Route 66 is synonymous as being one of the great road trips of the world. Hell, it has had songs written about it –Get Your Kicks on Route 66was penned byBobby Troupwhile driving on Route 66. It’s been mentioned in the novel ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ and people come from all over the world to discover why a road trip on Route 66 is so special. Well if you are planning to drive Route 66, then here are some great things to see and do on your Route 66 road trip.
Thanks to a car-friendly culture and an unrivalled network of highways, taking a road trip across America is very appealing. And if you are looking for inspiration for a USA road trip look no further than Route 66. This great American road trip starts in Chicago and ends at Santa Monica Pier in California. Of course, you can do the trip in reverse or even deviate off the road.
This Route 66 itinerary is a 1 month driving itinerary in the USA so you will need a vehicle. This could be a car or a van. If you don’t have one you can rent one, get availability and a great rate here. If you aren’t taking your accommodation with you such as in a van, you will need to find accommodation at each nightly stop. I haven’t recommended accommodation places in this road trip as you may pull into a town and decide to stay. I have often pulled into a town and walked into a motel that looks appealing and asked for a room, so I presume this is what you will do to. Or you can book accommodation in advance. Check out Booking.com for accommodation here.
Table of Contents
Route 66 FAQs
What is Route 66?
Route 66 or ‘Mother Road’ is basically a road, but not just any old road, it is one of America’s original highways having its original beginnings in 1926. It started when a number of highways were amalgamated to form Route 66 that runs from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California.From 1926 until mid 1960s it was the main road from Chicago to LA, now there are many.
Why Was it Known as the Mother Road?
Route 66 was known as the Mother Road because it symbolised mobility and freedom. For hundreds of years Americans sought opportunities, opportunities they found by moving west. And Route 66 was the road, that took them west.
Why is Route 66 so Famous?
The road was promoted by the US 66 Highway Association as the ‘shortest, best and most scenic route’ between Chicago and Los Angeles. Many believed them, and many have travelled Route 66 because of this.
Which American States Does Route 66 Travel Through?
Route 66 crosses 8 states. Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. It stopped being a highway in the 1950s when it was replaced by freeways that were quicker to travel on to get you where you wanted to go. But you can still travel on parts of Route 66.
What is the Speed Limit along Route 66?
The speed limits vary along Route 66 between 35 to 65 mph.
Where to Start or End Your Road Trip Route 66?
Route 66 starts or ends in Chicago in Illinois and starts or ends in Santa Monica in Los Angeles, California. It is up to you where you start and finish, and you don’t necessarily need to start or finish in Chicago or Santa Monica. You can drive just some parts of it as it is so long and travels across two thirds of the USA.
How Long is Route 66 & How Long to Drive it?
It’s distance is 2,448 miles or 3940 km long and would take around 52 hours, that’s a couple of days, to drive it if you drove non-stop. But as well as being a great way to travel across America it has a lot to see along the way. I suggest maybe 3-4 weeks so you can stop and visit many of the best and iconic spots along the way and those you want to deviate off Route 66 too.
Best Time to Drive Route 66
Anytime is a good time to drive along Route 66 though many say late Spring to early Summer is the best time. This is because the weather is nicer and the road and most businesses along the road are open.
What is the Best Vehicle to Drive Route 66?
Some say a classic road requires a classic car. If you cannot get your hands on a Ford Mustang or a Chevrolete Corvette, then any car or Winnebago will do.
Where to Stay Along Route 66
I’ve established that Route 66 is long and cannot be drive in a day, therefore you will need accommodation at some point along Route 66. Now Route 66 having such a long history hasmany historic, quaint and quirky hotels you can stay in along the road. Some of them aren’t on the internet and you can only find stay at them by driving past. The best way to ensure you have accommodation is to book through a third party site such asBooking.com.
Best Places to See Along Route 66 – East to West
There are many places to see along Route 66, here are some recommended by fellow travel bloggers. Check out the map I have designed to show you where some of the best things to see and do are along Route 66.
Illinois
Route 66 Distance: Chicago, Illinois to border of Missouri – around 300 miles or 484km.
Chicago
First stop is the Windy City – Chicago. This is where Route 66 begins and ends if you are travelling west to east. And you can’t do a road trip without starting somewhere. It is well worth your while to spend a few days in Chicago. And will it be windy? Well, based on early records, the nickname originated from windstorms in the area and also because it was thought, some people were known for being full of hot air!
Best things to see and do in Chicago
- Start your visit to Chicago on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour which will take you to all the best spots in Chicago. Then you can choose which ones you wish to return to.
- Relax in Grant and Millennium Parks. Both parks are great to relax in, have a picnic or walk around.
- Enjoy a Deep-dish Pizza. Chicago is known for deep-dish pizzas so definitely try this local favourite.
Say goodbye to Chicago.
Start your Route 66 drive at the sign on the northwest corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
Why not get a photo if you can to commemorate the beginning of this iconic USA road trip journey. Leaving Chicago the road heads southwest through rural Midwestern towns. There are plenty of classic motel neon, vintage petrol stations, classic diners and historic bridges along the way till you get to the Mississippi River and East St. Louis. You may even spot a few Muffler Men! But first, enjoy some ice cream and learn more about Abraham Lincoln while in Illinois.
