A Route 66 street journey is likely one of the nice street journeys in America. Generally known as The Mom Highway and the Essential Road of America, Route 66 was the primary thoroughfare via 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 unique highways throughout the U.S. Freeway System and have become an iconic image of American tradition and cross-country street journeys.
final route 66 Highway Journey Information
Inbuilt 1926, Route 66 was a street of goals passing via eight states all the best way 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 dwelling. Alongside the best way, they found that The Mom Highway was crowded with different migrants. Learn extra about street journeys at 25 Greatest Highway Journeys within the World
Mud Bowl, Melancholy, and Conflict
In the course of the Nice Melancholy, Route 66 was stuffed with individuals dreaming of a greater life within the West as they escaped the drought-stricken southern plains referred to as the Mud Bowl. Route 66 was a street of misplaced goals but additionally hope as individuals drove to Santa Monica taking the shortest distance between Chicago and Los Angeles searching for a greater future.
Throughout World Conflict II troopers and army autos used this street extensively because it was probably the most direct route via the nation from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Route 66 Hey Day
Because 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 Fifties to the Nineteen Eighties.
Quickly the Mom Highway grew to become referred to as the Essential Road of America stuffed with neon indicators, present retailers, fuel stations and enjoyable memorabilia. Route 66 was a rip-roaring good time via the 50s to the 70s. In 1984 the final phase of the freeway was decommissioned and the previous route of Route 66 was 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 wreck.
The place does Route 66 Begin?
Beginning in Chicago, Route 66 passes via 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 via a number of main cities and small-town America alongside the best way.
The unique place to begin 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 due to this fact, 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 non secular ending of route 66. I imply who wouldn’t need to go all the best way 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
In case you aren’t planning on driving all the 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 Mom Highway by part.
Automobile leases might be booked a method if you happen to don’t have your personal. So there isn’t a excuse to not drive this historic freeway if you end up in America. (Or no less than a portion or two). Because it spans throughout America, there’s a great 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 Road and Michigan Ave the place 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States.
In case you are driving the opposite method, 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 propose spending no less than 2 days within the metropolis earlier than beginning your drive alongside route 66. Ensure that 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 final word bragging rights. Who wouldn’t wan to drive from Lake Michigan and drove all the best way to the Pacific Ocean. Learn extra at: 21 of the Greatest Issues 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. It is usually free to enter and you’ll go to the Lincoln Tomb, Abraham Lincoln’s ultimate resting place. Don’t overlook to cease in to see the Capitol Constructing in Springfield.
The Cozy Canine Drive In can also be situated 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. In your route ensure 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 akin to tcar restore retailers and eating places alongside the historic route.
Route 66 Corridor 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 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’ll 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 you have to cease at. They aren’t solely one of many in style roadside sights alongside historic route 66, however they’re additionally one of the in style sights in Missouri.
In Springfield Missouri, there’s a automobile museum the place you may see classic vehicles that drove this route faithfully. There’s 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 situated in Missouri. It’s formally designated Route 66 Mural Metropolis depicting scenes from the Route 66 heyday.
And eventually, you’ll be passing via Joplin Missouri since route 66 goes straight via 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 photograph alternatives
3. Route 66 – Kansas
Kansas is the shortest part of Route 66 with solely 13 miles of the Mom Highway chopping via the southern portion of the state.
In case you are a fan of the Pixar film, Automobiles, cease at Automobiles on the Route, and the previous fuel station and present store that sells snacks, and film memorabilia. I didn’t see Automobiles, however apparently, a few of it befell on route 66.
When you’ve got youngsters, they’ll acknowledge the tow truck Tow Tater from the film. Moreover the tow truck, there may be an previous jalopy and a fireplace truck, so ensure to cease there.
Baxter Springs has the Coopers Dry Items Retailer and diner courting again to 1865 and the historic Bush Creek Bridge. There are the same old previous fuel station, nook shops, and museums alongside Route 66.
4. Route 66 – Oklahoma
The other of Kansas, Oklahoma has the longest part of Route 66 with 400 miles of the Mom Highway slicing via the state.
In Oklahoma, you’ll go via the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma Metropolis alongside the historic route. However there are lots of roadside sights and historic websites to see as properly. Tulsa metropolis is unquestionably 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 sights on route 66. This large 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 Nationwide Route 66 Transport Museum in Elk Metropolis displaying artifacts celebrating the spirit and historical past of route 66.
You should definitely see the previous vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. And ensure to Seize a traditional soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.
