Discover the Heart of America with a Route 66 Road Trip

Rev Your Engines, a Route 66 road trip adventure is a road trippers rite of passage. In this post I will provide you with over 30 of the best stops along Route 66, from the Windy City of Chicago to the ocean waves of Santa Monica. Buckle up and let’s hit the open road.

A Route 66 road trip is an American classic that takes you on a journey through the heart of the country. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. This iconic highway passes through eight states and offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and beauty of the United States. Along the way, you’ll see a mix of vintage landmarks, quirky attractions, natural wonders, and charming small towns that make this road trip an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a fun escape from daily life, a Route 66 road trip is a must-do adventure at least once in your life.

• This Route 66 road trip begins in Chicago, IL at the start sign, which marks the official beginning of this legendary highway.
• Pontiac, IL is known for its classic car heritage and Route 66 road trip memorabilia.
• The Gemini Giant in Wilmington, IL is famous for its Muffler Man statue.
• The Gateway Arch in St Louis, MO is home to a 630-foot stainless steel monument that provides breathtaking views of the city and serves as a symbol of St. Louis’ role as the “Gateway to the West” along Route 66.
• Meramec Caverns in Stanton, MO are stunning natural wonders.
• The Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, MO is a quirky and charming stop.
• The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, St. Louis, MO: A former road bridge over the Mississippi River, now serving as a pedestrian and bike path, offering panoramic views of the river and the city.
• The “Silver Dollar” Drive-In, Springfield, MO: A classic drive-in theater, providing a nostalgic and unique entertainment experience.
• The Meramec Caverns, Stanton, MO: A network of stunning and historic caverns, offering a unique and unforgettable underground adventure.
• The “Gift Horse” Mural, horse statue, Carthage, MO: A vibrant mural and horse statue, paying homage to Carthage’s equine heritage and serving as a fun photo opportunity.
• The Largest Rocking Chair, Fanning, MO: A massive rocking chair, standing at over 40 feet tall, making for a fun and memorable photo opportunity.
• The Coleman Theatre, Miami, OK: A historic and stunningly restored theater, featuring a mix of live performances and movies, providing a unique entertainment experience.
• The Red Rock Canyon State Park in OK offers stunning vistas and great hiking.
• Galena Mining and Historical Museum in Galena, Kansas is special because it showcases the rich mining history of the region and provides an in-depth look at the history of lead and zinc mining in the area, including a look at the impact of Route 66 on the region.
• Riverside Park in Baxter Springs, Kansas is a beautiful park along Route 66 that provides a peaceful place to rest, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It’s also known for its historic springs that were once used by Native American tribes, as well as the Civil War Battle of Baxter Springs that took place here.
• The Blue Whale of Catoosa, OK: A whimsical and colorful blue whale statue and park, making for a fun and memorable photo opportunity.

• The Apache Drive-In Theater, Tulsa, OK: A classic drive-in movie theater, providing a nostalgic and unique entertainment experience.
• The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton, OK: A museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Route 66 in Oklahoma, including its impact on the state and its people.
• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX: A public art installation featuring 10 half-buried Cadillac cars, paying homage to the iconic car brand and the spirit of Route 66.
• The “U-Drop Inn” Tower Station, Shamrock, TX: A historic gas station and restaurant, now serving as a museum and visitor center, showcasing the Art Deco style of Route 66.
• The Midpoint Cafe, Adrian, TX: A historic cafe and gift shop, marking the exact midpoint of Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica.
• The Murals of Tucumcari, NM: A collection of vibrant and historic murals depicting the culture and history of Tucumcari and Route 66. The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is also a classic Route 66 stop in New Mexico.
• The Old Route 66 Museum in Santa Rosa, NM showcases the road’s history.
• Santa Fe, NM: A vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning Spanish colonial architecture.
• Petrified Forest National Park, AZ: A breathtaking park containing one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world.
• The Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, AZ: A historic and quirky motel featuring tipi-style rooms, providing a unique and nostalgic accommodation experience.
• Winslow, Arizona should be a Route 66 road trip stop because of its rich history, natural beauty, and charming Main Street. Visitors can stand on the corner made famous by the Eagles song “Take It Easy” and enjoy a nostalgic slice of Americana, including vintage motels, diners, and shops. With breathtaking vistas of the nearby Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.
• The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, AZ: A unique and stunning landscape of colorful rock formations and petrified wood, showcasing the area’s geologic history.
• Oatman, AZ: A historic mining town with old-west charm and memorable attractions, such as wild burros roaming the streets and gunfight reenactments.
• The Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA is a famous oceanfront landmark.
• The Route 66 End Sign in Santa Monica, CA marks the end of the iconic highway.

These 31 flavors along Route 66 offer unique experiences and memories, showcasing America’s history, culture, and natural beauty. From iconic landmarks and nostalgic motels, to picturesque landscapes and vibrant murals, these stops are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the historic route.

A Route 66 road trip is a journey through America’s past and present, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and innovative spirit. With so many interesting stops along the way, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From vintage motels and diners to natural wonders and quirky attractions, Route 66 is a road trip that will leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover why Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in the world.

Thanks so much for reading. If you have any questions about doing a Route 66 road trip, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…