“So, you two are in Chicago and driving to LA…are you gonna take Route 66?” My dad posed this query, and we felt foolish that taking the nation’s most iconic highway journey hadn’t even crossed our minds. We had simply hit our fiftieth state, and the Fundamental Avenue of America was an excellent homecoming. Zigzagging 2,448 miles throughout eight states, it’s a freeway many people have pushed on–whether or not we’ve identified it or not.
It was decommissioned in 1985 and slowly paved over by main interstates or bypassed completely, placing a lot of its gems off the overwhelmed monitor. Although that’s the great thing about the Mom Highway, it’s a treasure hunt reserved for these with a way of journey and an appreciation for the previous. Keep the course, and also you’ll be rewarded with neon motel indicators, basic automobiles, glass-tank gasoline pumps, hole-in-the-wall diners, and the fantastic individuals holding the spirit of the highway alive.
The extra we drove, the extra 66 piqued our curiosity. Pulling as much as a gasoline station from the Nineteen Twenties made us surprise in regards to the first road-trippers rumbling throughout the nation in Mannequin Ts. A falling-down Nineteen Fifties diner begged the query, what occurred to the basic soda fountain? And a wonderfully restored motel adorned with a glowing welcome signal, made us ask..who’s to thank for this? The story of Route 66 will not be in its spectacular landscapes and even its neon artwork, however within the individuals who blazed this path and those that are preserving it.
On this Route 66 journey information, we’re specializing in the heroes of the highway—well-known and unsung, previous and current—and why they proceed to make this freeway so legendary. Plus, we’ve added in our must-see locations in each state so you’ll be able to plot your personal Route 66 highway journey journey and make some new pals alongside the way in which.
Chicago Surrounds & The Liquor Retailer with a Dream
Giddy to start out this epic highway journey, we drove to the official begin of Route 66 in downtown Chicago. Within the shadow of a high-rise throughout from an alley, this small brown highway signal with some stickers on it didn’t appear becoming for such a major landmark. We went deeper into Illinois, scanning the horizon for mid-century diners and drive-ins, however run-down homes and pawn retailers appeared to have taken their place.
Then, in Berwyn, a retro Route 66 signal appeared on a liquor retailer. We hopped out and took a selfie, then out of nowhere, the proprietor of Route 66 Beverage got here to ask, “Would you guys like me to take one for you?” When he purchased the store 30 years in the past, he determined to hold that classic signal to draw vacationers and welcome them to the highway. Being on the historic route gave Manny added pleasure for his store, although this uncared for part of Route 66 wanted him simply as a lot.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Chicago 🏨
Pontiac, IL & The Authentic VanLifer
Pontiac was the primary city the place we felt that ’66 magic. It had nostalgic murals painted throughout the brick buildings, together with a map of all the route with a grey-haired hippie holding a paintbrush. That man was Bob Waldmire. His dad owned the close by Cozy Canine Diner (residence of the unique corn canine), and he grew up listening to Route 66ers share tales throughout the counter. In the summertime of 1962, his household took that Cal-i-fornia journey, and it might develop into his first of 100.
Cruising up and down the route for 40 years and creating artwork all about it, Bob embodied the liberty, journey, and wanderlust that lure us all right here. We went into the Route Affiliation Corridor of Fame, and within the heart of the room was his residence on wheels, a 1972 VW Microbus, adorned together with his Mom Highway artwork and keepsakes. The understated museum highlights the unbelievable entrepreneurs, advocates, and characters alongside 66–and we shortly realized, the individuals are what it’s all about.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Pontiac, Illinois 🏨
Illinois Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Take a selfie with Wilmington’s Gemini Big.Relive the opening scene of The Blues Brothers in entrance of Joliet Jail.In Pontiac, pay respects to the highway warriors on the Route 66 Affiliation Corridor of Fame and gawk on the basic automobiles of the Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum.Stomach as much as the counter on the Ariston Cafe–one of many oldest repeatedly working eating places on the route (est. 1924).Earlier than you hit Missouri, take a stroll over the Chain of Rocks Bridge, the engineering marvel that when ushered highway trippers throughout the mighty Mississippi.
