A Route 66 street journey is among the nice street journeys in America. Known as The Mother Road and the Main Street of America, Route 66 was the principle 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 unique highways inside the U.S. Highway System and have become an iconic image of American tradition and cross-country street journeys.
final route 66 Road Trip Guide
Built in 1926, Route 66 was a street of goals 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 residence. Along the way in which, they found that The Mother Road was crowded with different migrants. Read extra about street journeys at 25 Best Road Trips within the World
Dust Bowl, Depression, and War
During the Great Depression, Route 66 was stuffed 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 street of misplaced goals but in addition hope as individuals drove to Santa Monica taking the shortest distance between Chicago and Los Angeles searching for a greater future.
During World War II troopers and navy autos used this street extensively because it was essentially the most direct route by the nation from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Route 66 Hey Day
As the despair pale 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 Fifties to the Nineteen Eighties.
Soon the Mother Road grew to become often known as the Main Street of America stuffed with neon indicators, reward retailers, fuel 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 In 1984 the final phase of the freeway was decommissioned and the outdated route of Route 66 was not. People had been now in a rush driving the Interstates to their locations.
Businesses alongside Route 66 closed and the historic buildings fell into spoil.
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 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.
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 due to this fact, 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 need 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 the whole outdated route 66 to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, we have now damaged down the perfect issues to see alongside the Mother Road by part.
Car leases could be booked a technique should you don’t have your personal. So there isn’t a excuse to not drive this historic freeway if you end up in America. (Or at the least a portion or two). Since it spans throughout America, there’s a great likelihood 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 Street and Michigan Ave the place 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States.
If you’re driving the opposite manner, 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 least 2 days within the metropolis earlier than beginning your drive alongside route 66. Make positive to go to Navy Pier so to say your Route 66 journey went from Pier to Pier. Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier affords 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 remaining resting place. Don’t overlook to cease in to see the Capitol Building in Springfield.
The Cozy Dog 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. 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 comparable to tcar restore retailers and eating places alongside the historic route.
Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac is value a cease the place you may peruse its hundreds of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia.
In Pontiac, Illinois, there’s the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum showcasing the historical past of route 66.
Odell Station in Odell Illinois is among 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 important 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 should not solely one of many fashionable roadside points of interest alongside historic route 66, however they’re additionally some of the fashionable points of interest in Missouri.
In Springfield Missouri, there’s a automobile museum the place you may see classic automobiles that drove this route faithfully. There is one other Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.
Did you already know there’s a Cuba within the United States? Cuba Missouri was named after the Caribbean Island and is positioned 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 straight 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 picture 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 outdated fuel station and reward store that sells snacks, and film memorabilia. I didn’t see Cars, however apparently, a few of it passed off on route 66.
If you may have youngsters, they’ll acknowledge the tow truck Tow Tater from the film. Besides the tow truck, there’s an outdated jalopy and a hearth truck, so be certain that to cease there.
Baxter Springs has the Coopers Dry Goods Store and diner courting again to 1865 and the historic Bush Creek Bridge. There are the same old outdated fuel 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 cross by the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City alongside the historic route. But there are a lot of roadside points of interest and historic websites to see as nicely. Tulsa metropolis is unquestionably pleased with its route 66 heritage and as you drive alongside the principle avenue of America, its East Gateway welcomes you to a locations that basically embraces its historical past.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is among the most well-known points of interest on route 66. This big blue whale marks a well-liked 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 positive to see the outdated vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. And be certain that to Grab a traditional soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.
Other Route 66 Attractions in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has accomplished a fantastic job restoring its historic websites and buildings and there are a number of stops that you could take pleasure in alongside this stretch. Some of the quirkier roadside points of interest embrace.
The Round Barn in Arcadia courting again to 1898 Pops in Arcadia that stands out with its large 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 may be a restored service station that has a present store the place you should buy 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 affords one thing for everybody. Read subsequent: 29 Best Things to do in Austin, Texas
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch is among the most iconic stops on route 66. Located in Amarillo the Cadillac Ranch is fashionable because of its 10 Cadillacs standing nostril down which might be lined in graffiti. If there’s one landmark to see in Texas, it’s the Cadillac Ranch.
