The Road Trip of a Lifetime? Off We Go, Driving Route 66!
Chicago, Illinois
From Ketki Sharangpani of Dotted Globe
Chicago is where it all begins. The Historic Route 66 starts on the shores of Lake Michigan and there cannot be a more vibrant way to begin your road trip. The main attraction of Chicago is its iconic skyline towering above the lake. Skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Water Tower, Tribune Tower, Marina City, and Aqua are a testament to the evolution of modern architecture. For the best views of the skyline, visit the Navy Pier and take a cruise along the lakeshore. I also love the city views from the Museum Campus.
Speaking of Museum Campus, this is the place to be if you love nature, history or sports. The popular attractions of Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and Soldier Field (home to the Chicago Bears) are located in Museum Campus. Other places to soak in the cultural vibe include the famous Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architecture Foundation, and the Symphony Orchestra. The city is also full of public art and parks including the renowned Bean in Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, and the trendy Chicago Riverwalk.
Oak Park in Chicago is a must for Frank Lloyd Wright fans while the Lincoln Park Zoo is great for families. If the weather is perfect, I recommend hanging out on Ohio Street Beach or shopping on Magnificent Mile. Chicago is also famous for its must-try foods including the deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian Beef sandwich and Garrett’s popcorn. And, don’t forget to visit Adams Street and take a photo with the ‘Historic Route Illinois US 66 – Begin’ sign! If this isn’t enough of the Windy City, you can find a ton of other great things to do in Chicago!
Pontiac, Illinois
From Piper Jack at Adventure Dawgs
Pontiac, Illinois is a small city that has strong ties to Route 66, a fact that can be seen everywhere you go. There is an abundance of things to do outside which is perfect if you’re like me and travelling with dogs.
First stop downtown where you’ll find a Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. If you walk behind the museum, you will come face to grill with the “road yacht” used by Bob Waldmire, an artist and Route 66 preservationist.
There are several large murals painted through town that are stunning for their intricate detail but also depict the town’s economic and cultural history. The largest mural is the Route 66 shield painted on the back of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. While you could see many of the murals from your car, it’s much more fun to follow the red footsteps painted on the sidewalk.
As you look for the murals, you can also keep an eye open for the miniature cars that have been painted by local artists and groups around the downtown shopping district. If that isn’t enough cars for you, the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum has an ever-changing display of Pontiac and Oakland automobiles and memorabilia.
The nearby Livingstone County Courthouse is an impressive structure to be sure and if you walk around the outside of it, you’ll find the statue of a young Abraham Lincoln. Celebrating Lincoln’s history with Pontiac, there are nine outdoor Looking for Lincoln story boards that have been erected through the city.
While Pontiac is a smaller city, there are still plenty of things to make it worth a stop as you travel along Route 66.
Find the best prices on the best hotels in Pontiac, Illinois.
Back to the top.
Springfield, Illinois
From Gypsy With a Day Job
Springfield is the capital city of Illinois, but best known around the world as being the home of one of the United States most beloved presidents, Abraham Lincoln. There are numerous Lincoln sites to see in Springfield, and they are really remarkable. In and of themselves, they make Springfield worth a day or two while driving Route 66.
Lincoln’s Home National Historic Sites is one of the rare National Park Service locations in Illinois, and it is in interesting stop, especially for history lovers. The site actually includes and entire city block that has been maintained to replicate the neighborhood in the middle 1850s, when Lincoln actually lived there as a Congressman in the state.
Another important Lincoln site is the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It is a relatively new facility, with state of the art and interactive displays that go far beyond the life and times of Abraham Lincoln or the civil war. It is very educational, and we had fun taking our photos with the wax statues of the Lincoln family.
True Lincoln fans will want to see the host of other Lincoln sites in Springfield, or drive over to Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Village, near Petersburg. There are other sites in the city though, including the state museum, the Governor’s Mansion, and both the new and old Capitol Buildings, and some Frank Lloyd Wright homes.