Uranus, Missouri & The King of Fart Jokes
We have been cruising by means of Missouri, and Mike says, “I feel we’re in Uranus.” Then the indicators rolled out one after one other: “We’ll pack your fudge, we’ll seize your nuts, no ifs, ands, or butts…you’ll have enjoyable on the Uranus Fudge Manufacturing facility and Normal Retailer.” With out hesitation, we pulled in and have been greeted by a life-size rocket ship, a T. rex, and the world’s largest belt buckle. Now, the place to start? Get freaky on the Uranus Sideshow Museum, throw weapons within the Uranus Axehole, or head to their porcelain throne to learn the newest situation of the Uranus Examiner (be sure you choose up a replica, it had us rolling).
We began on the Normal Retailer, and the store ladies stated in refrain, “Welcome to Uranus!” Then one other visitor exited, and so they all cried out, “Thanks for selecting Uranus!” This over-the-top “city” idea was hatched by Louie Eager (now the self-elected mayor) within the early 2000s. He began with Large Louie’s Burlesque Saloon, then added the Rooster Bones Get together Bar and tattoo parlor, plus a fudge kitchen, till he had a whole strip mall and named it Uranus. He was decided to carry the enjoyable again to Missouri Route 66’s roadside sights, and he succeeded with this gag present to us all.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Uranus, Missouri 🏨
Missouri Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Kansas & The Deli That Gained’t Stop
Kansas solely has an 11-mile stretch of the Route, however they put on it proudly (significantly with their huge 66 welcome signal manufactured from rusty automotive wheels). Driving the principle avenue in Galena, you’re feeling such as you’re on the set of Pixar’s Automobiles, with good purpose. Previous-time gasoline stations have basic Studebakers with twinkling eyes of their windshields, and the precise 1951 Worldwide Harvester Tow Truck that impressed the Automobiles character “Mater” lives on on this city.
Whereas Galena performs up its Hollywood facet, neighboring Riverton is holding it actual with the assistance of Nelson’s Previous Riverton Retailer (est. 1925). We pulled as much as the brick constructing, welcomed by a tin “California or Bust” signal and their Nationwide Register of Historic Locations plaque. Beneath a hammered tin roof, the slender aisles have been displaying on a regular basis groceries, and a silver-haired butcher manned the deli counter, Scott Nelson.
One thing in regards to the rows of salami and bologna stored me from asking in regards to the deli’s vegan choices, so I inquired in regards to the retailer’s historical past. Scott’s aunt and uncle purchased it within the Seventies and employed him when he was 14; after they handed away, they left him the shop on the situation that it wouldn’t change. He has honored their needs, providing vacationers and locals alike a hearty slice of the previous.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Riverton & Galena, Kansas 🏨
Kansas Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Cruise the nostalgic Fundamental Avenue of Galena and peek into the outdated prepare stationRub elbows with stars of Pixar’s Automobiles on the Kan-o-Tex Station and Radiator SpringsStock up on highway journey snacks and tales on the Previous Riverton Retailer
Oklahoma & The Father of Route 66
Oklahoma doesn’t get a lot love as a journey vacation spot, however in terms of Route 66, the state is one of the best of one of the best. Cyrus Avery, the Sooner State’s first freeway commissioner and member of the federal planning board for Route 66, was instrumental in creating this nationwide freeway (and ensuring it stretched the size of his residence state).
Many name him the “Father of Route 66.” The Okies’ pleasure for the Mom Highway runs deep, and with the assistance of modern-day advocates, this state retains probably the most drivable miles of the unique alignment of 66. In Miami, Oklahoma, they also have a six-mile stretch of “The Ribbon Highway” from the times when the route was solely 9 ft extensive.
The Nearly Ghost City of Erick, Oklahoma
& The Mediocre Music Makers
Driving Route 66 by means of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, we had seen loads of picture-perfect Americana cities, however we additionally noticed our share of ghost cities. Many trusted tourism from the 66ers, and when the highway modified course, it left native companies with little to get by. The one purpose we turned onto the principle avenue of Erick, OK, was as a result of we have been gobsmacked by its sheer desolation. A lot of the nineteenth-century storefronts with grand show home windows have been both lined with cobwebs or plywood. Although simply after we thought this city had nothing left, we noticed the Sandhills Curiosity Store, shimmering with classic motor oil and cola indicators.
We hopped out to take a couple of footage, after which the display screen door swung open. “Welcome to the Redneck Capital of the World,” stated a man in denim overalls, grey beard right down to his chest, and some entrance enamel. “C’mon in!” We entered, and it was filled with much more retro indicators, auto components, musical devices, and images. This needed to be the mom of all Route 66 vintage retailers—however nothing was on the market. It’s Harley Russell’s private assortment and decor for “The Mediocre Music Makers Studio.”
