wire was referred to as Satan’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, Artwork Deco Tower that dates again to the Nineteen Thirties and preserve a watch out for the leaning water tower in Groom
Try extra Texas Journey
6. Route 66 – New Mexico
The main metropolis in New Mexico is Albuquerque. Albuquerque, New Mexico has loads of historic points of interest and you might wish to spend the night time right here as there’s a classic motel that’s nonetheless in operation. The El Camino Motel will certainly take you again in time. Learn extra: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico
Issues to see in New Mexico – Route 66
Tucumcari has a very good 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 means of New Mexico, you’ll be able to cease right here to browse its present store.
It’s in Tucumcari that you just’ll additionally discover the Route 66 Monument. The basic Cadillac fin is a well-liked picture cease on route 66 in New Mexico.
Santa Rosa has the Route 66 Auto Museum of New Mexico. It’s free to enter with a donation and showcases classic automobiles, and scenes from the Mom Highway.
The Blue Gap in Santa Rosa is value stopping at when driving by means of New Mexico. The crystal clear waters of this blue pool make it a well-liked diving vacation spot.
Santa Fe, New Mexico was a well-liked cease on the sooner Route 66 alignments and has a number of issues to see together with the La Fonda Lodge, one of many oldest motels in america. Learn extra: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico
7. Route 66 – Arizona
Arizona has lots of Route 66 Sights which might be nicely preserved and is certainly value a cease as you drive the primary avenue of America. Learn 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 Buying and selling Put up is positioned in Joseph Metropolis and has been a Route 66 staple since 1949. Unique proprietor Jim Taylor put a statue of a black rabbit in a black convertible and the Jack Rabbit Buying and selling Put up was born.
Winslow Arizona – I can’t imagine we didn’t make it to Winslow Arizona. I really like the Eagles and I’m all the time singing “Standin’ on the nook of Winslow Arizona…” from Take it Simple.
In case you are on the lookout for a novel place to remain in Arizona, make your strategy to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. Through the migration west alongside the Mom Highway, the Wigwam Motel chain was a outstanding chain. As we speak, solely three survive and two are positioned 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 positioned simply north of Principal Avenue America and is well 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. Actually, it was through the Nineteen Fifties that households made their manner alongside route 66 to see the Grand Canyon that was fashioned by the Colorado River slicing by means of and eroding the canyon for hundreds of years.. After we visited the Grand Canyon, we stayed in Williams Arizona and took day journeys to the Grand Canyon.
To plan extra in your Grand Canyon journey learn our guides:
Detour to Las Vegas – Route 66
Las Vegas could not formally be on Route 66 however how will you not pop into town if you end up so shut? Many individuals go to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so after you might have 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 fundamental avenue. Learn extra: Off the Strip – Things to do Outside Las Vegas
Route 66 – California
The ultimate cease on the good American highway journey. That is the place dreamers ended their journey alongside the Mom Highway in Santa Monica in the hunt for the American Dream. Let’s undergo a few of the websites to see that are particular to Route 66 in California. Learn extra: 16 Best Cities in California
The Wigwam motel chain was constructed within the Nineteen Thirties and Forties. As we speak of the three surviving motels are positioned on historic U.S. Route 66. You’ll discover one Wigwam Lodge in Holbrook, Arizona, and the opposite between Rialto and San Bernardino, In case you are on the lookout for a novel place to remain, the Wigwam Motel is a superb selection.
What highway journey would miss stopping at McDonalds and whereas in San Bernardino you’ll be able to hit up one other common route 66 attraction? The McDonald’s museum is positioned in San Bernardino and is a free museum which you can discover.
Bottle Tree Ranch is a unusual murals in Helendale that was a well-liked cease on route 66. Sadly, it’s now closed as its proprietor handed away, however hopefully it can reopen sooner or later.