For a bit more fun, try the Air Combat Museum, or spend an evening at the Historic Route 66 Drive In Theater. You can also see a few authentic and original Route 66 stops, including Cozy Dog, said to be home of the original corn dog! If corn dogs aren’t your thing, this is also the home of “The Horseshoe” a delicious concoction of an open-faced sandwich, fries, and a heap of melted cheese.
Comfort Suites is one of our favorite hotels in Springfield. I stayed for 3 months on business.
St. Louis, Missouri
From Keyauni
St. Louis is an exciting stop when driving Route 66, and a great place to spend a day or weekend. The city has a prime location that has made it a focal point of many transportation routes through the history of the US. The city has always been the Gateway to the West, and that has brought a plethora of things to see and do to the city.
For those who may not ever pass through again, a visit to the city’s iconic arch is a must. The Gateway Arch National Park is a focal point for St Louis, which includes the Old Courthouse, the Gateway Arch, and the riverfront park. There are educational experiences to be had, and a junior ranger program, museums, carriage rides and steamboat rides, and of course, going to the top of the Arch.
Other things the city is known for include their sports teams and breweries. If the season is right, a visitor cannot go wrong picking up a Cardinals baseball game, or a Blues hockey game. Residents support these teams whole-heartedly, and games are a fun experience. Another can’t go wrong stop for beer lovers is the Anheuser-Busch brewery tour. It is said to be an excellent tour.
But St. Louis has so much more to offer. For those looking for budget activities, St. Louis has more free things to do than any other large city in the US, outside of the nation’s capitol, including a world-class zoo, science museum, and art museum are all located in Forest Park. Those who like one of a kind experiences should check out the National Blues Museum, the World Chess Hall of Fame, or City Museum, which will be the most unusual museum experience imaginable. Those who enjoy presidential history, should visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home National Monument.
St. Louis may look like a big city, and have a big reputation, but the truth is that the city center is relatively small and easy to get around. Don’t be afraid to explore a bit. When hunger strikes, the best St, Louis eats are found by getting out into the neighborhoods.
Back to the top.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Missouri
From FoxyRoxyK
When thinking about epic battles of the American Civil War, or the historic sites and memorials associated with them, generally we think of the eastern and deep southern states. Seldom does the notion that there were Midwestern and western states involved in this war that almost destroyed the US, while at the same time, pushing it down a path of becoming a better nation and peoples. Yet, some of the very first battles fought, and some of those that were instrumental in turning tides, were fought to the west of the Mississippi. Wilson’s Creek, in southwest Missouri, was the site of such a battle.
Missouri was actually a divided state, one where neighbors and friends found themselves on opposing sides of the travesty of slavery in the United States. It was here at Wilson’s Creek that one of the earliest conflicts broke out in August 1861. Union forces and support was yet developing, and formed alliances with large groups of German immigrants who had made a home in St. Louis. Despite this support, after days of fighting, the Union was defeated. It was the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon at the battle that brought a surge in Union support from across the northern states.
Today Wilson’s Creek is managed by the National Park Service. There is a visitors center and museum with arms, uniforms, and personal effects from the era, war and battle, and a theater which runs a highly educational film about the soldiers and battle. The museum also features exhibits on the brutality and horror of slavery. It is a past that many American’s do not wish to accept, or be reminded of, but it is also one that we should never allow ourselves to forget. Entrance to the visitor’s center is free.
There is also a map of the significant battlefield points, with both a walking tour and driving route available. Walking is free, while the driving route currently costs $15 per car, which also includes access to nearby Pea Ridge Battlefield, in Arkansas. There are several points of interest along both routes, including canons and arms, a family home that served as an impromptu hospital, and various other stops, with informational signs along the way. It is a very enlightening experience, and can take several hours.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is located just outside of Springfield, Missouri, so there are many lodging options available, as well as some other attractions. Be sure to head to head to the suburb of Ozark, Missouri after visiting Wilson’s Creek, for some homestyle southern cooking at Lambert’s, home of the throwed rolls.