Again in 1999, Harley and his spouse Annabelle have been of their former well being meals store, simply messing round on their guitars, when a passerby requested if he may carry some individuals over to hear. They stated certain, and a bus-load of overseas vacationers walked in. With a mixture of being their quirky selves and hamming it up with just a little Redneck shock-and-awe, they gave their first efficiency to Route 66 vacationers, of what would develop into 1000’s. In 2020, with COVID-19 limiting worldwide journey, Harley had few guests and was searching for just a little firm.
He put a beer in our palms and confirmed us his late spouse Annabelle’s hand-drawn welcome indicators, images of his friends having a raucous time, and items from the numerous nationalities that visited Sandhills. After an hour of hang-time (laden together with his redneck schtick and smack speak), we headed out and seen one final plaque on the wall, which learn “2020 Oklahoma Route 66 Corridor of Fame” with the names Harley & Annabelle Russell engraved in gold. We realized we have been within the presence of a celeb and that he deserved each little bit of his declare to fame.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Eric, Oklahoma 🏨
Oklahoma Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
In Miami, pop by the attractive Coleman Theater and the Classic Iron Bike Museum (a should for bikers), then take a bumpy journey down the unique Ribbon Highway.Be completely charmed by the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a Seventies waterpark anchored by an 80-foot-long concrete sperm whale with pectoral fins for slides and tail as a diving board.Take a stroll round considered one of America’s most spectacular new metropolis parks, The Gathering Place: Tulsa’s Riverfront Park.In Stroud, cease for an All-American breakfast on the Rock Cafe (constructed from the stone rubble from Route 66’s building) and lots extra neon photograph ops on Fundamental Avenue.Tip your hat to the good entertainer and Route 66 advocate on the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in his hometown of Claremore. (Do you know Route 66 can be known as Will Rogers Freeway?)Select from 700+ kinds of fizzy drinks on the new-age soda fountain store Pops Soda Ranch.
Marvel on the world’s tallest gasoline pump in Sapulpa (66 ft tall, after the route quantity).For arguably one of the best overview on the historical past of the Mom Highway, go to Clinton’s Oklahoma Route 66 Museum for a decade-by-decade tutorial with dynamic shows.And within the virtually ghost city of Erick, say howdy to Harley for us, and see if a replica of Final Journeys for Two continues to be proudly on show 🙂
Texas & The Roadside Peacemaker
We crossed the Texas state line and hardly knew it with their dinky tin signal. (Isn’t every thing greater in Texas?) The highway was largely a lonely stretch of granaries and tumbleweed prairie till about 25 miles east of Amarillo, when the Stoner Patriot Peace Backyard of All Faiths emerged out of the mud. Metal indicators in rainbow colours, circled round an enormous peace signal. Quotes from John Lennon, bible verses, stats about nuclear destruction, and marijuana symbols have been reduce into the steel and printed in shadows throughout the bottom.
Then a gravestone of kinds stated, “To my household and pals, it’s been a visit & it’s been my honor. Peace. – Richard Daniel Baker, Born June nineteenth, 1951. Died _____.” There isn’t a artist bio or description of any sort at this renegade artwork set up. Once you attempt to look this man up, he’s just like the enigma of the web, although with some weblog digging, I discovered a buddy of Baker’s who added this to the remark thread:
“Richard D Baker is a singular particular person whom I’ve identified for 38 years. He’s a farmer, a philanthropist, and a retired phone repairman. His household has farmed within the panhandle of Texas for over 100 years. He’s a good-hearted man and a superb buddy to many…When he first conceived the concept, he contacted his dearest pals and requested them to submit a date that was vital in historical past…it’s left to the traveler/customer to determine what significance that date represented…After we every painted our pedestals, he threw an enormous BBQ with all of the fixings for us and lots of others. That’s simply his means. Quiet and unassuming and ornery as just a little brother.”
You’d have thought an artist like Baker would have been shunned as a “dreamer” within the conservative Panhandle, nevertheless it seems…he was not the one one.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Amarillo, Texas 🏨
Texas Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Return to the times when gasoline stations may very well be Artwork Deco masterpieces on the Conoco Tower Station in Shamrock.Play with optical illusions on the Leaning Tower of Texas.Go antiquing within the Route 66 Historic District of Amarillo.Seize a can of spray paint and depart your mark on the Cadillac Ranch residing artwork set up.Deal with your self to a slice of pie on the Midpoint Cafe, located precisely 1,139 miles from the beginning and the end of Route 66, as a result of as they are saying on the menu, “Once you’re right here, you’re midway there.”
