The Final Route 66 Highway Journey Information

A Route 66 highway journey is without doubt one of the nice highway journeys in America. Often known as The Mom Highway and the Major Avenue of America, Route 66 was the primary thoroughfare by way of the USA for many years. This historic route runs from downtown Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, overlaying a complete distance of about 2,400 miles (3,900 km). The Mom Highway was one of many unique highways throughout the U.S. Freeway System and have become an iconic image of American tradition and cross-country highway journeys.

final route 66 Highway Journey Information

In-built 1926, Route 66 was a highway of goals passing by way of eight states all the best way to the west coast. John Steinbeck gave Route 66 its identify “The Mom Highway” within the Grapes of Wrath following the Joad household as they traveled west alongside Route 66 after being pushed from their house. Alongside the best way, they found that The Mom Highway was crowded with different migrants. Learn extra about highway journeys at 25 Finest Highway Journeys within the World

Mud Bowl, Melancholy, and Conflict

In the course of the Nice Melancholy, Route 66 was crammed with individuals dreaming of a greater life within the West as they escaped the drought-stricken southern plains often called the Mud Bowl. Route 66 was a highway of misplaced goals but in addition hope as individuals drove to Santa Monica taking the shortest distance between Chicago and Los Angeles searching for a greater future.

Throughout World Conflict II troopers and navy automobiles used this highway extensively because it was probably the most direct route by way of the nation from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Route 66 Hey Day

Because the despair light away, households flocked to Route 66 to take their summer time holidays to see the Grand Canyon and different iconic websites in California and Arizona from the Nineteen Fifties to the Eighties.

Quickly the Mom Highway turned often called the Major Avenue of America crammed with neon indicators, present outlets, gasoline stations and enjoyable memorabilia. Route 66 was a rip-roaring good time by way of the 50s to the 70s. In 1984 the final phase of the freeway was decommissioned and the previous route of Route 66 was not. Individuals have been now in a rush driving the Interstates to their locations.

Companies alongside Route 66 closed and the historic buildings fell into damage.

The place does Route 66 Begin?

Beginning in Chicago, Route 66 passes by way of eight states. The states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ending California. There are many issues to see alongside the driving route as every part passes by way of a number of main cities and small-town America alongside the best way.

The unique place to begin was downtown Chicago at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in 1926. In 1933 it was modified to Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive alongside the shores of Lake Michigan.

The place Does Route 66 Finish?

The official ending level of Route 66 is at Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards in Santa Monica. Freeway 1 ends at these boulevards subsequently, that’s the place the route formally ends. Santa Monica Pier is only a mile away and the official Finish of Path signal was erected right here in 2009 to commemorate the religious ending of route 66. I imply who wouldn’t need to go all the best way to the Pacific Ocean proper when driving route 66 proper?

Since that signal was erected, Santa Monica erected official indicators at Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards making it one other enjoyable place to go earlier than heading to Santa Monica Pier for enjoyable and festivities.

Issues To See On Route 66

In the event you aren’t planning on driving your complete previous route 66 to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got damaged down one of the best issues to see alongside the Mom Highway by part.

Automotive leases might be booked a technique when you don’t have your personal. So there isn’t a excuse to not drive this historic freeway if you end up in America. (Or a minimum of a portion or two). Because it spans throughout America, there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll be someplace near Route 66 throughout your United States travels.

1. Route 66 Illinois

Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago at Lake Michigan and there’s a signal indicating the unique historic route begins on the nook of West Adams Avenue and Michigan Ave the place 78-98 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States.

If you’re driving the opposite method, you’ll discover the Route 66, Historic Route Ends signal on the nook of Jackson Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive.

Whereas in Chicago there are many issues to see and do, and we advise spending a minimum of 2 days within the metropolis earlier than beginning your drive alongside route 66. Be sure to go to Navy Pier in an effort to say your Route 66 journey went from Pier to Pier. Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier provides the last word bragging rights. Who wouldn’t wan to drive from Lake Michigan and drove all the best way to the Pacific Ocean. Learn extra at: 21 of the Finest Issues to Do in Chicago

Issues to See on Route 66 in Illinois

You possibly can’t miss visiting the capital of Illinoise Springfield and there are many historic websites to see on this metropolis. So make a a day of it.

