Get Your Kicks on Route 66 with This Road Trip Itinerary

Posted: January 4, 2022 12:51 pm

With winter weather setting in, this is a great time to begin thinking about planning the ultimate summer road trip. There are a number of different routes that you can take to experience the best that the U.S. has to offer. One of the most iconic road trips is a journey along the historic Route 66. Here is what you need to know about this route and how to make the most of this road trip.

About Route 66

As one of the country’s first stretches of paved highway, Route 66 has seen a lot of history over the years. The highway is distinguished as being one of the primary routes for those migrating to the west as the U.S. expanded. Officially established in 1926, the route stretches 2,448 miles starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles.

Route 66 traverses eight states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Major cities along the way include Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles.

If you plan on driving the entirety of the route, you should plan on it taking at least two weeks to get a taste of all that it has to offer. Driving the entire route, you will spend the most time in New Mexico at 487 miles and the least amount of time in Kansas with just 13 miles of the route going through the Sunflower State.

Starting Your Journey in the Windy City

The highway starts in Chicago, giving you the perfect chance to soak in the big city life in the Windy City. Take a trip to the top of Willis Tower, visit the massive collection of marine life at the Shedd Aquarium, or take in a Chicago Cubs game. Be sure to leave enough time to sample the famous deep-dish pizza or Chicago-style hot dog. While you will start your city in an energetic city, it will not be long until you are cruising through the heartland of rural America.

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum

No trip along this stretch of highway is complete without a stop at the official Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, located in Pontiac, Illinois. In addition to the museum, you will also find the Livingston County War Museum and a host of murals that pay homage to the history of this route. You can knock out all of these attractions in one day, making Pontiac a good pit stop along your route. The Hall of Fame Museum is a great primer for what lies ahead in your road adventure.

St. Louis Arch

The next major city that you will pass through on your journey is St. Louis. Known as the Gateway to the West, this quintessential Midwest city deserves some of your time to explore. Most people enjoy heading up to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. For a tasty snack, be sure to stop by the roadside Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stand.

Meramec Caverns

Continuing on to Sullivan, Missouri, you will find the Meramec Caverns, one of the most popular tourist attractions along Route 66. You can take a tour of the caverns, go on a ziplining adventure, or rent a canoe. You can also camp overnight at this site. This makes Sullivan a good stop if you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs while you enjoy physical activity.

Tulsa and Oklahoma City Historic Sites

Moving onto Tulsa and Oklahoma City, road trippers will discover a myriad of Route 66 era diners, historical buildings, and motels. Don’t miss the 1916 Cyrus Avery Bridge, the 1925 Blue Dome gas station, and the Fuel Stop 66 food truck spot. The Mother Road Market is a fun place to grab some grub and pick up some souvenirs. In Oklahoma City, stop by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for a look into the history of this region and the route that shaped it.

Clinton’s Time Capsule

The small town of Clinton, Oklahoma boasts a number of attractions related to Route 66. Dating back to the late 1800s, the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store is a great place to buy genuine Native American goods. Other attractions include the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and the McLain Rogers Park with its Route 6 themed miniature golf course.

Amarillo Fun

There is no shortage of fun to be had in Amarillo. As the only Texas city that you will pass through on this route, you would be wise to make it count. Amarillo is known for its quirkiness. Stop for a meal at the legendary Big Texas Steak Ranch restaurant and its massive steaks. The Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District is worth a visit with its trendy art galleries, shopping, and dining options.

Albuquerque Sights and Sounds

Albuquerque is a great place to call home base as you explore the New Mexico environs of Route 66. Highlights of this oasis include a visit to historic Old Town, the Sandia Peak Tramway, the Albuquerque BioPark, and more. The city is also developing a strong reputation as a prime craft beer destination. Albuquerque is the perfect blend of old and new, making it an ideal place to immerse yourself in everything about Route 66.

Having Fun in Flagstaff

Flagstaff makes another fun stopping point. At an elevation of over 6,000 feet, this Arizona city is a wooded paradise nestled into the mountains. Visitors will enjoy a trip to the Lowell Observatory, the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, the Museum of North Arizona, and the Pioneer Museum. You will find a little bit of everything here, including a vast network of hiking trails, camping opportunities, and loads of additional outdoor activities. Flagstaff is also home to a dedicated Route 66 visitors center, helping you to get more out of this experience.

Santa Monica Pier

After traveling through the Arizona and California desert, you will certainly welcome the cool ocean breezes at the end of the route. This road trip ends at the Santa Monica pier. Be sure to leave plenty of time to soak up the beauty of this slice of Southern California and to immerse yourself in the unique culture of this beach town. There is even a sign at the end of the pier marking the official end of Route 66.

A trip through Route 66 showcases the best of classic Americana. This road trip is a great choice for history buffs and those who enjoy the charm of small-town America.

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