Route 66

A Summer Road Trip on Route 66: Exploring the Heart of America

Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” is one of the most iconic road trips in the United States. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway offers a journey through the heart of the country, with diverse landscapes, quirky attractions, and rich history along the way. If you’re planning a summer road trip on Route 66, here’s a breakdown of each state you’ll drive through, from east to west.

Illinois: The Beginning of the Adventure

Tourist Sites in Illinois:

The Chain of Rocks Bridge (St. Louis): A historic bridge across the Mississippi River.

Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum (Pontiac): A deep dive into the history of Route 66.

Cozy Dog Drive-In (Springfield): Home of the famous Cozy Dog, a Route 66 classic.

Starting your Route 66 journey in Chicago is the perfect introduction to the adventure. As you leave the bustling city, the historic landmarks of Route 66 begin to unfold. Illinois offers a unique blend of urban sights and countryside charm. Be sure to stop by the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, where you can learn about the history of the highway. As you drive further, make a pit stop at the famous Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield to taste their signature corn dogs, a Route 66 tradition. Illinois’ small towns provide a real sense of the American heartland, and the road ahead beckons with promise.

Missouri: A Journey through Time

Tourist Sites in Missouri:

Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari): A vintage motel, perfect for a retro stop.

Gateway Arch (St. Louis): A symbol of the nation’s westward expansion.

Route 66 State Park (Eureka): A park dedicated to the legacy of Route 66.

Crossing into Missouri, the landscape becomes more rural, with rolling hills and open fields. The state’s connection to Route 66 is rich in history, and there are plenty of nostalgic stops. In St. Louis, make sure to take a photo in front of the Gateway Arch, a symbol of the nation’s westward expansion. As you drive south, you’ll pass through quirky towns like Cuba, known for its colorful murals that celebrate the history of Route 66. The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is a perfect place to stop and capture the retro vibes of the 1950s, offering a quintessential Route 66 experience.

Kansas: A Short but Sweet Stretch

Tourist Sites in Kansas:

The Galena Mining & Historical Museum (Galena): A museum highlighting the town’s mining history.

Rainbow Bridge (Baxter Springs): A historic bridge that’s a perfect stop for photos.

66 Drive-In Theatre (Carthage): An iconic outdoor cinema still showing films under the stars.

Kansas may have the shortest stretch of Route 66, but it’s packed with charm. From Galena, where the iconic Route 66 sign greets you, to Baxter Springs, where you can visit the historic Rainbow Bridge, this section of the highway brings a glimpse of mid-century Americana. One of the must-see spots is the 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, a classic outdoor movie theater that’s been serving moviegoers for decades. Although Kansas offers a brief drive, it’s one that’s filled with history and plenty of small-town hospitality.

Oklahoma: The Spirit of the West

Tourist Sites in Oklahoma:

Round Barn (Arcadia): A perfectly preserved barn that’s a unique piece of architecture.

Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa): A quirky roadside attraction with a fascinating history.

Route 66 Historical Village (Tulsa): A museum and park dedicated to Route 66’s legacy.

As you cross into Oklahoma, the spirit of the Old West is alive and well. The state boasts some of the best-preserved Route 66 landmarks, from the round barn in Arcadia to the towering Blue Whale of Catoosa. Tulsa, a city steeped in Art Deco architecture, offers a rich experience, with a visit to the Route 66 Historical Village providing insight into the road’s cultural significance. Oklahoma is home to many roadside diners, so indulge in local favorites like fried pies and burgers as you cruise along the open road.

Texas: The Land of Big Skies

Tourist Sites in Texas:

Midpoint Café (Adrian): The exact halfway point between Chicago and Santa Monica.

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo): A must-see art installation where visitors can spray-paint the iconic cars.

The Texas Route 66 Museum (Elk City): A comprehensive look at the highway’s impact on Texas.

Texas’ stretch of Route 66 is full of wide-open spaces and classic roadside attractions. Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch is one of the most famous stops on the route, where visitors can leave their mark by spray-painting the iconic cars buried in the dirt. The Texas Route 66 Museum in Elk City offers a fascinating look at the highway’s history, while the old gas stations and motels along the way give you a taste of Route 66 nostalgia. Don’t miss the quirky town of Adrian, home to the Midpoint Café, which claims to be halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica.

New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment

Tourist Sites in New Mexico:

Tucumcari Neon Signs (Tucumcari): The town’s colorful neon signs light up the night.

Petrified Forest National Park (Near Holbrook): A stunning park where you can explore fossilized trees.

Old Town Albuquerque (Albuquerque): A historic district filled with museums and art galleries.

Entering New Mexico, Route 66 offers a magical blend of Native American, Spanish, and Old West cultures. Albuquerque, with its rich history and vibrant arts scene, is a must-see. The city’s Old Town offers a mix of historical buildings, museums, and charming cafes. As you drive through the vast deserts and mesas, you’ll encounter some of the most stunning landscapes of your trip. Don’t miss the small town of Tucumcari, known for its neon signs that still glow brightly at night, casting a nostalgic light over the Route 66 experience.

Arizona: The Majestic Desert

Tourist Sites in Arizona:

• Petrified Forest National Park (Near Holbrook): Explore the otherworldly, colorful remnants of ancient trees.
• Grand Canyon (Flagstaff detour): Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
• Meteor Crater (Near Winslow): An impressive natural wonder and one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites.

Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 offers some of the most beautiful desert scenery you’ll encounter. The Petrified Forest National Park is a must-stop, where ancient trees have turned to stone over millions of years. As you continue west, you’ll pass through Flagstaff, a charming college town that provides a nice break from the desert landscape. The Grand Canyon is only a short detour away, and while not directly on Route 66, it’s worth a visit to witness one of the natural wonders of the world.

California: The End of the Road

Tourist Sites in California:

The Mojave Desert (Near Barstow): Experience the vast, arid beauty of California’s desert landscapes.

Route 66 End of the Trail Sign (Santa Monica): The famous sign marking the end of your journey.

Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica): A classic Californian experience, with an amusement park and beach views.

Finally, you’ll reach California, where Route 66 comes to its end at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. As you drive through the Mojave Desert, make sure to stop at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow for a glimpse of the past. Once in Santa Monica, you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean and take a picture at the iconic Route 66 End of the Trail sign. It’s the perfect conclusion to a journey that has spanned over two thousand miles, filled with memories and stories from across the American heartland.

Conclusion: A Road Trip Like No Other

A summer road trip on Route 66 is a journey through America’s history, culture, and natural beauty. From the neon lights of small-town diners to the vast deserts and scenic mountains, this iconic highway offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of roadside attractions, or simply seeking adventure, Route 66 is a road trip that promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the heart of America on this legendary highway.