Springfield Illinois can also be the place you’ll discover the house of Abraham Lincoln that has been restored. It is usually free to enter and you may go to the Lincoln Tomb, Abraham Lincoln’s ultimate resting place. Don’t overlook to cease in to see the Capitol Constructing in Springfield.

The Cozy Canine Drive In can also be positioned in Springfield Illinois a route 66 icon that has been in operation since 1949. It’s house to the unique scorching canine on a stick.

Illinois can also be house to three muffler males statues. In your route be sure to cease in Wilmington, Atlanta and sure, Springfield to see these giants. In its heyday, route 66 noticed big statues strewn alongside the route promoting companies resembling tcar restore outlets and eating places alongside the historic route.

Route 66 Corridor of Fame Museum in Pontiac is price a cease the place you possibly can peruse its 1000’s of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia.

In Pontiac, Illinois, there may be the Illinois Route 66 Corridor of Fame and Museum showcasing the historical past of route 66.

Odell Station in Odell Illinois is without doubt one of the historic locations to cease alongside the route. This service station has been restored and you may cease in to speak to the volunteers in regards to the drive forward.

2. Route 66 Missouri

The primary metropolis in Missouri is St. Louis and it’ll welcome you with its gateway arch. Missouri is the biggest metropolis on Route 66 between Chicago and downtown Los Angeles.

In Missouri, you’ll be crossing the Chain Rocks Bridge as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. The historic bridge connects Illinois and Missouri on route 66.

The Meramec Caverns are limestone caves that you should cease at. They aren’t solely one of many common roadside points of interest alongside historic route 66, however they’re additionally some of the common points of interest in Missouri.

In Springfield Missouri, there’s a automobile museum the place you possibly can see classic vehicles that drove this route faithfully. There’s one other Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.

Do you know there’s a Cuba in the USA? Cuba Missouri was named after the Caribbean Island and is positioned in Missouri. It’s formally designated Route 66 Mural Metropolis depicting scenes from the Route 66 heyday.

And at last, you’ll be passing by way of Joplin Missouri since route 66 goes immediately by way of its downtown. Its historic buildings will take you again in time transporting you to the times of the Mom Highway. Cease at its murals for some nice picture alternatives

3. Route 66 – Kansas

Kansas is the shortest part of Route 66 with solely 13 miles of the Mom Highway slicing by way of the southern portion of the state.

If you’re a fan of the Pixar film, Automobiles, cease at Automobiles on the Route, and the previous gasoline station and present store that sells snacks, and film memorabilia. I didn’t see Automobiles, however apparently, a few of it came about on route 66.

When you have youngsters, they’ll acknowledge the tow truck Tow Tater from the film. Moreover the tow truck, there may be an previous jalopy and a fireplace truck, so be sure to cease there.

Baxter Springs has the Coopers Dry Items Retailer and diner courting again to 1865 and the historic Bush Creek Bridge. There are the same old previous gasoline station, nook shops, and museums alongside Route 66.

4. Route 66 – Oklahoma

The alternative of Kansas, Oklahoma has the longest part of Route 66 with 400 miles of the Mom Highway slicing by way of the state.

In Oklahoma, you’ll cross by way of the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma Metropolis alongside the historic route. However there are lots of roadside points of interest and historic websites to see as properly. Tulsa metropolis is certainly happy with its route 66 heritage and as you drive alongside the primary road of America, its East Gateway welcomes you to a locations that basically embraces its historical past.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is without doubt one of the most well-known points of interest on route 66. This big blue whale marks a well-liked swimming gap for individuals driving route 66 within the Seventies and within the 2000s in was restored to its former glory.

There are a few museums alongside this route – The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma and the Nationwide Route 66 Transport Museum in Elk Metropolis displaying artifacts celebrating the spirit and historical past of route 66.

