Route 66 was one of the United States’ first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated to the West. Since the early 1920s, this highway has connected Chicago to Los Angeles. It defines the American dream by symbolizing freedom and ingenuity. The route represents the country’s spirit of continuous transformation. Discover the history of this legendary route today.
Join us as we drive the “Mother Road” from start to finish, exploring everything from outsider art to indigenous history.
Mother Road
We start our journey in Chicago, Illinois, and unravel how the Mother Road came to be, hitting up a number of classic roadside attractions along the way: Lou Mitchell’s, The Route 66 Hall of Fame, The Route 66 Experience, and Springfield, Illinois’ International Route 66 Mother Road Festival.
The Giants of Route 66
Among the many roadside attractions you’ll find on your Route 66 journey, the “Muffler Men” or “Giants” of the Route are among the most beloved. With “3D Advertising,” Route 66’s iconic sentinels sold everything from tires to hot dogs. We explore several famous Giants in Illinois, including those at the American Giants Museum.
Quirk & Kitsch on 66
Quirky roadside attractions add a whimsical twist to any road trip, and Route 66 has a treasure trove of them. In Illinois, we explore an old prison built by its prisoners, a classic roadside drive-in serving up corn dogs (that aren’t really corn dogs), and load up on souvenirs at an antiques mall.
It’s Electric
We cross from Illinois into Missouri, where we discover the charm of the Show-Me State. For the next 300 miles, we cross Missouri from east to west, learning just how this state gave Route 66 the nickname “the Electric Highway.”
Arts & Craftsmen of the Route
Melodies and myths follow the pavement of Route 66, fueling an endless stream of songs and diverse artworks. As you drive across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, these miles reveal extraordinary creative feats. This legendary path celebrates eccentric endeavors that define the unique spirit of the American heartland.
New Mexico’s Retribution Road
Crossing into New Mexico, we drive the original alignment of Route 66 up to Santa Fe and then down to Albuquerque. The original alignment was changed in 1937 and became known as The Retribution Road.
Cultural Crossroads in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to 23 indigenous settlements, and relics of the Old West dot the landscape. We dig into the state’s rich cultural heritage as we make our way west from Albuquerque.
Arizona & The Whimsical West
Uncover the truth behind mysterious black and yellow jackrabbit signs across the Arizona landscape. Drive through a prehistoric Jurassic past. Find creative inspiration from a massive green tiki head. Travelers who live “for the plot” will adore the Copper State’s eccentric charm. This journey reveals the quirky legends of the historic Route 66.
Stay to Play
Iconic stays define the ultimate American road trip experience along the legendary Route 66. Choose from retro campers or palatial hotels for your next memorable getaway. We feature the best accommodations for your epic adventure across the country. These historic sites offer more than just a bed for the night. You will discover unique stories at every stop on this famous highway.
Relics of the Wild West
Bandits, cowboys, and lawlessness were romanticized in post-Civil War America, enticing many to venture to the Wild West. At the center of this expanse was Arizona Territory, known for its ruthlessness but also its sense of freedom, opportunity, and discovery.
The Nature of Route 66
Mother Nature, while not the central hero of the Mother Road’s story, has always been a supporting character. Admittedly, we’re going to be somewhat liberal in how we define “influenced by nature,” but, hey, it’s Route 66, baby. And we’re truckin’ along through California on our last few hundred miles.
Old West Meets Old Hollywood
Throughout our journey on Historic Route 66, you may have noticed another mode of transportation running parallel to us—yep, that’s right, the railroad. The symbolism is hard to miss: two modes of transportation running side by side, one representing the past and the other representing the future. Driving through California, we see where the Old West meets Old Hollywood; the intersection of the former Western Frontier and a Glamorous Free Future.
The End of the Route
This is it, gang. The end of the road. The final stretch. We’re nearing the end of our adventures on Historic Route 66, but there’s still more to explore as we roll into our final destination. Come along as we make a pit stop in Rancho Cucamonga and get our game on in Pasadena before exploring our final destination: Los Angeles!