See our favorite hotels near Wilson’s Creek and Springfield, Missouri.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
From Amanda at the Traveling Blizzards
On your Route 66 road trip Tulsa is a great place to take a break! If you’re looking to veer off the Route for a day, we’ve found a few great stops that will keep you entertained and add some fun stories to your trip. Start by heading downtown into the Blue Dome district to take a photo of the old Blue Dome fuel station that was built-in 1924 and remains an iconic building in the area. From there you can walk around the streets to some awesome street art, so be sure to have your camera handy!
Definitely make a stop at Hurts Donuts for a cinnamon bun the size of your head, some delicious bite-sized donuts, and some fun and interesting donut recipes. Don’t forget to take a photo with the giant donut on the wall!
After your giant cinnamon bun, go visit the giant 75-foot-tall golden driller statue at the Tulsa fairgrounds for a fun photo op. When we were there in the fall of 2017 there was a couple other fun ‘giant’ items on display, so you might get lucky and see them around the parking lot.
Finish your Tulsa fun at Brownies Hamburger Stand for a tasty ‘old diner’ lunch, that will make you feel as though you’re back in the heyday of Route 66. Known for their burgers and homemade root beer, they are one of the oldest hamburger stands in the city. Be sure to save room for a slice of their homemade pie! It is one of the best diners along the Route 66 road trip.
Back to the top.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
From Kate at Our Escape Clause
Just south of Route 66 in central Oklahoma sits Oklahoma City, the capital of the state and home to plenty of unexpected things to do (because let’s be honest here: unless you’re from the area, just about anything is unexpected in Oklahoma City).
With your time in Oklahoma City, pay a visit to Bricktown (OKC’s entertainment district, complete with a couple of canals), check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, wave hello to the state capital, and explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens. You can also check out the Paseo Art District for tasty food and interesting shops!
Perhaps the most important thing to do in Oklahoma City, if far from the most fun, is paying a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum–Oklahoma City is sadly the location of the USA’s most deadly domestic terrorist attack, and the memorial stands in honor of the 168 people who died when Timothy McVeigh bombed the Murrah Building in 1995.
When it comes to food, you’re in luck. Oklahoma City has had a surge in excellent restaurants opening over the last 10 years, so be sure to sample a few while in OKC: Empire Slice House, Kitchen No. 324, Cheever’s Cafe, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop are all popular.
Of course, OKC is a steak town above all else, and you can’t leave town without one: we’re personally fans of Red Prime Steakhouse, but like most good steakhouses, it’s a bit of a splurge.
Amarillo, Texas
From Kylie at Between England and Iowa
A great stop on a Route 66 road trip in Amarillo! The route crosses the smallest part of Texas, the panhandle right in the north, but it’s got some great things to do, and you can see some great Cars movie locations!
One of the main road side attractions in Amarillo, is Cadillac Ranch. In the middle of a farmer’s field just off the I-40 are 10 Cadillacs buried nose first into the dirt. Visitors bring cans of spray paint and leave their mark on the cars! The colours of the cars are forever changing and make for some great photos! A local artist (Bob Lile) even creates pieces of jewelry from paint chips that have flaked off the Cadillacs. He polishes the multi-coloured chips and then sets them in bracelets and rings or turns them into ear-rings!
If you’re feeling hungry, how about taking on the 72oz steak challenge at The Big Texan restaurant?! If you can eat the whole steak (and side dishes!) in 1 hour you get the meal for free and your name on a leader board. Be warned though, the steak is honestly the size of a car tyre, it’s HUGE. Of course they offer smaller dishes where you can eat them at a speed where you can actually enjoy the taste of your food! They have a large gift shop too.