Make sure you see the previous vaudeville theater, the Colman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. And ensure to Seize a basic soda pop at POPS in Arcadia.

Different Route 66 Sights in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has completed an ideal job restoring its historic websites and buildings and there are a number of stops which you can take pleasure in alongside this stretch. Among the quirkier roadside points of interest embody.

• The Spherical Barn in Arcadia courting again to 1898
• Pops in Arcadia that stands out with its large landmark, a neon soda pop bottle standing tall out entrance.
• The World’s Largest concrete totem pole in Chelsea
• Afton Station is one other good cease that may be a restored service station that has a present store the place you should buy memorabilia and a few good maps and books about route 66.

5. Route 66 – Texas

When you enter the Lone Star State there are many issues to see on Route 66. The 200 mile stretch of the Mom Highway provides one thing for everybody. Learn subsequent: 29 Finest Issues to do in Austin, Texas

Cadillac Ranch

The Cadillac Ranch is without doubt one of the most iconic stops on route 66. Situated in Amarillo the Cadillac Ranch is common attributable to its 10 Cadillacs standing nostril down which are coated in graffiti. If there may be one landmark to see in Texas, it’s the Cadillac Ranch.

Plus when you just like the artwork set up on the Cadillac Ranch, you should go to the VW Slug Bug Ranch that performs homage to the well-known attraction. The VW Slug Bug Ranch options 5 VWs buried nostril deep into the bottom similar to the Cadillac ranch however .

Whereas visiting the Cadillac Ranch, cease into Amarillo for a day or two to benefit from the metropolis. That is the place you will discover a classic motel and get your kick on route 66 for the night time.

The Massive Texan Steak Ranch is one other iconic cease on Route 66. Feeding 500 thousand individuals a 12 months (principally coming from a Rout 66 drive) the Massive Texan Steak Ranch is known for its 72 ounce steak dinner problem. Are you up for it?

Different Texas Route 66 Sights

Mid Pointe Cafe in Adrian. Do you know that when driving route 66 in Texas, you might have made it midway from Chicago to Los Angeles? Seize lunch on the Midpoint Cafe which is the oldest constantly working cafe on the route. Snap a photograph as you’ve pushed 1139 miles already and you’ve got 1139 to go!

Satan’s Rope Museum in McLean will take you thru a photographic journey of the historical past of the Mud Bowl. This museum showcases classic memorabilia from the Mom Highway together with classic gasoline pumps and a museum devoted to barbed wire. You heard me accurately, barbed wire was referred to as Satan’s Rope and also you’ll discover a full assortment of barbed wire (I by no means knew there was earlier than) and fencing instruments.

The Conoco Tower Station is a neon-lit, Artwork Deco Tower that dates again to the Thirties and preserve an eye fixed out for the leaning water tower in Groom

6. Route 66 – New Mexico

The most important metropolis in New Mexico is Albuquerque. Albuquerque, New Mexico has loads of historic points of interest and you might need to spend the night time right here as there’s a classic motel that’s nonetheless in operation. The El Camino Motel will certainly take you again in time. Learn extra: The Very Finest Historic Websites in New Mexico

Issues to see in New Mexico – Route 66

Tucumcari has an excellent portion of Route 66 points of interest in New Mexico with a dinosaur museum, roadside motels, and previous gasoline stations. The Teepee Curios gasoline station in Tucumcari has a big concrete teepee out entrance and as you cruise by way of New Mexico, you possibly can cease right here to browse its present store.

It’s in Tucumcari that you just’ll additionally discover the Route 66 Monument. The basic Cadillac fin is a well-liked picture cease on route 66 in New Mexico.

Santa Rosa has the Route 66 Auto Museum of New Mexico. It’s free to enter with a donation and showcases classic vehicles, and scenes from the Mom Highway.

The Blue Gap in Santa Rosa is price stopping at when driving by way of New Mexico. The crystal clear waters of this blue pool make it a well-liked diving vacation spot.

