Roadtripping on the most famous route in America? Here are some great pit stops to make along the way!
The road begins in Chicago, Illinois at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, and extends for about 2400, all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in California. It navigates through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona too.
Joliet, Illinois
Travelers like to stop here, as it is packed with nostalgia of the old highway, encompassing the Route 66 Welcome Center in the Joliet Area Historical Museum with exhibits, souvenirs, and vintage transportation such as a 1951 Hudson Hornet. On Collins Street is the Old Joliet Prison, featured in The Blues Brothers movie, and on W Cass Street is the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall
This large market in Livingston, Illinois was formerly a high school in the 1920s. Now, it is the home to more than 100 booth of antiques and collectibles, the 50s-style diner, and 12-foot tall pink elephant statue out front.
The Gateway Arch
This major landmark is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis. It was designed in 1965 to signify the westward expansion of the United States, honoring pioneers and explorers who left the area in 1804.
Meramec Caverns
These 4.5 mile long caverns lined with ancient limestone are based in Stanton, Missouri. They were used as a hideout in the 1870s for outlaw, Jesse James. Guided tours of the seven passage levels and chambers are available, along with a light show in the caves.
Cars on the Route
In Galena, Kansas is a restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex service station. This roadside attraction is now a cafe where visitors can see memorabilia from the movie Cars, such as the Tow Mater replica. Less than a one-minute drive down the road is also Luigi’s Pit Stop, with a duplicate of Lightning McQueen as well!
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
Located in Clinton, Oklahoma is the state’s official showcase of the long route’s history. Each gallery includes a theme from different eras, as well as a 1950s diner replica, classic cars, and vintage gas station displays throughout.
Cadillac Ranch
In Amarillo, Texas, this roadside attraction is a public art installation. It is made from 10 vintage Cadillacs that were embedded deeply into the ground and are spray-painted with graffiti.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
This location is regularly called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” being the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Visitors may go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or stop for a show at the Pioneer Amphitheater during the summer for singing, dancing, and fireworks.
Tucumcari, New Mexico
The perfect place to stop for the night, this small town is filled with historic Route 66 inns, including the Blue Swallow Motel. At some of these motels and in downtown are almost 100 painted murals, with a free map offered at the Tucumcari County Chamber of Commerce.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque has a blend of Southwestern history, an art scene, and outdoor adventure. In Old Town, there is more than 150 restaurants, boutiques, and galleries with handcrafted items. At the ABQ BioPark Zoo, an aquarium, botanic garden, and animal park will be found. And, a must-do is riding in a hot air balloon at the “Balloon Capital of the world.”.
Petrified Forest National Park
This desert landscape in northeastern Arizona provides large deposits of colorful fossilized wood. Inside of it are attractions such as the colorful “Painted Desert” rock layers and the Crystal Forest, which is a hiking spot with one of the park’s highest concentrations of petrified wood and logs containing clear quartz and purple amethyst crystals.
Flagstaff, Arizona
This town will give you a nostalgic Route 66 experience, as it hosts cafes, a roadhouse, retro diners, neon signs, and vintage motels. Besides that, you can enjoy stargazing at Lowell Observatory or if willing to drive a bit out of the way, the Grand Canyon!
Two Guns, Arizona
While once a bustling tourist stop, Two Guns is now a historic ghost town located on the Canyon Diablo. It is considered “cursed” due to violent feuds in the 1920s and then the massive fire in 1971, which led to its complete abandonment. However, people still enjoy stopping there to see old gas stations, the Mountain Lion Zoo remnants, and a deserted campground.
Joshua Tree National Park
In southern California, this stop has hiking trails through rock formations in the desert. Key Views is the highest accessible point that is drivable, giving a panorama of the Coachella Valley. Or, at night time, this park provides some of the best night-sky views in the country, including Skull Rock.
If you are going down Route 66, be sure to make a pit stop by at least a few of these!
Thanks for the read.
xo, Nicole (:
A Sweet Paradise 