Route 66 isn't just a road — it's a 2,448-mile string of stories, oddities, diners, and landmarks that have captivated travelers for nearly a century. Here's our curated state-by-state rundown of the stops that make the Mother Road truly unforgettable.
Illinois: Where It All Begins
Starting point: Chicago's Grant Park — snap your photo at the iconic Route 66 begin sign on Adams Street. Then head south through Springfield, home to Abraham Lincoln's Presidential Library and some of the best chili dogs on the route (shoutout to the Cozy Dog Drive In, birthplace of the corn dog on a stick). Don't miss Pontiac's Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, a love letter to the highway in mural form.
Missouri: Neon, Caves & the Ozarks
Cross into Missouri and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis dominates the skyline. Further west, Cuba, MO is known as the "Route 66 Mural City," with giant painted scenes on building walls throughout downtown. Meramec Caverns near Stanton is a classic roadside attraction that's been luring travelers since the 1930s.
Kansas: A Quick 13-Mile Gem
Kansas gets just 13 miles of Route 66, but make them count. Galena is home to a restored 1929 service station and the inspiration for "Tow Mater" from the Pixar film Cars — a rusted tow truck named "Tow-Tater" that delights visitors of all ages.
Oklahoma: The Heart of Route 66
Oklahoma has more historic Route 66 mileage than any other state. Highlights include:
- Tulsa – Art Deco architecture and the Blue Dome District
- Claremore – Will Rogers Memorial Museum
- Arcadia – The round barn, a National Historic Landmark
- Oklahoma City – Stockyards City and Bricktown for BBQ and live music
Texas: Big Sky & Bigger Art
The Texas Panhandle stretch is flat, vast, and iconic. Amarillo is home to the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch (72 oz steak challenge, anyone?) and the surreal Cadillac Ranch — ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in a field, spray-painted by visitors for decades. It's weird, wonderful, and completely free.
New Mexico: Adobe, Art & High Desert
Albuquerque sits at the center of New Mexico's Route 66 stretch with a well-preserved Nob Hill district full of neon signs and indie restaurants. Take a detour north to Santa Fe for world-class art galleries and Pueblo architecture. Tucumcari is a neon-lovers' paradise, with the Blue Swallow Motel — one of the most photographed motels in America.
Arizona: Painted Skies & Ghost Towns
Arizona delivers some of the route's most dramatic scenery. Don't miss:
- Petrified Forest National Park – Ancient logs turned to crystal over 200 million years
- Winslow – "Standin' on a Corner" (yes, that Eagles song)
- Seligman – A classic Route 66 town that inspired the movie Cars
- Oatman – A gold-rush ghost town with wild burros roaming the streets
California: Desert to the Pacific
The final stretch crosses the Mojave Desert through Barstow and Victorville before descending into the greater Los Angeles basin. End your journey at the Santa Monica Pier — dip your feet in the Pacific and soak in the sense of accomplishment. You drove the Mother Road.
Take a Piece of the Road With You
Every stop on Route 66 leaves a mark. Commemorate your journey with authentic Route 66 travel gear from our shop — built for road-trippers who live for the open highway.
Plan Your Trip with the Official Route 66 Centennial Calendar
Mark the milestones, plan your stops, and celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road with our Travels With Randy 16-Month Official Route 66 Centennial Limited Edition Calendar. Each month features stunning imagery and historical highlights from the road itself — the perfect co-pilot for your journey.
→ Get Your Centennial Calendar
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