Santa Fe, New Mexico was a well-liked cease on the sooner Route 66 alignments and has just a few issues to see together with the La Fonda Lodge, one of many oldest motels in the USA. Learn extra: The Very Finest Historic Websites in New Mexico

7. Route 66 – Arizona

Arizona has quite a lot of Route 66 Sights which are properly preserved and is certainly price a cease as you drive the primary road of America. Learn our full Arizona Highway Journey

Williams, Arizona, is taken into account one of the best preserved stretch of Route 66 and right here it feels as if time has stood nonetheless. It has historic gasoline stations, quirky cafes and historic buildings.

Jack Rabbit Buying and selling Submit is positioned in Joseph Metropolis and has been a Route 66 staple since 1949. Unique proprietor Jim Taylor put a statue of a black rabbit in a black convertible and the Jack Rabbit Buying and selling Submit was born.

Winslow Arizona – I can not consider we didn’t make it to Winslow Arizona. I like the Eagles and I’m all the time singing “Standin’ on the nook of Winslow Arizona…” from Take it Straightforward.

If you’re searching for a novel place to remain in Arizona, make your approach to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. In the course of the migration west alongside the Mom Highway, the Wigwam Motel chain was a outstanding chain. Right now, solely three survive and two are positioned alongside Route 66. One is in Holbrook and the opposite Wigwam Motel is in California.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon isn’t on the unique Route 66 however it’s positioned simply north of Major Avenue America and is well worth the detour to see this pure canyon clocking in 277 miles (455 km) lengthy, a mile (1.6 km) deep. It lives as much as the hype. The truth is, it was through the Nineteen Fifties that households made their method alongside route 66 to see the Grand Canyon that was shaped by the Colorado River slicing by way of and eroding the canyon for 1000’s of years.. After we visited the Grand Canyon, we stayed in Williams Arizona and took day journeys to the Grand Canyon.

Detour to Las Vegas – Route 66

Las Vegas might not formally be on Route 66 however how are you going to not pop into the town when you find yourself so shut? Many individuals go to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so after you might have spent a few days exploring this pure marvel, make your approach to the mom of neon lights Las Vegas. It’s the proper praise to a drive alongside America’s important road. Learn extra: Off the Strip – Issues to do Exterior Las Vegas

Route 66 – California

The ultimate cease on the good American highway journey. That is the place dreamers ended their journey alongside the Mom Highway in Santa Monica in quest of the American Dream. Let’s undergo among the websites to see that are particular to Route 66 in California. Learn extra: 16 Finest Cities in California

The Wigwam motel chain was constructed within the Thirties and Nineteen Forties. Right now of the three surviving motels are positioned on historic U.S. Route 66. You’ll discover one Wigwam Lodge in Holbrook, Arizona, and the opposite between Rialto and San Bernardino, If you’re searching for a novel place to remain, the Wigwam Motel is a good alternative.

What highway journey would miss stopping at McDonalds and whereas in San Bernardino you possibly can hit up one other common route 66 attraction? The McDonald’s museum is positioned in San Bernardino and is a free museum which you can discover.

Bottle Tree Ranch is a unusual murals in Helendale that was a well-liked cease on route 66. Sadly, it’s now closed as its proprietor handed away, however hopefully it should reopen sooner or later.

Calico Ghost City within the Mojave Desert. This previous mining city within the Mojave Desert dates again to 1881. It was an enormous silver mine and as we speak you possibly can take a mining tour watch previous west reveals and benefit from the views of the encircling desert.

The Mom Highway Museum in Barstow has shows in regards to the Mom Highway historical past.

Hollywood – It’s now time to spend just a few days exploring Los Angeles Try – 25 Finest Issues to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And Extra

Santa Monica – Finish of the Path

Santa Monica Pier that is the religious finish of Route 66 as a result of you possibly can dip your toes within the Pacific Ocean. There’s a signal there that claims Route 66 Finish of Path and a mile in from Santa Monica pier at Freeway 1 close to Mels Diner.

