25 Essential Route 66 Stops From Chicago to Santa Monica
Why Route 66 Still Rules the Road
The Mother Road is a living museum of Americana. Spanning 2,448 miles through eight states, it links classic diners, neon landmarks, natural wonders, and civil rights history. Although decommissioned in 1985, today it is preserved and celebrated for its cultural impact. Use this highlight reel to shape your own Chicago to Los Angeles adventure.
Top 5 Can’t Miss
Route History Museum, Springfield, Illinois
Learn about the African American experience on Route 66, the importance of The Negro Motorist Green Book, and the realities of Sundown Towns through engaging exhibits and VR.Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma
A whimsical giant built as a family swimming spot, now a beloved photo stop with a growing visitor center.Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
The only national park that includes a section of Route 66, with rainbow petrified logs and access to the Painted Desert.66 Diner, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Refuel on burgers, fries, and shakes at this retro institution in downtown Albuquerque.Santa Monica Pier, California
Celebrate the journey’s end with a snapshot at the end-of-the-trail marker and a spin on the roller coaster.
Start: Chicago, Illinois
Route 66 Begin Sign and Millennium Park
Find the official starting marker at South Michigan Avenue and East Adams Street. Stretch your legs at nearby Millennium Park and grab the classic mirror selfie at Cloud Gate. If time permits, take in skyline views at the Willis Tower Skydeck before rolling west.
Wilmington, Illinois
Gemini Giant
One of the famed 1960s fiberglass Muffler Men, this 30-foot spaceman is a quintessential roadside photo op.
Springfield, Illinois
Route History Museum
Deepen your understanding of Route 66 through exhibits centered on the Green Book and Black travelers’ stories.
St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch National Park
Ride the tram to the top of the 630-foot stainless steel arch for sweeping views, then visit the free museum. The Old Courthouse illuminates the Dred Scott case and its national impact.
Sullivan, Missouri
Meramec Caverns
Tour an extensive cave system once used by Indigenous Osage people and, according to lore, outlaws. Do not miss the Wine Table formation and a stop at Granny’s Candy Store for the drive.
Galena, Kansas
Cars on the Route
Meet “Tow Tater,” the truck that inspired Mater in Disney’s Cars, and explore the restored Kan–O–Tex Station and visitor center.
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Brush Creek Bridge
Also called the Rainbow Bridge, this 1923 arched beauty makes a peaceful spot for photos or a picnic.
Miami, Oklahoma
Coleman Theatre
Spanish Revival splendor from the vaudeville era. Call ahead for a tour or check the calendar for performances.
Catoosa, Oklahoma
Blue Whale
A cheerful slice of nostalgia and one of Route 66’s most photographed landmarks, now owned by the city and open during ongoing upgrades.
Warwick, Oklahoma
Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum
A 1921 filling station turned museum showcasing bikes and local history tied to the Mother Road.
Arcadia, Oklahoma
Pops 66
Look for the 66-foot neon soda bottle out front, then browse a wall of 700-plus sodas. Grab a bite, top off the tank, and snap a night photo when the sign glows.
Shamrock, Texas
Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café
Art deco perfection from 1936, now a visitor center. Fans will recognize its silhouette from a certain animated body shop.
McLean, Texas
Devil’s Rope Museum
A surprisingly fascinating dive into the story of barbed wire, fencing the West, and Route 66 heritage across Texas.
Groom, Texas
Leaning Tower of Texas
A tilted water tower set at an 80-degree angle as a midcentury attention-getter. Quick, quirky photo stop.
Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch
Ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field since 1974. Bring a can of spray paint and leave your mark.
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Mesalands Dinosaur Museum
See fossils from the Mesozoic era, minerals, and a working paleontology lab tied to Mesalands Community College.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Blue Hole
A startlingly clear, deep natural pool popular for swimming and scuba year-round. A welcome cool-down right off the highway.
Sandia Park, New Mexico
Tinkertown Museum
A 22-room world of miniature figures, bottle-glass walls, and Americana, built by artist Ross Ward. Wonderfully eccentric.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
66 Diner
Slide into a booth for classic American comfort food, an old-school soda fountain, and serious milkshakes.
Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park
Drive the park road for views of the Painted Desert and multicolored petrified logs. Look for historic Route 66 remnants and interpretive signs.
Winslow, Arizona
Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum
Peer into a massive 50,000-year-old impact site, walk the rim on a guided tour, and browse exhibits that explain the science and lore.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Lowell Observatory
Explore galleries, catch films, and stay for stargazing at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. This is where Pluto was discovered in 1930.
Yermo, California
Calico Ghost Town
An abandoned silver mining town restored to its 1880s appearance, complete with shops, restaurants, and weekend ghost tours.
San Bernardino, California
Original McDonald’s Site and Museum
A nostalgic collection chronicling the early days of the fast-food icon, a quick detour from the main drag.
Finish: Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Pier
Pose at the historic end-of-the-trail marker, wander the wooden pier, and toast the journey with a roller coaster ride or a sandy sunset.
Planning Notes for Your Route 66 Drive
Set a relaxed pace. The joy of Route 66 is in the detours.
Mix museums and outdoor stops to avoid road fatigue.
Book special tours and observatory programs ahead.
Many attractions keep limited hours. Check schedules before you roll.
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