New Mexico & Motel Heroes
Once you’ve been road-tripping for weeks (or 8.5 years), the states can begin to mix collectively, however you all the time know whenever you’re in New Mexico, with its wealthy mix of Native American, Latino, and cowboy cultures. The city of Tucumcari exudes this Land of Enchantment identification with a Route 66 twist, as seen at Tee Pee Curios with its conical facade, the massive cement sombrero adorning La Cita restaurant, and the nice and cozy neon glow of the Blue Swallow Motel. How may you not cease when it’s an indication that claims “Emptiness” and “100% refrigerated air”?
We obtained out, and Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Sonata stuffed the courtyard, basic automobiles peeked out of their personal garages, and Schwinn bicycles have been prepared for a spin round Reminiscence Lane. A cheery man in his early 50s came to visit to greet us. He seen Buddy the Camper and instructed us how he and his spouse Daybreak virtually grew to become full-time RVers final 12 months, however determined their subsequent journey can be to purchase the Blue Swallow Motel. Rob and Daybreak Federico noticed the magic on this place and have been humbled by the 82 years of hospitality that preceded them.
Whereas making it barely extra fashionable and extra comfy, they’ve stored the rotary telephones, Nineteen Fifties Albuquerque furnishings, and Lillian Redman’s (the proprietor for 40 years) Blue Swallow Benediction, wishing vacationers to be as “comfy and pleased as in the event that they have been in their very own residence.” The motel was Lillian’s engagement present in 1958, and he or she stored the spirit of giving, typically accepting barter for lodge rooms for cash-strapped vacationers. Chatting with Rob, we may inform he nonetheless had a little bit of wanderlust, however was comforted by Lillian’s phrases about her tenure on Route 66: “I find yourself touring the freeway in my coronary heart with whoever stops right here for the evening.”
📍Our beneficial lodging in Tucumcari, New Mexico 🏨
New Mexico Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Go from neon signal to neon sign up charming Tucumcari.Take a dip or scuba dive in Santa Rosa’s historic spring-fed Blue Gap.Wander the centuries-old kivas and adobe church buildings on the Native-American-meets-Spanish-colonial civilization of Pecos Nationwide Historic Park.Go to Santa Fe’s nice convergence of trails—The Camino Actual, Previous Santa Fe Path, and the unique Route 66.Once you hit Albuquerque, seize a burger on the nostalgic 66 Diner and catch a present (or a tour) on the Nineteen Twenties Kimo Theater, a shining instance of Pueblo Deco structure.Drive by means of the flaming 66 sign up Grants.Mosey into the El Rancho Resort, the Gallop lodging of option to John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Humphrey Bogart, and extra outdated Western stars.
Arizona & An Unlikely Oasis
When Route 66 makes 191 switchback turns up a 3,550-foot mountain, it will get a particular title: “Oatman Freeway.” Nestled within the Black Mountains, this 48-mile stretch of stark and beautiful desert makes you concentrate on how early vacationers survived this highway. The reply? The Cool Springs Camp and Service Station. It was a spot to flee the scorching solar, refuel, hydrate, and relaxation up earlier than the highway obtained even hairier up Sitgreaves Cross. When the recognition of the route waned within the Nineteen Sixties, the lights went out at Cool Springs and didn’t come again on till 2004.
Route 66 fanatic Ned Leuchtner restored the principle constructing as a museum, present store, and snack bar, and partnered with a couple of distributors to diversify their choices. After poking round this throwback oasis, we walked as much as the Uncooked Rock Creations stall, an open-air store shaded by a tarp and walled in with glass circumstances. Nobody was manning the piles of gems till an outdated man popped out of a truck with a dusty rucksack. The stall proprietor, Jack Norton, was working late after a full morning of rock-hunting the hills. “You gotta see what I simply discovered,” he stated to us as he pulled out baseball-sized rocks.