The Big Texan also has its own motel just across the parking lot. The outside decor makes it look like a wild west village. The bathrooms have swinging saloon doors and the swimming pool is the shape of Texas! Travelling with a horse? They have a ‘horse hotel’ too!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
From Laurence at Finding the Universe
Santa Fe is the state capitol of New Mexico, and was a popular stop on one of the alignments of Route 66. Well before Route 66 though, travelers were heading to Santa Fe, as it was the end point of the Santa Fe trail, a route that ran from Missouri to New Mexico. Even before that, it was the endpoint of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a 1,600 mile long trade route that ran from Mexico City to Santa Fe, and which survived almost 300 years.
As you would imagine therefore, there is a great deal to see and do in Santa Fe. It’s home to some of the oldest houses and buildings in the USA, and there are a number of museums and sights related to the culture and history of the area. If you are particularly interested in the native American and Spanish heritage, you may want to make a side trip from Santa Fe to Taos for several historic sites.
Artists have also long been drawn to the area, with Georgia O’Keefe being perhaps the most well-known. There is now a whole museum dedicated to her work in the city
Those of you with an interest in religious sights will want to visit the Loretto Chapel, home to a “miracle” spiral staircase, which for centuries boggled architects as to how it remained standing with no visible means of support. There are also many other things to do, from eating fiery New Mexican food through to experiencing local festivals and more – take a look at our guide to things to do in Santa Fe for some ideas!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
From Jessica at Independent Travel Cats
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and historic Route 66 ran right through the central downtown of the city. Albuquerque has not only the longest urban stretch of Route 66 but is the only place in the country where Route 66 crossed itself as two separate alignments of the road ran through the city. Although many Route 66 buildings and businesses are long gone, many are still thriving here and you can eat in Route 66 era eateries and stay in Route 66 era motels in the city. If you are interested in this history and finding the remaining sites, you can read our guide to finding the Route 66 attractions in Albuquerque.
In addition to Route 66, Albuquerque has a lot else to offer. It is one of my favorite cities and I lived here for a year and regularly return for visits. One of the first areas most tourists visit is the Old Town, where you find the oldest part of the city. It is a great place to wander around the old streets, visit the museums, shop, explore the art galleries, and eat.
The Albuquerque Museum is a great place to start to learn more about the history of the city. Another great central neighborhood is Nob Hill which is a younger and more lively neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. The craft beer scene in Albuquerque has been booming for years and there are loads of breweries all over the city.
Albuquerque also offers a number of green and outdoor spaces. The Sandia Peak Tramway will take you 2.7-mile up to the 10 378 ft peak of the Sandia Mountains. Here you can enjoy the views, hike, and eat at the restaurant here. There is also skiing in the mountains during the winter. The city’s BioPark includes a botanic garden, zoo, aquarium, and Tingley Beach.
Petrified Forest National Park
From Jennifer at National Park Obsessed
Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-desert which is known for the massive amounts of petrified wood found there. Historic U.S. Route 66 runs across the park from east to west. The park is a great place to spend a day exploring. Start off at the Painted Desert Visitor Center. From there head up to the Painted Desert Inn while stopping to enjoy the Painted Desert Overlooks. There are no trails into the Painted Desert but you are free to hike in the area. Please take a map with you along with plenty of water.
Keep following the park road to the Route 66 exhibit to learn about Route 66 and the national park. Cross over the Interstate and visit the petroglyphs left by the native Americans who lived in the region. I love the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock. Next, stop by Blue Mesa and hike around the Blue Forest to see a large about of petrified wood. Stop and enjoy the views of Agate Bridge and the Jasper Forest.
Next head over to the wonder of Crystal Forest. As you hike along this trail imagine what it would look like if hundreds of tons of petrified wood hadn’t been removed from the park. End your visit by checking out the giant logs of the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center.
Every year, the park loses over 28,000 pounds of petrified wood due to theft. It is illegal to collect the wood in the park and punishable by $325 fine and jail time. Plus then the wood isn’t there for future generations to enjoy.
From here, if you want to go off the regular route for some extra intriguing sites, you may want to head a bit south for a drive around the Phoenix area.
Get great prices on the best hotels near Petrified Forest National Park!
