Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, the Mother Road, Route 66, is a nostalgic trip back in time on America’s most famous highway. Along the way, Route 66 passes through eight states filled with old-school diners, classic motels, roadside attractions, and natural wonders that capture the vintage character of this historic byway.
Kitschy Sights of Illinois
The journey kicks off in Illinois, where you’ll find delightful old gas stations, cafes, and endless cornfields. Roadside attractions include:
- Gemini Giant in Wilmington – 30ft tall spaceman holding a rocket.
- Ambler’s Texaco Station in Dwight – restored 1930s gas station with vintage cars.
- Polk-A-Dot Drive In in Braidwood – 1950s drive-in restaurant with poodle-skirted servers.
- Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta – servers carry out old-fashioned cheeseburgers and milkshakes by roller skates.
Quirky Stops in Missouri
Missouri brings endless retro finds like:
Route 66 State Park
- Exploring the 1920s era Cars on the Route car museum.
Devil’s Elbow
- Driving over the historic one-lane Pulaski Bridge.
Uranus
- Laughing at the punny name at the famed Uranus Fudge Factory.
Meramec Caverns
- Touring the gigantic underground caverns off Route 66.
Wacky Sights in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has its share of peculiar roadside oddities, including:
- The Blue Whale – Giant whale structure you can walk inside.
- Totem Pole Park – Recycled totem poles and concrete sculptures.
- The Round Barn – 1898 barn shaped like a cylinder rather than a rectangle.
- Pops – Futuristic gas station shaped like an oil derrick, with over 700 soda flavors.
Nostalgic Pit Stops in Texas
Texas delivers classic Americana like:
Midpoint Cafe
- The official midpoint of Route 66 in Adrian.
Cadillac Ranch
- 10 colorful graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.
Big Texan Steakhouse
- Home of the giant 72oz steak challenge since 1960.
Blue Swallow Motel
- Adorable turquoise and pink-hued motel with Route 66 vibe.
Googie Architecture of New Mexico
The funky buildings of New Mexico include:
- Tee Pee Curios – Giant teepee souvenir shop.
- The Downtowner Motel – Classic neon-lit motel with roadrunner sign.
- Blue Hole – Circular swimming hole just off the Mother Road.
- Clines Corners – Curio shop inside a cafe shaped like a steam locomotive.
Vintage Finds of Arizona & California
Fun stops in Arizona and California include:
- Wigwam Motel in Holbrook AZ – Concrete teepees you can sleep in!
- Roy’s Motel in Amboy CA – 1950s motel with neon signs and a gas station.
- Cucamonga Service Station – Old timey ghost town service station.
- Santa Monica Pier – The official end of Route 66 on the Pacific Coast.
Conclusion
A drive down the Mother Road is a journey through the best of 20th century Americana. From its neon-lit diners to quirky roadside attractions, Route 66 embodies vintage American nostalgia. So grab your shades and a road trip playlist for the ultimate time warp adventure down this historic highway.