Plus should you 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 identical 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 will discover 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 12 months (largely 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 you already know that when driving route 66 in Texas, you may have 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 fuel 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 maintain a watch 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 you might need 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 great portion of Route 66 points of interest in New Mexico with a dinosaur museum, roadside motels, and outdated fuel stations. The Teepee Curios fuel 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 reward store.
It is in Tucumcari that you just’ll additionally discover the Route 66 Monument. The traditional 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 is free to enter with a donation and showcases classic automobiles, and scenes from the Mother Road.
The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is value stopping at when driving by 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 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 lots of Route 66 Attractions which might be nicely preserved and is unquestionably value a cease as you drive the principle avenue of America. Read our full Arizona Road Trip
Williams, Arizona, is taken into account the perfect preserved stretch of Route 66 and right here it feels as if time has stood nonetheless. It has historic fuel stations, quirky cafes and historic buildings.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post is positioned 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 consider we didn’t make it to Winslow Arizona. I really like the Eagles and I’m all the time singing “Standin’ on the corner of Winslow Arizona…” from Take it Easy.
If you’re searching for a singular place to remain in Arizona, make your option to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. During the migration west alongside the Mother Road, the Wigwam Motel chain was a outstanding chain. Today, 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 shouldn’t be on the unique Route 66 however it’s positioned simply north of Main Street 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. In reality, it was through the Fifties that households made their manner alongside route 66 to see the Grand Canyon that was fashioned 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 to 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 when you’re so shut? Many individuals go to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so after you may have spent a few days exploring this pure marvel, make your option to the mom of neon lights Las Vegas. It’s the right praise to a drive alongside America’s important avenue. Read extra: Off the Strip – Things to do Outside Las Vegas
Route 66 – California
The remaining cease on the nice American street journey. This is the place dreamers ended their journey alongside the Mother Road in Santa Monica seeking the American Dream. Let’s undergo a number 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 Forties. Today of the three surviving motels are positioned 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’re searching for a singular place to remain, the Wigwam Motel is a superb alternative.
What street journey would miss stopping at McDonalds and whereas in San Bernardino you may hit up one other fashionable route 66 attraction? The McDonald’s museum is positioned in San Bernardino and is a free museum that you could discover.
Bottle Tree Ranch is a unusual murals in Helendale that was a well-liked cease on route 66. Unfortunately, it’s now closed as its proprietor handed away, however hopefully it can reopen sooner or later.
Calico Ghost Town within the Mojave Desert. This outdated mining city within the Mojave Desert dates again to 1881. It was an enormous silver mine and immediately you may take a mining tour watch outdated west exhibits and benefit from the views of the encompassing desert.
The Mother Road Museum in Barstow has shows concerning the Mother Road historical past.
Hollywood – It’s now time to spend a number 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 may have 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 each one modified in 1985 when the necessity for velocity was on the high of individuals’s lists. As the interstates got here in, the outdated roads connecting the east to west coast, went out.
Those days are lengthy gone and immediately, 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 Nineteen 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.
But through the years, some started to rebuild and pockets of nostalgia have cropped up all through the route. The attract of the street journey nonetheless holds robust and it’s on the high 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 value preserving. Make positive to see the statues of the Muffler Men that had been used to advertise automobile restore retailers alongside the historic route.
And should you spend the evening on this portion of Route 66, be sure you catch a film on the Skyview Drive In Theatre in Litchfield. It’s one of many final remaining unique drive ins on Route 66.
Quirky Roadside Attractions
Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Along 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 can drive the whole route 66 and it’ll take about 2 weeks (three weeks should you actually need to take your time which we suggest). But you are able to do parts of Route 66 as nicely. There are many parts that you could drive. As we mentioned, route 66 passes by 8 states with loads to discover in every.
It’s not straightforward 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 fully remoted. There had been moments the place we barely noticed one other automobile on the route. We drove it on the finish of summer time throughout shoulder season so which may be the case. We usually we questioned if we had taken a unsuitable flip, however fortunately, quirky indicators would all the time pop as much as tell us we had been stepping into the suitable straight.