Back to the top.
Grand Canyon National Park
From Gypsy With a Day Job
Grand Canyon National Park needs absolutely no introduction for anyone from any where in the world. It is the quintessential must see natural wonder of the world. While technically not right on Route 66, it is only a short and very worthwhile detour, while driving the Mother Road. Not only is Grand Canyon a National Park, it is a Unesco World Heritage Site for multiple criteria, and it is considered by many to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Arizona is a land of wonders, and if you have been driving the entire route, you need some outdoor time and adventure when you get this far! From Havasu Falls to Antelope Canyon to the Wave, there is so much to experience without really going out of your way! Northern Arizona is full of epic outdoor adventures!
But, if you are only considering Grand Canyon, here are my fun facts. It is 277 miles long, over 18 miles wide and the broadest point, and nearly a mile deep. It is pretty amazing to see. Facts about the Canyon that many people don’t realize include that it actually has a very high elevation, with the average altitude at the rim being 6,800 feet, which is actually higher than the top of the Smoky Mountains! Another thing that people don’t often realize about the Canyon until they get there is that the landscape is not made up of cactus and desert plants. There are lots and lots of Conestoga pine trees surrounding the Canyon.
From Route 66 the closest access to the Grand Canyon happens to be at the south rim, which is also known for the most spectacular views. Taking Desert View Drive there are a number of stops and look out points. This will also lead to Grand Canyon Village, the main center of the National Park. Be sure to stop for a photo with the National Park sign at Mather Point, and at Yavupai Point, get those spectacular photos that look as if you are sitting on the very edge of the rim.
Las Vegas, Nevada
From FoxyRoxyK
Las Vegas really is not on the Route 66 road trip, even though many people associate the two. Route 66 actually turns away from Sin City in Kingman, Arizona, about 2 hours south. But what is 2 hours when making an epic road trip? It would be a shame to be so close and not make this little diversion to spend some time on the strip, especially if you have never been!
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time, just seeing the strip is an experience in itself. Where else in the world can you see an Egyptian pyramid, a replica of the Statue of Liberty and the Eifel Tower, a Greek palace and the Rialto Bridge on a 2 mile walk? The strip is both unique and larger than life. After the strip, head downtown to see Fremont Street, where it is the people that are unique and sometimes beyond belief.
Most people are well aware of the activities that made Vegas infamous. While you are driving Route 66, it may not be the time to try out the gambling tables for the first time, if you are spending the night, you may want to take in a show. The city has some of the best live performances in the world, from magic to comedy, from singing to acrobatics. We fell in love with Cirque du Soleil at our first show.
What else is there to do? Well there are at least 101 other things to do in Las Vegas, and quite a few of them are even free. We are museum lovers, and have found some of the most unusual ones in the world, including the Pinball Museum, the Neon Museum, and the Mob Museum. We also love animals, so we go to the flamingo habitat on every visit. Whatever your tastes or inclinations, you can find something to suit in Las Vegas!
Get a deal on hotels in Las Vegas!
Save on your Las Vegas show tickets, including Cirque Du Soleil!!
Barstow, California
From Sally at Our 3 Kids V The World
We took the kids on an USA road trip visiting San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Grand Canyon and finishing in Las Vegas. We left Los Angeles after a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood and thought we would drive as far as we could towards the Grand Canyon and then find a motel off the highway completing the rest of the drive the next morning.
We stopped at a little place called Barstow. We got in late at about 10pm and put the kids straight to bed. What we didn’t realise when we pulled off the highway was that we were on Route 66! Barstow is located in central San Bernardino County in the southeast of California. It is almost midway between Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California. Our motel was actually on Route 66! I was a pretty traditional type motel, the ones you see in American TV shows and movies. Having traveled all the way from Australia we were pretty impressed.
The next morning we had our photo taken with the Route 66 sign and jumped back on the highway to the Grand Canyon. There are a number of interesting things to see in Barstow, such as Western American Railroad Museum, Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Mojave River Valley Museum and the Desert Discovery Centre. There’s enough there to entertain you for a night or two to break up the drive.
