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 means of the United States for many years. This historic route runs from downtown Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, masking a complete distance of about 2,400 miles (3,900 km). The Mother Road was one of many authentic 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 means of 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 dwelling. 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 full of individuals dreaming of a greater life within the West as they escaped the drought-stricken southern plains referred to 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 probably the most direct route by means of 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 Nineteen Fifties to the Nineteen Eighties.
Soon the Mother Road turned referred to as the Main Street 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 phase of the freeway was decommissioned and the previous 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,
Where does Route 66 Start?
Starting 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 loads of issues to see alongside the driving route as every part passes by means of a number of main cities and small city 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 complete previous route 66 to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got damaged down the perfect issues to see alongside the Mother Road by part.
Car leases may be booked a technique when 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 a minimum of a portion or two). Since it spans throughout America, there’s an excellent 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’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 propose spending a minimum of 2 days within the metropolis earlier than beginning your drive alongside route 66. Make positive to go to Navy Pier so as to say your Route 66 journey went from Pier to Pier. Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier affords 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. 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 closing 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 dwelling to the unique sizzling canine on a stick.
Illinois can also be dwelling to three muffler males statues. On your route be certain 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 resembling 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 1000’s 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 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 most important 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 will need to cease at. They usually are 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 automobile museum the place you may see classic vehicles that drove this route faithfully. There is one other Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.
Did you understand 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 means of Joplin Missouri since route 66 goes straight by means of 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 means of 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 occurred on route 66.
If you’ve children, they’ll acknowledge the tow truck Tow Tater from the film. Besides the tow truck, there’s an previous jalopy and a fireplace truck, so be certain 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 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 means of the state.
In Oklahoma, you’ll cross by means of 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 effectively. Tulsa metropolis is unquestionably pleased with its route 66 heritage and as you drive alongside the principle road 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 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 National Route 66 Transport Museum in Elk City displaying artifacts celebrating the spirit and historical past of route 66.
Be positive to see the previous vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. And be certain to Grab a traditional soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.
Other Route 66 Attractions in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has executed an incredible job restoring its historic websites and buildings and there are a number of stops which you could get pleasure from 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 could 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.
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch is among 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 lined in graffiti. If there’s 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 will need 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’ll find a classic motel and get your kick on route 66 for the night time.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is one other iconic cease on Route 66. Feeding 500 thousand individuals a 12 months (principally coming from a Rout 66 drive) the Big Texan Steak Ranch is legendary for its 72 ounce steak dinner problem. Are you up for it?
Other Texas Route 66 Attractions
Mid Pointe Cafe in Adrian. Did you understand that when driving route 66 in Texas, you’ve 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 Nineteen Thirties and maintain a watch out for the leaning water tower in Groom
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.
Things to see in New Mexico – Route 66
Tucumcari has an excellent 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 may cease right here to browse its present 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 vehicles, and scenes from the Mother Road.
The Blue Hole 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 Hotel, one of many oldest lodges within the United States. Read extra: The Very Best Historic Sites in New Mexico
7. Route 66 – Arizona
Arizona has quite a lot of Route 66 Attractions which are effectively preserved and is unquestionably value a cease as you drive the principle road 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 gasoline 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 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’re searching for a novel place to remain in Arizona, make your technique 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 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 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 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 1000’s of years.. When 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 might 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’ve spent a few days exploring this pure surprise, make your technique to the mom of neon lights Las Vegas. It’s the proper praise to a drive alongside America’s primary road.
Route 66 – California
The closing cease on the good American street journey. This is the place dreamers ended their journey alongside the Mother Road in Santa Monica looking for the American Dream. Let’s undergo a number of the websites to see that are particular to Route 66 in California.
The Wigwam motel chain was constructed within the Nineteen 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 novel place to remain, the Wigwam Motel is a superb selection.
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 should 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 at the moment 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
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’ve 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 means of America that noticed individuals touring repeatedly to the west coast from center America. But that each 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 at the moment, 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 an alternative of the gradual 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 sturdy 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 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 when you 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 Attractions
Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Along this route you’ll discover the bizarre Paul Bunyon sizzling 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 your complete route 66 and it’ll take about 2 weeks (three weeks when you actually wish to take your time). But you are able to do parts of Route 66 as effectively. There are many parts which you could drive. As we stated, route 66 passes by means of 8 states with loads to discover in every.
It’s not solely attainable to drive the whole previous route
If you’re “driving west” just like the Nat King Cole tune, 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 when you don’t have the posh of driving to a place to begin, you may take a look at automobile rental firms and even determine on an RV rental to get pleasure from this historic driving route. Some individuals have it on their bucket checklist to drive traditional vehicles throughout the unique route and there are traditional automobile leases that cater to this dream.
Another nice thought is to hire an RV to expertise the mom street. Cruise America affords RV leases and might help you intend the proper street journey itinerary.
If you don’t have your personal automobile and have to fly into the start line, there are many automobile rental firms all alongside the route the place you may hire every little thing from traditional 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 street journey and begin driving West to see how far they may make it.
You could also be flying into Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, or possibly visting associates 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 loads to see alongside the previous 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 may 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 attainable itineraries for driving Route 66, so you must 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 street situations: Some sections of Route 66 could also be closed or have restricted entry, so it’s essential to test 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 encircling desert it will possibly grow to be extraordinarily sizzling 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 lodge or campground reservations prematurely to make sure you have a spot to remain every night time.
Plan your funds: Establish a funds in your journey, together with the price of gas, meals, lodging, and actions.
Prepare your automobile: Make positive 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.
Pack sensible: Pack garments and equipment appropriate for the climate situations, in addition to a map or GPS system, a digicam, and another necessities you may want.
Make a listing of must-see sights: Research the points of interest and sights alongside Route 66 that you just don’t wish to miss, and plan your route accordingly.
By following these steps, you may be sure that your Route 66 street journey is protected, comfy, and memorable.
Route 66 Signs And Quriky Roadside Attractions
As Americans migrated west searching for work, it captured the creativeness of the nation. Luckily, quite a lot 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 movement and cease whenever you see one thing nostalgic or historic. You’ll discover quite a lot 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 last word street journey.
The cities that had been bypassed by the Interstates refuse to stop and entice guests from world wide 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 lodges, The Road Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gas Station, and the previous basic retailer. If you’ll purchase any souvenirs, purchase them in Seligman as a result of they’ve every little thing highlighting the historic Route 66.
It actually is an incredible 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 beginning.
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 further safety as a result of at occasions, we felt utterly 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 that could be the case. We usually we puzzled if we had taken a unsuitable flip, however fortunately, quirky indicators would at all times pop as much as tell us we had been entering into the appropriate straight.
My favorite had 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 closing signal promoting “Burma Shave”
Numerous occasions you’ll come throughout run down buildings and ghost cities. If it will possibly’t entice vacationers, cities utterly shut down.
Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
There are many routes to take alongside route 66.
National Parks Along 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 is a listing 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 street journey throughout America. While individuals plan on staying nearer to dwelling, it is a great spot to begin.