So, now you might have pushed the whole route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica Learn Extra: The Final California Highway Journey Itinerary

About The Mom Highway

Route 66 was a busy and thrilling historic route by way of America that noticed individuals touring recurrently to the west coast from center America. However that each one modified in 1985 when the necessity for pace was on the high of individuals’s lists. Because the interstates got here in, the previous roads connecting the east to west coast, went out.

These days are lengthy gone and as we speak, the 3940 km (2448 miles) route is a shadow of its former self with solely pockets nonetheless clinging to a bygone period. Learn: The 17 Finest Hikes in Arizona

What Occurred to Route 66?

Why did Route 66 crumble? Within the Eighties, the freeway system was constructed bypassing many of the cities positioned alongside the route. With vacationers driving on to the vacationer points of interest of Arizona and California quick and effectively on Interstates as a substitute of the sluggish backroads of Route 66, most cities alongside the historic Route 66 fell into disarray.

However over time, some started to rebuild and pockets of nostalgia have cropped up all through the route. The attract of the highway journey nonetheless holds sturdy and it’s on the high of many individuals’s bucket lists to take this driving tour throughout America.

The Joliet Space Historic Museum and Route 66 Welcome Middle is devoted to preserving the spirit of Route 66, describing the attract of the Mom Highway and what makes Route 66 price preserving. Be sure to see the statues of the Muffler Males that have been used to advertise automobile restore outlets alongside the historic route.

And when you spend the night time on this portion of Route 66, make sure to catch a film on the Skyview Drive In Theatre in Litchfield. It’s one of many final remaining unique drive ins on Route 66.

Quirky Roadside Sights

Bloomington, Atlanta and Lincoln – Alongside this route you’ll discover the bizarre Paul Bunyon scorching canine statue, the world’s largest coated wagon, and Abe Lincoln holding an ax. There are soda outlets and diners.

How lengthy Does it Take to Drive Route 66?

You possibly can drive your complete route 66 and it’ll take about 2 weeks (three weeks when you actually need to take your time which we advocate). However you are able to do parts of Route 66 as properly. There are lots of parts which you can drive. As we stated, route 66 passes by way of 8 states with a lot to discover in every.

It’s not simple to navigate Route 66 with simply Google Maps however there are apps and information books that can assist you out.

It’s good to have that further safety as a result of at occasions, we felt utterly remoted. There have been moments the place we barely noticed one other automobile on the route. We drove it on the finish of summer time throughout shoulder season so that could be the case. We frequently we questioned if we had taken a unsuitable flip, however fortunately, quirky indicators would all the time pop as much as tell us we have been stepping into the correct immediately.

If you’re “driving west” just like the Nat King Cole tune, you’ll begin in Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and at last finish in Santa Monica, California.

Selecting Your Route 66 Transportation

Being Canadian, we simply leap in our automobile and head southwest to drive route 66. However when you don’t have the luxurious of driving to a place to begin, you possibly can take a look at automobile rental corporations and even resolve on an RV rental to take pleasure in this historic driving route. Some individuals have it on their bucket checklist to drive basic vehicles throughout the unique route and there are basic automobile leases that cater to this dream. You can even e-book a technique leases from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Evaluate costs at CarRentals.com

One other nice thought is to hire an RV to expertise the mom highway. Cruise America provides RV leases and will help you intend the proper highway journey itinerary.

In the event you don’t have your personal automobile and must fly into the start line, there are many automobile rental corporations all alongside the route the place you possibly can hire the whole lot from basic vehicles to convertibles.

Stops on Route 66

We’ve created a map of the stops on route 66 that can assist you resolve. My brother referred to as me an truly determined that he was going to drive to Chicago to start his highway journey and begin driving West to see how far they might make it.

You could be flying into Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, or possibly visting pals in Oklahoma Metropolis or New Mexico and easily need to drive a selected portion. Whichever a part of route 66 you select, you’ll discover a lot to see alongside the previous route and we’ve highlighted one of the best issues to see on route 66.

