Route 66 is one of the most iconic highways in the United States. It was designated as a U.S. Highway in 1926, and it ran from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Route 66 was an important route for travelers migrating westward, and it became a symbol of American freedom and adventure.
There are many things that make Route 66 (wikipedia) so special. The highway passes through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the United States, including deserts, mountains, prairies, and forests. Route 66 is also home to a number of historic landmarks, such as the Cadillac Ranch and the Wigwam Motel.
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide to where Route 66 is located. The article will discuss the history of Route 66, provide a map of the highway, and list the major cities and towns along the way. The article will also discuss the different things that can be done along Route 66, such as visiting historical landmarks, hiking, and camping.
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| Route 66 sign |
History of Route 66
Route 66 was designated as a U.S. Highway in 1926. It was the second longest U.S. Highway, stretching 2,448 miles (3,940 km) from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Route 66 was an important route for travelers migrating westward, and it became a symbol of American freedom and adventure.
The highway was originally built to connect rural areas with major cities. However, it quickly became a popular route for tourists and commercial traffic. Route 66 was featured in many movies and television shows, and it became known as the "Mother Road" or the "Main Street of America."
Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. The interstate highway system had replaced it as the primary route for cross-country travel. However, Route 66 remains a popular tourist destination. There are many organizations dedicated to preserving the highway's history and landmarks.
Map of Route 66
The current route of Route 66 is a patchwork of state highways and county roads. The highway passes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
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| Map of Route 66 Source: wikipedia/TheCuriousGnome |
Major Cities and Towns Along Route 66
Some of the major cities and towns along Route 66 include:
2. Springfield, Illinois
3. St. Louis, Missouri
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma
5. Amarillo, Texas
6. Albuquerque, New Mexico
7. Flagstaff, Arizona
1. Chicago, Illinois:
The Windy City is the starting point of Route 66. It is a major metropolis with a lot to offer visitors, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower.
2. Springfield, Illinois:
The capital of Illinois, Springfield is known as the "Lincoln's Home" because it is where Abraham Lincoln lived and practiced law. The city also has a number of other historical sites, including the Old State Capitol and the Lincoln Tomb.
3. St. Louis, Missouri:
The Gateway to the West, St. Louis is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Budweiser Brewery. The city is also located on the Mississippi River, which offers stunning views of the riverfront.
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma:
The second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa is known for its art scene, its museums, and its historic Route 66 district. The city is also home to the Tulsa World Aquarium and the Gilcrease Museum.
5. Amarillo, Texas:
The largest city in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is known for its steakhouses, its rodeos, and its Route 66 attractions. The city is also home to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, the Cadillac Ranch, and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.
6. Albuquerque, New Mexico:
The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is known for its hot air balloon festival, its museums, and its historic Route 66 district. The city is also home to the Sandia Mountains and the National Atomic Museum.
7. Flagstaff, Arizona:
A mountain city in Arizona, Flagstaff is known for its beautiful scenery, its historic Route 66 district, and its proximity to the Grand Canyon. The city is also home to Lowell Observatory, which is known for its research on astronomy.
8. Los Angeles, California:
The City of Angels is the end point of Route 66. It is a major metropolis with a lot to offer visitors, including Hollywood, Disneyland, and the beaches of Santa Monica.
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| Route 66 Roadside Attraction |
Scenery Along Route 66
The scenery along Route 66 is diverse and beautiful. The highway passes through deserts, mountains, prairies, and forests. Some of the most popular attractions along Route 66 include:
1. The Cadillac Ranch
2. The Wigwam Motel
3. The Blue Whale of Catoosa
4. The Meteor Crater Museum
5. The Painted Desert
6. The Petrified Forest National Park
7. The Grand Canyon
1. The Cadillac Ranch:
This is an art installation in Amarillo, Texas. It consists of 10 Cadillacs that have been buried nose-down in the ground.
2. The Wigwam Motel:
This is a chain of motels that feature rooms shaped like teepees. There are several Wigwam Motels along Route 66, including one in Holbrook, Arizona.
3. The Blue Whale of Catoosa:
This is a 73-foot-long (22 m) blue whale sculpture that is located in Catoosa, Oklahoma. It is one of the most popular roadside attractions along Route 66.
4. The Meteor Crater Museum:
This museum is located in Winslow, Arizona. It features a 57-foot-deep (17 m) crater that was created by a meteor impact over 50,000 years ago.
5. The Painted Desert:
This is a part of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is a colorful desert landscape that is home to a variety of sedimentary rock formations.
6. The Petrified Forest National Park:
This park is located in Arizona and is home to a variety of petrified wood. The park also features the Painted Desert and the Blue Mesa Canyon.
7. The Grand Canyon:
This is one of the most popular natural wonders in the world. It is a massive canyon that was created by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Things to Do Along Route 66
There are many things to do along Route 66, including:
1. Visiting historical landmarks
2. Hiking
3. Camping
4. Shopping
5. Eating
6. Driving
1. Visiting historical landmarks:
Route 66 is a historic highway, so there are many historical landmarks to visit along the way. Some of the most popular include the Cadillac Ranch, the Wigwam Motel, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Meteor Crater Museum, the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
2. Hiking:
There are many great hiking trails along Route 66. Some of the most popular include the Devil's Playground Trail in Oatman, Arizona, the Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park, and the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park.
3. Camping:
There are many campgrounds along Route 66, so you can easily find a place to stay the night. Some of the most popular campgrounds include the Petrified Forest National Park Campground, the Grand Canyon National Park Mather Campground, and the Glenrio Trading Post Campground.
4. Shopping:
There are many unique shops along Route 66, so you can find souvenirs, antiques, and other unique items. Some of the most popular shops include the Midpoint Museum Gift Shop in Adrian, Texas, the Rockabilly Capital of the World Gift Shop in Winslow, Arizona, and the Route 66 Gift Shop in Seligman, Arizona.
5. Eating:
There are many great restaurants along Route 66, so you can find something to satisfy your taste buds. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, the Wigwam Cafe in Holbrook, Arizona, and the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois.
6. Driving:
Of course, no road trip is complete without driving! Route 66 is a great road trip, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Route 66 is a great place to experience the history and culture of the American West. There are many things to see and do along the way, and it is a great way to get a taste of the "good old days."
Good to know
- Route 66 was designated as a U.S. Highway in 1926 and ran from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
- The highway was decommissioned in 1985, but it remains a popular tourist destination.
- Route 66 passes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
- Some of the most popular attractions along Route 66 include the Cadillac Ranch, the Wigwam Motel, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Meteor Crater Museum, the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
- There are many things to do along Route 66, including visiting historical landmarks, hiking, camping, shopping, eating, and driving.
Conclusion
Route 66 is a historic highway that offers a unique glimpse into American history and culture. The highway passes through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the United States, and there are many things to see and do along the way.
If you are looking for an adventure, I encourage you to visit Route 66. You will not be disappointed.
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I hope you enjoyed this article about Route 66. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