If you’re “driving west” just like the Nat King Cole music, you’ll begin in Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and eventually finish in Santa Monica, California.
Choosing Your Route 66 Transportation
Being Canadian, we simply leap in our automobile and head southwest to drive route 66. But should you don’t have the luxurious of driving to a place to begin, you may take a look at automobile rental firms and even determine on an RV rental to take pleasure in this historic driving route. Some individuals have it on their bucket checklist to drive traditional automobiles throughout the unique route and there are traditional automobile leases that cater to this dream. You can even e-book 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 street. Cruise America affords RV leases and might help you intend the right street journey itinerary.
If you don’t have your personal automobile and have to fly into the place to begin, there are many automobile rental firms all alongside the route the place you may hire all the things from traditional automobiles 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 truly determined that he was going to drive to Chicago to start his street 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 buddies in Oklahoma City or New Mexico and easily need to drive a particular portion. Whichever a part of route 66 you select, you’ll discover loads to see alongside the outdated route and we’ve highlighted the perfect issues to see on route 66.
How to plan Your Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
Planning a street journey alongside Route 66 could be an thrilling journey, nevertheless it additionally requires cautious preparation. Here are some steps that will help you plan your journey:
Determine Your Route
There are a number of doable itineraries for driving Route 66, so it’s best to select one which fits your pursuits and schedule. Consider the gap you need to cowl every day and the stops you need to make alongside the way in which.
Check street situations: Some sections of Route 66 could also be closed or have restricted entry, so it’s essential to verify the most recent street situations earlier than you go. Think about time of 12 months – Route 66 is an extended street journey and temperatures and terrain modifications drastically. In Arizona and the encompassing desert it will probably turn out to be extraordinarily scorching within the summertime however nice within the winter. In the northeast, winter snow could be 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 rapidly so plan accordingly. Plan your funds: Establish a funds to your journey, together with the price of gas, meals, lodging, and actions. Prepare your car: Make positive your car is in good situation earlier than you go, and contemplate bringing a spare tire, jack, and fundamental instruments in case of an emergency. You can hire a automobile to drive a portion or select a technique leases and drop it off whenever you get to your vacation spot. Compare costs at RentalCars.com Pack sensible: Pack garments and equipment appropriate for the climate situations, in addition to a map or GPS gadget, a digicam, and some 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 need 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 all the things.
By following these steps, you may make sure that your Route 66 street journey is secure, snug, and memorable.
Route 66 Signs And Quriky Roadside Attractions
As Americans migrated west searching for work, it captured the creativeness of the nation. Luckily, lots of the indicators, quirky roadside points of interest, and memorabilia have been preserved. One of the perfect issues about driving Route 66 is to drive with no plans.
Go with the circulate and cease whenever you see one thing nostalgic or historic. You’ll discover lots 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 enduring route making it the final word street journey.
The cities that had been bypassed by the Interstates refuse to give up and entice guests from world wide eager to catch a glimpse of America’s glory days.
There are outdated automobiles on show, a soda store and 50’s type fuel stations, a colourful downtown and naturally Route 66 indicators and neon indicators leftover advertisements from its heyday.
There are outdated motor accommodations, The Road Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gas Station, and the outdated normal retailer. If you will purchase any souvenirs, purchase them in Seligman as a result of they’ve all the things 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 street takes you again to a time when individuals didn’t stare at their telephones and when household was at the start.
My favorite had been the advertisements for Burma Shave. These quirky indicators lined up in teams of 5 instructed slightly story with a foolish punchline on the finish, punctuated by a remaining signal promoting “Burma Shave”
Numerous instances you’ll come throughout run down buildings and ghost cities. If it will probably’t entice vacationers, cities fully shut down.
National Parks Along Route 66
Route 66 travels by a few of America’s most stunning surroundings. You’ll need to take your time and make some detours to see the National Parks alongside the route. Here is an inventory you might need to contemplate.
We cherished driving the historic Route 66. There has by no means been a greater time to take a street journey throughout America. While individuals plan on staying nearer to residence, it is a good spot to start out.