Carl’s Ice Cream, Normal, IL
Favourite Place on Route 66 of Tanya @ Travels & Treasure
Carl’s Ice Cream Factory
If you scream for ice cream parlors, then this college town on Route 66 is an absolute must-lick! Located in Illinois, Carl’s Ice Cream is a whimsical wonderland of frozen delights.
You will be impressed with the historic exterior where a towering 15-foot statue awaits with a man clutching an ice cream cone in one hand and a cheeseburger in the other. These statues are known as Muffler Men because they were built strong to withstand nature’s elements and steal the spotlight in advertisem*nts.
We stopped here for lunch and enjoyed a salad, grilled chicken sandwich with fries, and ice cream, of course! Carl’s Ice Cream isn’t just a piece of nostalgia, it’s a roadside haven for travelers.
In addition to soft-serve ice cream cones, they have malts, frozen yogurt, freeze pops, novelty ice cream sandwiches, and frozen lattes on the menu. We loved the variety of ice cream flavors. Everything is prepared on order, even the salads! The food is good but because it is prepared fresh, however, it took a bit longer than normal.
Don’t miss this classic roadside stop on your Route 66 road trip!
Find Carl’s Ice Cream at1700 W College. Normal, IL
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Springfield IL
Favourite Place on Route 66 of Sophie @ Delightful Travel Notes
Lincoln and his family in front of the White House at the museum
A must-stop destination on the historic Route 66 and in Central Illinois is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. The museum takes visitors on an amazing journey through time, immersing in the life of one of America’s greatest leaders. From his childhood to his tragic assassination, every aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s remarkable story was vividly brought to life.
Walking through the exhibits made me feel like being transported to the past. The museum recreates scenes from Lincoln’s life with the combination of artifacts, multimedia presentations and interactive displays. As a result, it makes learning about his life as well as this period in American history engaging to visitors of all ages.
The exhibits not only shed light on Lincoln’s personal life, career and achievements but also offer an overview of the Civil War and its significance. The show “Ghosts of the Library” is a highlight at the museum. Visitors will also get to explore the tragic events surrounding his assassination, understand the circ*mstances leading to it and the nation’s mourning.
Overall, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is one of the best places to learn about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Don’t miss the chance to stop by while you are on Route 66. History enthusiasts, families and museum lovers will enjoy this place. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is also within walking distance from the museum.
Missouri
Route 66 Distance Across Missouri – 317 miles (510 km)
St. Louis
Favourite place on Route 66 of Chelsea @ Adventures of Chels
You cannot miss the Gateway Arch standing tall in St Louis
A great place to visit along Route 66 is the city of St. Louis. With numerous sites to see and experiences to have, St. Louis is a great place to spend a day or even two along Route 66.
No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the 630 foot tallGateway Arch.The Gateway Arch is a monument built to recognize westward expansion.Take a ride to the top of the arch for great views of the city and the Mississippi River. Learn historical information about St. Louis and its significance during the westward expansion.Swing by the Old Courthouse to see where the Dred Scott case was heard, and consider taking a boat ride along the Mississippi River to see where it connects with the Missouri River. If you’re in town during baseball season, catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.
St. Louis is a fun town filled with both historical significance and modern day fun and activities. Enjoy your time there!
Kansas
Route 66 Distance Across Kansas: 12.8 miles (21 km)
Route 66 passes through the USA state of Kansas but the road is only 12.8 miles long. So your visit to Kansas is short and sweet, and if you don’t stop, you may only be in the state for half an hour or so. The route passes through three towns – Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs. Galena is home to Kan-O-Tex, the gasoline station from Disney’s Cars movie. There is also a bronze marker from 1952 that promotes the Warner Brothers film ‘The Will Rogers Story’. So you could extend your half hour visit by stopping to see a few interesting things or trying a bit of Turkey hunting before moving on to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma
Route 66 Distance Across Oklahoma: 400 miles (644 km)
The Blue Whale of Catoosa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Favourite Spot on Route 66 of Cassie @ Cassiescompass.com
Cheeky Blue Whale of Catoosa
My favorite stop on Route 66 is the Blue Whale of Catoosa. It is located in Catoosa, which is just 10 minutes outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The massive blue whale sits in a pond just off the highway. Its size is truly impressive, especially considering it was handmade by one grandfather for his family. The pond is a great place to cool off on a hot day. There are picnic tables nearby if you want to enjoy a snack. You can also catch and release fish there if you want. My favorite part of the whale is climbing inside and seeing the handiwork and love that went into its creation. There’s just something about the smiling Blue Whale that will also bring a smile to your face. It truly embodies classic Americana. So if you’re looking for a great Route 66 road trip stop, be sure to check out the Blue Whale of Catoosa!
Pops, Arcadia Oklahoma
Favourite Spot on Route 66 of Lisa @ Planning Away
