route 66 sign

Route 66 Neon Sign: Iconic Symbol of American Road Trip History

By James JonesDecember 4, 2025

The Foamhenge on U.S. Route 66, near St. Louis, Missouri, is a perfect example of the iconic Route 66 sign

The "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" sign, often shown as the quintessential Route 66 sign, emphasizes the road's cultural significance

The History of the Route 66 Sign

When the U.S. Highway 66 was first created in 1926, its popularity was initially boosted by a roadside sign that simply read, "66," stenciled in red with a white background

a red white and blue sign that says route 66

an old rusted route 66 sign with the word route us in black and white

However, it was the release of Bobby Troupe's song, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," in 1946 that cemented the sign's place in American culture

The Song's Influence

The chorus of the song, "If you ever plan to motor west, just take my way, that's the highway that's the best, get your kicks on Route 66," immortalized the highway and its sign in popular culture

the mother road - Click to view on Ko-fi

Until this point, the Route 66 sign was relatively simple and understated, but the song propelled it into the limelight, inspiring more ornate and iconic signs

Evolution of the Sign's Design

As Route 66 gained popularity, its signs started to take on various colors, styles, and designs. Some signs incorporated Native American symbols, while others used giant 66 numerals in neon lights

Perhaps the most famous design is the iconic red, white, and blue sign featuring large, bold "Route 66" lettering. This design was popularized in the mid-20th century and has since become synonymous with the Mother Road

an old fashioned route 66 sign is hanging on the wall in front of a white background

the sign for route 66 last chance gas and oil is displayed in front of a white background

the route 66 sign is painted on an empty road in monument national park, utah

Vintage Route 66 Sign Poster - American Flag Wall Art - USA Highway

a black and white photo of a route 66 sign

Route 66: The Great Big Road Trip Companion

Iconic Route 66 Signs Today

Despite U.S. 66 being officially decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985, the Route 66 sign continues to be an iconic symbol of American culture

Verities like the one in Ambler's Rest, Arizona, attract thousands of visitors annually. Other notable signs include the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and the WigWam Village Inn's sign in Kentucky

The Route 66 Sign in Popular Culture

The Route 66 sign has been featured extensively in popular culture, from TV shows like "Route 66" and "The Outsiders" to movies like "Cars" and "The Grapes of Wrath"

an old rusted route 66 sign with the word route 66 on it

It serves as a lustrous historical marker that kindles nostalgia and excitement for road trips, adventure, and the open road

The Future of Route 66 Signs

The National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program aims to preserve the original Route 66 signs and their authenticity

The preservation efforts, coupled with the road's enduring cultural significance, ensure that the Route 66 sign remains an eternal symbol of American history and spirit

So, whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or simply enjoy exploring American history, keep an eye out for the iconic Route 66 sign. It's more than just a mile marker—it's a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the timeless allure of the open road.