Back to the top.
Pasadena, California
From Dhara at It’s Not About the Miles
If you’re driving the historic Route 66, Pasadena in California is a wonderful place to stop for a day and explore. Tree-lined boulevards through the downtown area invite walking. Streets are lined with interesting stores and galleries, quirky cafes and great restaurants. If you are a foodie, you’ll be spoiled for choice on the cuisine to choose for your meals here.
If you love art and museums, you’ll be excited to learn that Pasadena boasts an impressive number of museums. The Norton Simon Museum of Art houses collections by greats such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. The Pasadena History Museum contains exhibits that recount the history of Pasadena. The Huntington Gardens, Library, and Art Collection is an absolute must-visit, with its dozen themed gardens and sizable museum.
If you are an architecture buff, you will want to see Gamble House, built-in 1908. It is a wonderful example of the Craftsman style. The Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens is the posh former residence of William Wrigley Jr. of chewing gum fame. The Town Hall is stunning.
If you just like wandering around, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells, you will enjoy strolling the downtown streets, especially in the evening when street musicians and other performers entertain passers-by and the buildings are lit.
And if you are in Pasadena during the morning hours, don’t forget to stop at Europane Bakery for a sweet treat and coffee. There will be a line, but believe me, the treats are worth the wait!
Back to the top.
Santa Monica, California
From Sharon at Simpler and Smarter
Route 66 saves the best for last with the Santa Monica pier right at the end of this famous route. You definitely need to finish with some fun, photos and souvenirs on this pier.
The pier is home to an amusement park, games arcade, shops, places to eat and even a small aquarium. There are plenty of fun souvenirs and, of course, you can also relax on the beautiful beach which surrounds it. The rides are overpriced but it is all part of the experience.
From the end of route 66 you are also close to Santa Monica’s shops and downtown area which is worth a stroll. You are also close to many of Los Angeles’ famous attractions like Universal Studios, Hollywood, the Natural History Museum and many others. I also recommend a visit to Venice Beach. People watching here is so much fun. If you can, give yourself at least a week to enjoy Santa Monica and Los Angeles. You deserve it!
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, you can stay at the Ocean Luxury Lofts And Suites which is opposite the pier and you really can’t get closer. It’s not luxury though and this is more a budget option but you can’t beat the location. We have also stayed down the road in the Venice Beach Hotel and Suites. If you are going to stay in the area, there are a ton of fabulous Southern California Day Trip options!
Back to the top.
Ready to Drive the Mother Road??
There you have our 16 favorite stops for driving Route 66. They are 16 dramatically different locations, each that help define their region of the country. Whether you are an American, or a visitor, driving Route 66 and spending time and experiencing each of these stops will give you a new understanding of the US. If you have ever heard that driving the Mother Road is boring, we assure you that is not the case if you slow down and get to know these stops.
Certainly there are dozens of other cities and wonders along the route, and we would love to hear about those that you have found. And there are hundreds of those roadside attractions everyone hears about. If you see one that catches your eye, by all means, stop and take it in. But remember, they are there because of Route 66. It is the cities and the people, the landscapes and the wonders that made the route, and made it an epic road trip!
Pingback: A Weekend in St Louis: Gateway to Midwest Charm -
Pingback: Things to Do At and Near Meramec Caverns! It's Worth the Trip!
Pingback: A Weekend in the Chicago Loop - A 3 Day Chicago Loop Itinerary
Pingback: Travel books that will give you incurable wanderlust | Tale of 2 Backpackers
I know some Americans who’ve lived in the US their entire life and never went to this trip. I would recommend going there because of Grand Canyon National Park, at least. It’s absolutely stunning.
Wow! a 72 oz steak, that would take me days to finish! What an amazing road trip you guys had, the pictures look amazing and I can only imagine how much fun you all had together. Awesome post!