Calico Ghost City within the Mojave Desert. This previous mining city within the Mojave Desert dates again to 1881. It was an enormous silver mine and at present you’ll be able to take a mining tour watch previous west reveals and benefit from the views of the encompassing desert.
The Mom Highway Museum in Barstow has shows concerning the Mom Highway historical past.
Hollywood – It’s now time to spend a number of days exploring Los Angeles Try – 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More
Santa Monica – Finish of the Path
Santa Monica Pier that is the religious finish of Route 66 as a result of you’ll be able to dip your toes within the Pacific Ocean. There’s a signal there that claims Route 66 Finish of Path and a mile in from Santa Monica pier at Freeway 1 close to Mels Diner.
So, now you might have pushed the entire route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica Learn Extra: The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary
About The Mom Highway
Route 66 was a busy and thrilling historic route by means of America that noticed folks touring recurrently to the west coast from center America. However that each one modified in 1985 when the necessity for pace was on the prime of individuals’s lists. Because the interstates got here in, the previous roads connecting the east to west coast, went out.
These days are lengthy gone and at present, the 3940 km (2448 miles) route is a shadow of its former self with solely pockets nonetheless clinging to a bygone period. Learn: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona
What Occurred to Route 66?
Why did Route 66 crumble? Within the Eighties, the freeway system was constructed bypassing a lot of the cities positioned alongside the route. With vacationers driving on to the vacationer points of interest of Arizona and California quick and effectively on Interstates as a substitute of the sluggish backroads of Route 66, most cities alongside the historic Route 66 fell into disarray.
However over time, some started to rebuild and pockets of nostalgia have cropped up all through the route. The attract of the road trip nonetheless holds sturdy and it’s on the prime of many individuals’s bucket lists to take this driving tour throughout America.
The Joliet Space Historic Museum and Route 66 Welcome Heart is devoted to preserving the spirit of Route 66, describing the attract of the Mom Highway and what makes Route 66 value preserving. Be certain that to see the statues of the Muffler Males that have been used to advertise automotive restore retailers alongside the historic route.
And for those who spend the night time 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 Sights
Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Alongside this route you’ll discover the bizarre Paul Bunyon scorching canine statue, the world’s largest lined wagon, and Abe Lincoln holding an ax. There are soda retailers and diners.
How lengthy Does it Take to Drive Route 66?
You’ll be able to drive your entire route 66 and it’ll take about 2 weeks (three weeks for those who actually wish to take your time which we advocate). However you are able to do parts of Route 66 as nicely. There are numerous parts which you can drive. As we stated, route 66 passes by means of 8 states with loads to discover in every.
It’s not simple to navigate Route 66 with simply Google Maps however there are apps and information books that can assist you out.
It’s good to have that additional safety as a result of at occasions, we felt fully remoted. There have been moments the place we barely noticed one other automotive on the route. We drove it on the finish of summer time throughout shoulder season so which may be the case. We regularly we questioned if we had taken a incorrect flip, however fortunately, quirky indicators would all the time pop as much as tell us we have been getting in the suitable instantly.
In case you are “driving west” just like the Nat King Cole music, you’ll begin in Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and at last finish in Santa Monica, California.
Selecting Your Route 66 Transportation
Being Canadian, we simply bounce in our automotive and head southwest to drive route 66. However for those who don’t have the luxurious of driving to a place to begin, you’ll be able to try automotive rental firms and even determine on an RV rental to take pleasure in this historic driving route. Some folks have it on their bucket checklist to drive basic automobiles throughout the unique route and there are basic automotive leases that cater to this dream. You can even e book a method leases from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Examine costs at CarRentals.com
One other nice thought is to hire an RV to expertise the mom highway. Cruise America gives RV leases and may also help you propose the proper highway journey itinerary.
Should you don’t have your individual automotive and have to fly into the place to begin, there are many automotive rental firms all alongside the route the place you’ll be able to hire every little thing from basic automobiles to convertibles.
Stops on Route 66
We now have created a map of the stops on route 66 that can assist 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.