Different Route 66 Sights in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has accomplished a fantastic job restoring its historic websites and buildings and there are a number of stops you could get pleasure from alongside this stretch. A number of the quirkier roadside sights embody.
- The Spherical Barn in Arcadia courting 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 affords one thing for everybody. Learn subsequent: 29 Greatest Issues 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 in style resulting from 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 if you happen to 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 identical 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 will discover a classic motel and get your kick on route 66 for the night time.
The Large Texan Steak Ranch is one other iconic cease on Route 66. Feeding 500 thousand individuals a yr (largely coming from a Rout 66 drive) the Large 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 may have made it midway from Chicago to Los Angeles? Seize 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!
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 fuel pumps and a museum devoted to barbed wire. You heard me appropriately, barbed wire was known 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 hold an eye fixed out for the leaning water tower in Groom
Try extra Texas Journey
6. Route 66 – New Mexico
The key metropolis in New Mexico is Albuquerque. Albuquerque, New Mexico has loads of historic sights and chances are you’ll need 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 Greatest Historic Websites in New Mexico
Issues to see in New Mexico – Route 66
Tucumcari has a great portion of Route 66 sights in New Mexico with a dinosaur museum, roadside motels, and previous fuel stations. The Teepee Curios fuel station in Tucumcari has a big concrete teepee out entrance and as you cruise via New Mexico, you may cease right here to browse its present store.
It’s in Tucumcari that you simply’ll additionally discover the Route 66 Monument. The traditional 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’s free to enter with a donation and showcases classic vehicles, and scenes from the Mom Highway.
The Blue Gap in Santa Rosa is price stopping at when driving via 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 just a few issues to see together with the La Fonda Lodge, one of many oldest motels in america. Learn extra: The Very Greatest Historic Websites in New Mexico
7. Route 66 – Arizona
Arizona has numerous Route 66 Sights which might be properly preserved and is unquestionably price a cease as you drive the primary avenue of America. Learn our full Arizona Highway Journey
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 fuel stations, quirky cafes and historic buildings.
Jack Rabbit Buying and selling Publish is situated 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 Publish was born.
Winslow Arizona – I can’t imagine we didn’t make it to Winslow Arizona. I like the Eagles and I’m all the time singing “Standin’ on the nook of Winslow Arizona…” from Take it Straightforward.
In case you are searching for a novel place to remain in Arizona, make your approach to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. In the course of the migration west alongside the Mom Highway, the Wigwam Motel chain was a outstanding chain. As we speak, 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 is just not on the unique Route 66 however it’s situated simply north of Essential Road 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. The truth is, it was through the Fifties that households made their method alongside route 66 to see the Grand Canyon that was fashioned by the Colorado River slicing via and eroding the canyon for hundreds of years.. Once 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 could not formally be on Route 66 however how are you going to not pop into the town if you find yourself 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 approach to the mom of neon lights Las Vegas. It’s the right praise to a drive alongside America’s most important avenue. Learn extra: Off the Strip – Issues to do Outdoors Las Vegas
Route 66 – California
The ultimate cease on the good American street journey. That is the place dreamers ended their journey alongside the Mom Highway 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. Learn extra: 16 Greatest Cities in California
The Wigwam motel chain was constructed within the Nineteen Thirties and Nineteen Forties. As we speak of the three surviving motels are situated 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 searching for a novel place to remain, the Wigwam Motel is a superb selection.
What street 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 you could discover.
Bottle Tree Ranch is a unusual murals in Helendale that was a preferred cease on route 66. Sadly, it’s now closed as its proprietor handed away, however hopefully it would 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 the moment you may take a mining tour watch previous west reveals and benefit from the views of the encircling desert.
The Mom Highway Museum in Barstow has shows concerning the Mom Highway historical past.
Hollywood – It’s now time to spend just a few days exploring Los Angeles Try – 25 Greatest Issues to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And Extra
Santa Monica – Finish of the Path
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’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 may have pushed the entire route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica Learn Extra: The Final California Highway Journey Itinerary
About The Mom Highway
Route 66 was a busy and thrilling historic route via America that noticed individuals touring frequently to the west coast from center America. However that every one modified in 1985 when the necessity for velocity 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 the moment, 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 Greatest Hikes in Arizona
What Occurred to Route 66?
Why did Route 66 crumble? Within the Nineteen Eighties, the freeway system was constructed bypassing a lot of the cities situated alongside the route. With vacationers driving on to the vacationer sights of Arizona and California quick and effectively on Interstates as a substitute of the gradual 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 street 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 Space Historic Museum and Route 66 Welcome Middle is devoted to preserving the spirit of Route 66, describing the attract of the Mom Highway and what makes Route 66 price preserving. Ensure that to see the statues of the Muffler Males that have been used to advertise automobile restore retailers alongside the historic route.
