Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” offers one of the most iconic road trip experiences in the United States. This historic highway stretches over 2,400 miles, connecting Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Along the way, you’ll pass through eight states and countless small towns, each filled with its own history and charm. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of roadside attractions, or someone who enjoys open roads, a Route 66 road trip promises adventure and discovery.
Start in Chicago: The Beginning of the Journey
Your Route 66 adventure begins in Chicago, a city known for its stunning skyline, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant culture. Before hitting the road, spend some time exploring what Chicago has to offer. Millennium Park, home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (often called “The Bean”), is a must-see. Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago are also worth a visit.
As you leave Chicago, you’ll quickly transition from cityscapes to the rural farmlands of Illinois. Along this stretch, you can stop in towns like Joliet, where you’ll find the Joliet Area Historical Museum. This museum provides a great introduction to the history of Route 66, offering context for the rest of your journey.
Explore the Quirky Attractions of Missouri
As you cross into Missouri, Route 66 winds through the vibrant city of St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion, is a highlight here. For baseball fans, a visit to Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, can make for an exciting detour.
Missouri is also home to many quirky roadside attractions. In the small town of Cuba, you’ll find the world’s largest rocking chair, a fun photo opportunity for any road tripper. Further along the route, visit Meramec Caverns, a massive cave system once rumored to be a hideout for the outlaw Jesse James. Missouri offers a mix of natural beauty and unique stops that give Route 66 its legendary status.
Dive into History in Oklahoma
As you continue your journey, Oklahoma provides a rich history lesson on Route 66. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton offers a comprehensive look at the road’s impact on American culture. You’ll also pass through towns like Tulsa and Oklahoma City, where the influence of Route 66 is still visible in local businesses and landmarks.
Oklahoma also provides opportunities to explore Native American history. The state is home to many tribes, and you can visit cultural centers and museums that offer insight into their traditions. This part of the trip gives a deeper connection to the land and the people who have lived along Route 66 for generations.
Feel the Western Spirit in Texas
When you enter Texas, Route 66 takes you through the Texas Panhandle, where the landscape becomes wide open and rugged. Amarillo, the largest city on this stretch, offers a few Route 66 treasures. Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring ten half-buried Cadillacs, is one of the most famous. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark by spray-painting the cars.
A stop at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is another must. Known for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this restaurant epitomizes Texas’s larger-than-life reputation. As you continue west, the landscape becomes more desolate, offering a sense of the vast, open spaces that have long been associated with the American West.
Discover the Beauty of the New Mexico Desert
New Mexico brings a blend of desert beauty and Native American culture to your Route 66 journey. Santa Fe, with its adobe architecture and art galleries, provides a scenic and cultural break from the road. Albuquerque, the largest city in the state, offers a Route 66 experience along its Central Avenue, where neon signs and vintage motels still line the streets.
The desert landscapes of New Mexico are also breathtaking. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit sites like Petroglyph National Monument, where ancient rock carvings tell the stories of early inhabitants. The wide-open skies and warm colors of the desert make this part of the trip feel almost otherworldly.
Enjoy the Sights in Arizona
As Route 66 moves into Arizona, the road takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. The Petrified Forest National Park, known for its colorful fossilized wood, is one of the many natural wonders in the state. You’ll also pass through Winslow, a town made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, has become a rite of passage for many Route 66 travelers.
Further along, you’ll encounter the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that is hard to skip. Although not directly on Route 66, a short detour will reward you with one of the most spectacular views in the world. The deep canyons and striking colors are an unforgettable sight.
End Your Journey in California
Santa Monica marks the official end of Route 66. The Santa Monica Pier, with its Ferris wheel and ocean views, provides a perfect spot to reflect on the journey. After traveling more than 2,400 miles, you’ll have experienced a slice of American history, culture, and natural beauty.
