Imagine a ribbon of road stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean, telling the story of America along every mile. That’s Route 66 – the Mother Road, the Main Street of America.
This 2,448-mile journey isn’t just a drive; it’s a trip through time, showcasing the heart and soul of the country. Ready to hit the road? Here’s a look at 25 stops that’ll make your Route 66 trip a memorable one.
Chicago, Illinois
Kick things off in the Windy City, where Route 66 begins its cross-country journey. Take a selfie at the ‘Begin Route 66’ sign on Adams Street, then dive into a slice of ooey-gooey deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
Gemini Giant, Wilmington, Illinois
Nothing says ‘road trip’ quite like a 30-foot-tall spaceman holding a rocket. The Gemini Giant is pure Route 66 kitsch, standing tall and proud outside the Launching Pad Drive-In since the 1960s.
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Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri
In St. Louis, the Gateway Arch stretches up to the sky, giving a nod to the pioneers who headed west. Take a ride to the top and soak in views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Missouri
Need a break from the sun? Duck into Meramec Caverns, where stalactites and stalagmites create a cool underground wonderland. Once a hideout for Jesse James, these caves now put on a light show that’ll bring the rocks to life.
Cars on the Route, Galena, Kansas
Ever watched ‘Cars’ and thought, ‘Hey, that tow truck looks familiar’? Swing by this old Kan-O-Tex station in Galena to meet the real-life inspiration for Tow Mater. It’s like Hollywood rolled into small-town Kansas.
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Blue Whale, Catoosa, Oklahoma
Who would expect to find a giant blue whale in the middle of Oklahoma? This grinning cetacean has been making road-trippers smile since the 1970s. It’s the perfect spot for a quirky picnic.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the art. At Cadillac Ranch, ten Cadillacs nose-dive into the Panhandle dirt. Bring a can of spray paint and leave your mark – this is one piece of art that welcomes a personal touch.
Midpoint Café, Adrian, Texas
Halfway there! The Midpoint Café has been dishing out comfort food since 1928. Grab a slice of their famous ‘ugly crust’ pie and soak up some small-town charm – you’re officially halfway to California.
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Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico
Step back in time at the Blue Swallow Motel, where neon still buzzes and vintage rules. Each room in this 1940s gem tells a story of road trips past. It’s not just a place to crash – it’s a slice of Route 66 history.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Mother Nature gets artsy in the Petrified Forest. Ancient trees turned to stone create a landscape that looks like it’s from another planet. It’s 200 million years of history right at your feet.
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a teepee? The Wigwam Motel makes that dream come true – well, sort of. These concrete ‘wigwams’ are pure Route 66 fun, offering a night’s stay you won’t forget.
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Standin’ on the Corner Park, Winslow, Arizona
Eagles fans, rejoice! This little park brings ‘Take It Easy’ to life. With a statue, a mural, and, yes – a flatbed Ford, it’s the perfect spot to stop and snap a pic. Who knew a song could put a town on the map?
Meteor Crater, Winslow, Arizona
Imagine a hole so big you could fit 20 football fields inside. That’s Meteor Crater – proof that sometimes, the most impressive sights come from outer space. It’s a stark reminder of just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Some detours are worth it, and the Grand Canyon? It’s the king of worthwhile detours. No photo does it justice – you’ve got to see this marvel with your own eyes. It’s nature showing off, pure and simple.
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Seligman, Arizona
Welcome to the town that kept Route 66 alive. Thanks to local barber Angel Delgadillo, Seligman looks like it’s been frozen in time since the 1950s. It’s like walking onto a movie set of small-town America.
Oatman, Arizona
In Oatman, the wild burros run the show. This old mining town is now home to donkeys that roam the streets looking for treats and selfies. Between the burros and the daily shootouts, the Wild West comes to life.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande, California
One man’s trash is another man’s… forest? Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch turns old bottles into a twinkling wonderland. When the sun hits it just right, it’s like stepping into a life-size kaleidoscope.
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Roy’s Motel and Café, Amboy, California
Roy’s might not serve up rooms or meals anymore, but it dishes out atmosphere by the truckload. Its neon sign stands tall in the Mojave, a beacon of Route 66’s glory days. It’s a ghost town with serious style.
Bagdad Café, Newberry Springs, California
The Bagdad Café feels like the place where all roads lead. Its walls are plastered with mementos from travelers worldwide, telling the story of countless adventures. It’s not just a café – it’s a global guestbook.
Calico Ghost Town, Yermo, California
Fancy a trip back to the Old West? Calico’s got you covered. Pan for gold, ride a rickety train, and explore 1880s buildings in this former silver mining town. It’s part history lesson, part wild west adventure.
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Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California
You’ve made it! The Santa Monica Pier marks the spot where Route 66 runs out of road. Celebrate with a spin on the Ferris wheel, some sticky-sweet cotton candy, and a stroll on the beach. After all those miles, that Pacific view is extra sweet.
Cozy Dog Drive-In, Springfield, Illinois
The humble corn dog gets star treatment at the Cozy Dog Drive-In. This joint’s been serving up ‘hot dogs on a stick’ since 1946. Come for the Cozy Dogs, stay for the wacky Route 66 memorabilia covering every inch of the place.
Painted Desert Trading Post, Arizona
Sometimes, beauty comes with a touch of decay. The abandoned Painted Desert Trading Post stands alone, a haunting reminder of Route 66’s heyday. You can’t go inside, but the view of this lonely outpost against the colorful desert? Pure gold.
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66 Drive-In Theatre, Carthage, Missouri
At the 66 Drive-In, it’s always 1949. One of the last drive-ins standing on Route 66, this place keeps the spirit of outdoor cinema alive. Tune in the radio, tilt back the seat, and enjoy a flick under the stars – just like in the good old days.
Pops, Arcadia, Oklahoma
Route 66 gets a modern twist at Pops, where a giant soda bottle lights up the Oklahoma night. Inside, over 700 types of soda turn choosing a drink into an adventure. It’s proof that even in the age of superhighways, Route 66 still knows how to make things pop.
Hit the Road!
Route 66 isn’t just a highway – it’s a 2,448-mile-long slice of Americana, served up with a side of quirky. From Chicago’s skyline to the California coast, every mile has a story to tell.
So crank up the tunes, roll down the windows, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime. On Route 66, the adventure is in the journey, and every stop is a chance to make some road trip magic.
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