Route 66 Travel Guide: Your Ultimate Adventure Awaits

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Route 66, the legendary highway that captures the spirit of America's past. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, this iconic road trip takes you through eight states, each offering its unique blend of culture, history, and natural wonder.

Route 66, often called the "Main Street of America," was established in 1926. It played a critical role in the development of the United States during the 20th century, connecting major cities and opening up the West to motorized travel. Today, it's a bucket list destination for road trippers, drawstrings, and history enthusiasts alike.

Understanding Route 66

Before you embark on your journey, it's essential to understand what Route 66 is and what to expect. This historic route isn't like today's interstate highways. It's a winding, sometimes challenging, road that takes you through small towns, over mountains, and across deserts.

Route 66 is also a living, breathing phenomenon. The road has seen its ups and downs, facing tlffication from the government and the rise of the interstate highway system. Yet, due to the efforts of preservation groups and enthusiasts, much of the historic route remains intact, offering a glimpse into America's automotive history.

Historic Significance

Route 66 was the first highway designated under the U.S. Highway System. It marked the beginning of a new era in American travel, allowing families to explore the country in their automobiles. During the Great Depression and World War II, the road played a critical role in bringing people west, offering new opportunities and a chance to start over.

The Mother Road, as it's also known, followed the paths of earlier trails like the Santa Fe and the Butterfield Stagecoach Route. It crossed the Redlands of Illinois, the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, the vast plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, and the mountains of California. Each section offers a unique perspective on American history and culture.

Route 66 Today

In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. highway, but its spirit lives on. In 2000, the Route 66 Preservation Act was signed into law, paving the way for the protection of the historic route. Efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve iconic landmarks, such as the Wigwam Village Motel in Arizona and the Madonna of the Trail statues across six states.

Today, Route 66 is not just a historical artifact. It's a living, breathing experience that draws millions of visitors each year. You can still see the ghosts ofelsking services, diners, and motels that lined the road in its heyday. These places tell the story of America's love affair with the open road and the pursuit of adventure.

Exploring Route 66

Embarking on a Route 66 road trip is about more than just driving from point A to point B. It's about immersing yourself in the history, culture, and landscapes of each city, town, and attraction along the way. Here are some highlights to consider:

1. Chicago, Illinois: Start your journey in the Windy City, where Route 66 begins at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the Cloud Gate, or "The Bean," before hitting the open road.

Historic Landmarks

2. Meramec Caverns, Missouri: Known as "America's Cave," these stunning caverns have been guiding explorers for over 400 million years. The Assay Office at the entrance is registered as an official Route 66 Historic Site.

3. Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma: This iconic Route 66 landmark is a 20-foot-tall blue whale located in an aquatic park along the highway. It was built by local teacher Hugh Davis as a surprise for his wife's 40th birthday and has become a symbol of the road's spirit of generosity and romance.

Scenic Drives

4. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: This vast landscape of colorful rock formations is a striking reminder of the natural beauty that awaits along Route 66. The park offers a unique driving experience, with scenic pullouts and viewpoints revealing stunning vistas.

5. Mojave Desert, California: The final stretch of Route 66 takes you through the Mojave Desert, where cacti and Joshua trees dot the landscape. The desert leads you to the final destination, the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, where the historic route officially ends.

Embarking on a Route 66 road trip is more than just a journey; it's an experience that intertwines history, culture, and adventure. So grab your map, start your engine, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Before you go, be sure to check out the latest edition of Route 66: The Official Guide to America's Most Famous Highway by Phil Hall. This comprehensive guide offers insider knowledge, must-see attractions, and tips for planning your perfect Route 66 adventure.