Embarking on a Route 66 road trip is like taking a journey through the heart of America’s cultural heritage. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway offers a unique slice of Americana and a diverse tapestry of landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for an adventure, Route 66 has something to offer everyone. Here’s your guide to making the most out of this quintessential American road trip.
### Start Your Engines in Chicago
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Chicago. Before hitting the road, explore the iconic sights such as Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. Grab a deep-dish pizza at one of the city’s famed pizzerias then head towards the “Begin Route 66” sign located at E Adams St & S Michigan Ave – a perfect spot for that inaugural road trip photo.
### Illinois: The Land of Lincoln
As you leave Chicago, your first major stop in Illinois should be the town of Pontiac to check out the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Packed with memorabilia and artifacts, it’s a great introduction to what awaits ahead. Don’t skip the mural-filled downtown or the quirky Gemini Giant statue at Wilmington.
### Crossing Missouri
Your next state is Missouri where St. Louis awaits with its iconic Gateway Arch – you can even take a tram ride to the top for stunning views over downtown and the Mississippi River. Further along in Missouri, don’t miss Meramec Caverns in Stanton; these mineral formations offer cool underground relief on hot days and have historical ties as hideouts for Jesse James.
### Oklahoma Wonders
Oklahoma boasts more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state. In Tulsa, explore the vibrant arts scene and visit the Philbrook Museum housed in an Italian Renaissance villa. Oklahoma City offers rich cowboy heritage with attractions like The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
### Texas Talks
The Panhandle region brings you into Texas where Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo is an unmissable sight – ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field. Refuel with some Tex-Mex cuisine or classic barbecue before heading west.
### New Mexico’s Natural Beauty
In New Mexico, Santa Fe and Albuquerque offer rich Native American arts and Spanish colonial history with excellent museums like Museum Hill in Santa Fe or Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Driving through New Mexico also features stunning natural landscapes such as Petrified Forest National Park known for its fossilized trees turned into colorful quartz crystals.
### Explore Arizona’s Landscapes
Arizona presents perhaps some of Route 66’s most photographed scenery including Winslow’s famous corner celebrated by The Eagles’ song “Take It Easy”. No road trip here would be complete without visiting Grand Canyon National Park; though off the direct route it’s worth detouring to witness this natural wonder.
### End at Santa Monica Pier
Conclude your epic journey across America on California’s coast at Santa Monica Pier – an idyllic spot to celebrate completing one of life’s great road trips. Enjoy ocean views from Ferris wheel rides or relax on sandy beaches reflecting on your adventures across eight states.
### Tips for Travelers
– **Planning**: Sections of “The Mother Road” have been replaced by interstate highways so having current maps or GPS is essential.
– **Accommodation**: Consider staying in historic motels along the route for an authentic experience.
– **Time Frame**: Ideally give yourself two to three weeks to truly enjoy all that Route 66 has to offer from museum visits to hiking natural landmarks.
– **Seasons**: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are ideal times weather-wise avoiding summer heatwaves and winter snow closures.
A Route 66 road trip isn’t just about reaching destinations but enjoying journeys through small towns steeped in history with local diners offering homemade pies – capturing snapshots not only through cameras but also heart-felt experiences along America’s legendary highway.