And if you happen to 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 unique drive ins on Route 66.
Quirky Roadside Sights
Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Alongside 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’ll be able to drive all the route 66 and it’ll take about 2 weeks (three weeks if you happen to actually need to take your time which we suggest). However you are able to do parts of Route 66 as properly. There are various parts you could drive. As we mentioned, route 66 passes via 8 states with lots to discover in every.
It’s not straightforward 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 further safety as a result of at instances, we felt fully remoted. There have been moments the place we barely noticed one other automobile on the route. We drove it on the finish of summer season throughout shoulder season so which may be the case. We regularly we questioned if we had taken a flawed flip, however fortunately, quirky indicators would all the time pop as much as tell us we have been getting into the appropriate straight.
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 eventually finish in Santa Monica, California.
Selecting Your Route 66 Transportation
Being Canadian, we simply leap in our automobile and head southwest to drive route 66. However if you happen to don’t have the posh of driving to a place to begin, you may take a look at automobile rental firms and even resolve 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. You may also 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 street. Cruise America affords RV leases and may help you propose the right street journey itinerary.
In case 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 all the pieces from traditional vehicles to convertibles.
Stops on Route 66
Now we have created a map of the stops on route 66 that can assist you resolve. My brother known 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 might make it.
It’s possible you’ll be flying into Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, or perhaps visting associates in Oklahoma Metropolis or New Mexico and easily need 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.
Find out how to plan Your Route 66 Highway Journey Itinerary
Planning a street journey alongside Route 66 might be an thrilling journey, nevertheless it additionally requires cautious preparation. Listed below are some steps that can assist you plan your journey:
Decide Your Route
There are a number of potential itineraries for driving Route 66, so it is best to select one which fits your pursuits and schedule. Contemplate the gap you need to cowl every day and the stops you need to make alongside the best way.
- Verify street circumstances: Some sections of Route 66 could also be closed or have restricted entry, so it’s necessary to test the most recent street circumstances earlier than you go.
- Take into consideration time of yr – Route 66 is an extended street journey and temperatures and terrain adjustments drastically. In Arizona and the encircling desert it will probably develop into extraordinarily sizzling within the summertime however nice within the winter. Within the northeast, winter snow could be a actual issue and have an effect on your route 66 travels.
- Make reservations: In case 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. A classic motel on route 66 will promote out rapidly so plan accordingly.
- Plan your finances: Set up a finances to your journey, together with the price of gasoline, meals, lodging, and actions.
- Put together your car: Ensure that your car 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 automobile 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 sensible: Pack garments and equipment appropriate for the climate circumstances, in addition to a map or GPS gadget, a digital camera, and every other necessities you may want.
- Make a listing of must-see sights: Analysis the sights and sights alongside Route 66 that you simply don’t need to miss. Now 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 pieces.
By following these steps, you may be certain that your Route 66 street journey is protected, comfy, and memorable.
Route 66 Indicators And Quriky Roadside Sights
As People migrated west searching for work, it captured the creativeness of the nation. Fortunately, numerous the indicators, quirky roadside sights, and memorabilia have been preserved. Among the finest 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 numerous roadside sights alongside the route 66 and as vacationers and People journey extra to revisit a less complicated previous, extra sights 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 street journey.
The cities that have been bypassed by the Interstates refuse to stop and appeal to guests from world wide eager to catch a glimpse of America’s glory days.
There are previous vehicles on show, a soda store and 50’s fashion fuel stations, a colourful downtown and naturally Route 66 indicators and neon indicators leftover adverts from its heyday.
There are previous motor motels, The Highway Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gasoline Station, and the previous basic retailer. If you’ll purchase any souvenirs, purchase them in Seligman as a result of they’ve all the pieces highlighting the historic Route 66.
It truly 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 initially.
My favorite have been the adverts 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 ultimate signal promoting “Burma Shave”
Plenty of instances you’ll come throughout run down buildings and ghost cities. If it will probably’t appeal to vacationers, cities fully shut down.
Nationwide Parks Alongside Route 66
Route 66 travels via a few of America’s most lovely surroundings. You’ll need to take your time and make some detours to see the Nationwide Parks alongside the route. Here’s a checklist chances are you’ll need to think about.
We liked driving the historic Route 66. There has by no means been a greater time to take a street journey throughout America. Whereas individuals plan on staying nearer to dwelling, this can be a good spot to start out.
