Route 66, usually referred to as the Mom Highway, is greater than only a freeway—it’s an icon of American tradition and historical past. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, this historic route spans roughly 2,448 miles, that includes iconic landmarks, pure wonders, and slices of American historical past.
Illinois: The Starting of the Journey
Begin in Chicago: The journey begins in Chicago, the place the official begin signal of Route 66 is at Grant Park. Cease by Lou Mitchell’s, a legendary eatery serving vacationers because the Mom Highway’s heyday.
Cozy Canine Drive-In, Springfield: As you head south, a cease on the Cozy Canine Drive-In in Springfield is a should. Identified for inventing the “Cozy Canine,” this eatery is a bit of Route 66 folklore.
Pontiac: Pontiac, Illinois, is dwelling to a sequence of murals depicting the historical past of Route 66 and the Route 66 Corridor of Fame and Museum, filled with memorabilia and artifacts.
Missouri: The Gateway to the West
St. Louis: Missouri greets Route 66 vacationers with the majestic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Town additionally presents a wealthy blues music scene and mouth-watering barbecue joints.
Meramec Caverns: Additional down the highway, the Meramec Caverns in Stanton provide guided excursions of the limestone caves, which served as a hideout for Jesse James.
Route 66 Drive-In, Carthage: For a style of nostalgia, the Route 66 Drive-In in Carthage is ideal for having fun with a film below the celebs, identical to within the outdated days.
Kansas: A Temporary however Memorable Stretch
Galena: The quick Kansas stretch of Route 66 takes you thru Galena, the place the restored Kan-O-Tex Service Station, now Automobiles on the Route, presents a unusual picture op with classic automobiles.
Baxter Springs: In Baxter Springs, the Baxter Springs Heritage Middle & Museum supplies a glimpse into the native historical past, particularly the mining business that after thrived right here.
Oklahoma: The Coronary heart of Route 66
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton: The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton is an immersive expertise, taking you thru the historical past of the route.
Blue Whale of Catoosa: The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a beloved roadside attraction, excellent for a enjoyable picture alternative.
Tulsa: In Tulsa, the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza pays tribute to the person often called the “Father of Route 66,” and town’s Artwork Deco structure is a must-see.
Texas: Huge Skies and Quirky Sights
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo: The Cadillac Ranch close to Amarillo is an iconic public artwork set up that includes ten Cadillac automobiles half-buried nose-first within the floor.
Midpoint Café, Adrian: The Midpoint Café in Adrian marks the geographical midpoint of Route 66 and is known for its scrumptious pies and retro appeal.
New Mexico: Land of Enchantment
Santa Fe: The unique 1926 alignment of Route 66 handed by Santa Fe, providing a glance into Native American and Hispanic cultures.
Albuquerque: Albuquerque’s Central Avenue is a well-preserved stretch of the outdated highway, lined with neon indicators and classic diners.
Tucumcari: Tucumcari, recognized for its retro motels and neon lights, epitomizes the traditional Route 66 city and is dwelling to the Tucumcari Historic Museum.
Arizona: Desert Landscapes and Historic Cities
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park: This park is understood for its huge deposits of petrified wooden and the colourful badlands of the Painted Desert.
Williams: The city of Williams presents the Grand Canyon Railway, an thrilling strategy to go to the close by Grand Canyon.
Oatman: Oatman is a former mining city well-known for its wild burros and staged gunfights, providing a glimpse into the Outdated West.
California: The Golden State Finale
Bagdad Café, Newberry Springs: The Bagdad Café, immortalized within the 1987 film, is a well-liked cease for its quirky environment and connection to Route 66 tradition.
Santa Monica Pier: The tip of Route 66 is marked by the Santa Monica Pier, the place vacationers can take pleasure in breathtaking ocean views and a way of accomplishment.
Alexandrea Sumuel is a journey author and founding father of the Wander With Alex journey weblog, the place she supplies vacationers with journey concepts, journey guides, and information. She travels to expertise, eat, discover, and escape! Alex’s mission is that will help you discover the right trip vacation spot.