Chances are you’ll be flying into Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, or possibly visting mates in Oklahoma Metropolis or New Mexico and easily wish to drive a selected portion. Whichever a part of route 66 you select, you’ll discover loads to see alongside the previous route and we’ve highlighted one of the best issues to see on route 66.
How one can plan Your Route 66 Highway Journey Itinerary
Planning a highway journey alongside Route 66 may be an thrilling journey, but it surely additionally requires cautious preparation. Listed here are some steps that can assist you plan your journey:
Decide Your Route
There are a number of attainable itineraries for driving Route 66, so it is best to select one which fits your pursuits and schedule. Take into account the space you wish to cowl every day and the stops you wish to make alongside the way in which.
- Test highway circumstances: Some sections of Route 66 could also be closed or have restricted entry, so it’s necessary to verify the newest highway circumstances earlier than you go.
- Take into consideration time of 12 months – Route 66 is an extended highway journey and temperatures and terrain modifications drastically. In Arizona and the encompassing desert it might turn into extraordinarily scorching within the summertime however nice within the winter. Within the northeast, winter snow is usually a actual issue and have an effect on your route 66 travels.
- Make reservations: Should you’re touring throughout peak season, it’s a good suggestion to make lodge or campground reservations upfront to make sure you have a spot to remain every night time. A classic motel on route 66 will promote out shortly so plan accordingly.
- Plan your finances: Set up a finances in your journey, together with the price of gas, meals, lodging, and actions.
- Put together your automobile: Be certain that your automobile is in good situation earlier than you go, and think about bringing a spare tire, jack, and primary instruments in case of an emergency. You’ll be able to hire a automotive to drive a portion or select a method leases and drop it off if you get to your vacation spot. Examine costs at RentalCars.com
- Pack good: Pack garments and kit appropriate for the climate circumstances, in addition to a map or GPS gadget, a digicam, and every other necessities you may want.
- Make an inventory of must-see sights: Analysis the points of interest and sights alongside Route 66 that you just don’t wish to miss. We now have given some nice concepts for what to see on route 66, however with a freeway spanning 2400 miles, we couldn’t cowl every little thing.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to be certain that your Route 66 highway journey is secure, snug, and memorable.
Route 66 Indicators And Quriky Roadside Sights
As Individuals migrated west on the lookout for work, it captured the creativeness of the nation. Fortunately, lots of the indicators, quirky roadside points of interest, and memorabilia have been preserved. The most effective issues about driving Route 66 is to drive with no plans.
Waft and cease if you see one thing nostalgic or historic. You’ll discover lots of roadside points of interest alongside the route 66 and as vacationers and Individuals 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 enduring route making it the ultimate road trip.
The cities that have been bypassed by the Interstates refuse to give up and appeal to guests from all over the world eager to catch a glimpse of America’s glory days.
There are previous automobiles on show, a soda store and 50’s type gasoline stations, a colourful downtown and naturally Route 66 indicators and neon indicators leftover advertisements from its heyday.
There are previous motor motels, The Highway Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gasoline Station, and the previous normal retailer. If you’re going to purchase any souvenirs, purchase them in Seligman as a result of they’ve every little thing highlighting the historic Route 66.
It truly is an incredible 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 folks didn’t stare at their telephones and when household was before everything.
My favorite have been the advertisements for Burma Shave. These quirky indicators lined up in teams of 5 advised a bit story with a foolish punchline on the finish, punctuated by a remaining signal promoting “Burma Shave”
A variety of occasions you’ll come throughout run down buildings and ghost cities. If it might’t appeal to vacationers, cities fully shut down.
Nationwide Parks Alongside Route 66
Route 66 travels by means of 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’s a checklist you might wish to think about.
We cherished driving the historic Route 66. There has by no means been a greater time to take a highway journey throughout America. Whereas folks plan on staying nearer to residence, it is a excellent place to begin.