He spritzed a stone with water and stated, “See these orange veins, that’s fireplace agate and a superb one too.” Mike, as an beginner rockhound, was equally excited as Jack, particularly to listen to his tips about discovering native gems, rock identification, and his private story. Jack got here to this space simply three years in the past, however spending his days digging, sprucing, creating jewellery, and sharing them with vacationers, he discovered his pleased place.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Kingman, Arizona 🏨
Arizona Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Hike among the many historic bushes of Petrified Forest Nationwide Park.In Holbrook, examine into the Wigwam Motel for some Nineteen Forties glamping.Peek into Meteor Crater, a 550-foot deep abyss and one of many best-preserved meteorite impression websites on the planet.Keep up late in Flagstaff to bounce the Arizona two-step whereas consuming 10-cent pints on the historic Museum Membership (we went pre-pandemic and had one of the best time).Experience the Grand Canyon Railway from vigorous Williams to the nationwide park. The Grand Canyon is a fixture on considered one of our different highway journeys…learn all about it in our Nationwide Parks Grand Circle article.Poke across the kitschy retailers and drive-ins in Seligman.Go wild west within the former gold mine city of Oatman, the place donkeys roam the streets and cowboy shootouts occur twice day by day.
California & Father Is aware of Greatest
Having spent the primary 18 years of my life in Southern California, a lot of this part of the drive was acquainted to me—but I didn’t bear in mind it as Route 66. I knew it as Freeway 2 and Santa Monica Boulevard, and regardless that there have been in all probability a couple of historic markers, typically you simply don’t discover what’s so particular about your hometown. Sundown was simply a few hours away, so we have been rushing by means of Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas, Claremont, and making an attempt to comply with a former freeway chopped up with a whole lot of stoplights and congested intersections.
We needed to hop on the freeway if we have been going to make it to the Santa Monica Pier—the Finish of the Path—earlier than darkish. We exited the ten freeway, and the wood boardwalk, framed with palm bushes and a neon archway, welcomed us to the Pacific. We parked Buddy on the seashore and walked the ultimate 200 ft of our 2,448-mile journey. We kissed on the “Finish of the Path” signal, sealing in our 50-state highway journey and the Mom Highway that introduced us residence.
My cellphone buzzed; it was my dad saying he was within the parking zone with a bucket of champagne to toast our journey. In spite of everything, it was his thought to take this loopy byway; he raised me a couple of miles off Route 66, and he’s one other one of many individuals who made this highway journey so particular.
📍Our beneficial lodging in Santa Monica, California 🏨
California Route 66 Highway Journey Stops
Get misplaced within the Joshua tree forest and run down the Kelso Sand Dunes of the Mojave Desert.Take a slight detour to see probably the most suave recycling initiative at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande.Cease on the Cucamonga Service Station (est. 1915) for a gasoline station even older than Route 66.Observe within the footsteps of the celebs on the Chinese language Theater & Hollywood Stroll of Fame.Stretch your legs one final time on the Beverly Hills Park and do some window-shopping on Rodeo Drive.Experience the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, gaze on the countless ocean, and the miles of wonderful highway that introduced you right here.
Route 66 Highway Journey Ideas
Obtain the “Route 66 Final Information”. This app highlights most of the traditionally important and charming stops alongside the route. Sadly, their navigation characteristic continues to be being developed, however by the point you’re taking this journey, it should hopefully be able to roll! The Route 66 Navigation app already affords this service for $30 bucks, however it might be value it for a way circuitous the route will be.Keep on Course. All GPS units are attempting their darndest to drag you off this slow-going byway. Put in frequent waypoints and choose “keep away from highways” so Google Maps doesn’t attempt to hold routing you onto the interstate. And hold our eye out for Route 66 indicators (some are extra delicate than others), they’ll assist you to keep on monitor at many intersections.Lodging. Attempt to keep at a couple of basic motels just like the Blue Swallow, Wigwam Motel, and so on. RVers received’t have an issue discovering boondocking spots alongside the route with the assistance of the iOverlander app, pleasant companies, and BLM land. We stayed without spending a dime in all places from the attractive Coyote Cross Trailhead to Pops Soda Ranch with the acquisition of a celery soda and fries.Get Sensible. Faculty your self with a cease at both the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona, or the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Decide up a replica of The Greatest Hits on Route 66: 100 Important Stops on the Mom Highway. This model new guide knowledgeable us about plenty of these fantastic individuals and locations.Do as A lot as You Can. Whereas it’s the sum of the components that make this highway journey so incredible, for those who solely concentrate on a couple of states, we’d begin with the Oklahoma-Arizona part.Make Associates: Route 66 could also be well-known for its basic diners, motels, and gasoline stations, however for each great spot, there are those that made it that means. Whereas it’s tempting to simply hop out for a selfie in entrance of a neon signal, make a degree to dig just a little deeper, and also you’ll discover the true spirit of the highway.