How you can plan Your Route 66 Highway Journey Itinerary

Planning a highway journey alongside Route 66 might be an thrilling journey, but it surely additionally requires cautious preparation. Listed below are some steps that can assist you plan your journey:

Decide Your Route

There are a number of attainable itineraries for driving Route 66, so you need to select one which fits your pursuits and schedule. Contemplate the space you need to cowl every day and the stops you need to make alongside the best way.

• Examine highway circumstances: Some sections of Route 66 could also be closed or have restricted entry, so it’s vital to examine the newest highway circumstances earlier than you go.
• Take into consideration time of 12 months – Route 66 is an extended highway journey and temperatures and terrain modifications drastically. In Arizona and the encircling desert it could possibly change into extraordinarily scorching within the summertime however nice within the winter. Within the northeast, winter snow could be a actual issue and have an effect on your route 66 travels.
• Make reservations: In the event you’re touring throughout peak season, it’s a good suggestion to make resort or campground reservations prematurely to make sure you have a spot to remain every night time. A classic motel on route 66 will promote out rapidly so plan accordingly.
• Plan your funds: Set up a funds to your journey, together with the price of gasoline, meals, lodging, and actions.
• Put together your car: Be sure your car is in good situation earlier than you go, and contemplate bringing a spare tire, jack, and primary instruments in case of an emergency. You possibly can hire a automobile to drive a portion or select a technique leases and drop it off while you get to your vacation spot. Evaluate costs at RentalCars.com
• Pack good: Pack garments and equipment appropriate for the climate circumstances, in addition to a map or GPS gadget, a digicam, and some other necessities you would possibly want.
• Make a listing of must-see sights: Analysis the points of interest and sights alongside Route 66 that you just don’t need to miss. We’ve given some nice concepts for what to see on route 66, however with a freeway spanning 2400 miles, we couldn’t cowl the whole lot.

By following these steps, you possibly can be sure that your Route 66 highway journey is protected, comfy, and memorable.

Route 66 Indicators And Quriky Roadside Sights

As Individuals migrated west searching for work, it captured the creativeness of the nation. Fortunately, quite a lot of the indicators, quirky roadside points of interest, and memorabilia have been preserved. Probably the greatest issues about driving Route 66 is to drive with no plans.

Waft and cease while you see one thing nostalgic or historic. You’ll discover quite a lot of roadside points of interest alongside the route 66 and as vacationers and Individuals journey extra to revisit an easier previous, extra points of interest are opening up.

All alongside the route from Chicago to California cities cling to a not so distant previous and some vacationers who got down to recreate their very own American Dream by driving alongside the enduring route making it the final highway journey.

The cities that have been bypassed by the Interstates refuse to give up and appeal to guests from world wide desirous to catch a glimpse of America’s glory days.

There are previous vehicles on show, a soda store and 50’s type gasoline stations, a colourful downtown and naturally Route 66 indicators and neon indicators leftover advertisements from its heyday.

There are previous motor motels, The Highway Kill Cafe, a Texaco Gasoline Station, and the previous normal retailer. If you’ll purchase any souvenirs, purchase them in Seligman as a result of they’ve the whole lot highlighting the historic Route 66.

It truly is an incredible journey. The picturesque panorama with cows grazing within the distance and rolling hills surrounding our lonely stretch of highway takes you again to a time when individuals didn’t stare at their telephones and when household was at the start.

My favorite have been the advertisements for Burma Shave. These quirky indicators lined up in teams of 5 informed a little bit story with a foolish punchline on the finish, punctuated by a ultimate signal promoting “Burma Shave”

A whole lot of occasions you’ll come throughout run down buildings and ghost cities. If it could possibly’t appeal to vacationers, cities utterly shut down.

Nationwide Parks Alongside Route 66

Route 66 travels by way of a few of America’s most lovely surroundings. You’ll need to take your time and make some detours to see the Nationwide Parks alongside the route. Here’s a checklist you might need to contemplate.

We cherished driving the historic Route 66. There has by no means been a greater time to take a highway journey throughout America. Whereas individuals plan on staying nearer to house, this can be a excellent place to begin.