Legendary Route 66

Every Route 66 adventure begins in Chicago, where history and modern energy meet. Known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, the city offers multiple ways to experience its impressive skyline. Begin your city exploration with the Chicago Architecture Center’s River cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady for an interesting, narrated tour of the buildings along the way.

Take your pick from one of the many museums in the city, stroll down the iconic shopping district of The Magnificent Mile 360 or wander through Millenium Park and see ‘The Bean’ for a reflective view of the city skyline. For an elevated jaw-dropping view, Skydeck Chicago and 360 CHICAGO observation decks offer day and night-time timed visits. 

There will be plenty of dining choices in the city, including the popular Italian beef sandwich and the classic Chicago pizza!

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Distance: 318km (198miles)

After collecting your RV, start your Route 66 adventure with a visit to the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. Continue on to Pontiac to see the famous murals that depict the history of the region, as well as the largest painted Route 66 shield in the U.S.A, which adorns the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, the perfect backdrop for a photograph.

Onto Springfield, Illinois, state capital and the home of Abraham Lincoln between 1844-1861. Not surprisingly, the city is dotted with sites dedicated to his memory. Tour the Old State Capitol or the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to learn more about one of the most iconic figures in U.S history. 

For a taste of Route 66, head to Springfield’s iconic Cozy Dog Drive-In, home of the corn dog since 1949. The diner is a local institution and full of Route 66 memorabilia.  For another authentic experience, head for the Route 66 Drive-In movie theatre and watch the latest blockbuster from your motorhome! 

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Distance: 158km (98miles)

On today’s route, journey underground at the Meramec Caverns to view astounding formations with a zip line or a riverboat tour. 

In the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis combines classic American charm with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Begin your visit with the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge which is open to pedestrians. Next stop is the Gateway Arch National Park where you can catch a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch for stunning city views. 

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Distance: 350km (216miles)

Nestled in the beautiful Ozarks, Springfield offers a vibrant culture and outdoor activities. Dive deeper into the road’s history by checking out exhibits at the History Museum on the Square and classic cars at the Route 66 Car Museum. Known for its foodie culture, Springfield offers plenty of delicious options, including Druff’s fun eatery and the traditional diner of College Street café.

Distance: 309km (192miles)

Drive through three U.S. states today by travelling via Galena and Baxter Springs in the south-eastern part of Kansas. The shortest but perhaps the most-signed part of Route 66 is 13.2 miles, where you can stop to visit the Galena Mining and Historical Museum.

Once known as the “oil capital of the world”, Tulsa boasts an impressive amount of art deco architecture. Uncover the city’s history through murals and landmarks such as the Golden Driller at Expo Square or the Black Wall Street Mural in the Historic Greenwood District. 

Music lovers of all ages will enjoy checking out the historic Cain’s Ballroom, Woody Guthrie Center, Bob Dylan Center and Church Studio. 

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Distance: 170km (106miles)

Along the way to Oklahoma, make a stop at the Rock Café in Stroud, which was originally built during the Dust Bowl era of the Great Depression using the local stone. 

Known as the “Horse Show Capital of the World”, Oklahoma City is a big Midwestern city but feels more like a western cowboy town. Watch live cattle auctions at the Stockyards City auction house, and if you want to dress the part, pick up some western attire at Langston's Western Wear or at Little Joe's Boots.

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Distance: 415km (258miles)

Oklahoma State boasts the longest stretch of Route 66, and the National Route 66 Museum at Elk City is worth a visit. 

Cross the border into Texas, the Lone Star State. Overnight in Amarillo for a wander through the downtown historic district with its vintage shops, wild west stores and arts galleries, and dine at Amarillo’s oldest restaurant, the GoldenLight Café. 

Worthy of a detour is the nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, USA’s second-largest canyon, which can be explored on foot, horseback or with a jeep tour.

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Distance: 183km (114miles)

A must-see before leaving Texas is the quirky Cadillac Ranch art installation and sculpture created in 1974. Continue on to Adrian, the official halfway mark of Route 66 where there are a Midpoint Café and Gift Shop. 

As you cross the border into New Mexico, you will see the ghost town of Glenrio, which became a casualty when Route 66 was replaced by the interstate. The classic Route 66 town of Tucumcari is lined with neon signs, restored vintage motels and has almost one hundred murals to discover using the town’s mural map checklist!

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Distance: 373km (232miles)

Travel via one of the oldest and highest elevation cities in the U.S, Santa Fe, located in the Rocky Mountains. Its colourful open-air marketplaces and ancient buildings makes it an enjoyable place to wander through. 

Albuquerque is home to the longest urban stretch of Route 66 and is brimming with nostalgia. Stroll through Old Town’s narrow streets and old adobe (mud brick) homes for authentic New Mexican eateries and local artisans selling jewellery, rugs and pottery. 

Take to the sky for views over the city on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which climbs over 10,000 feet into the Sandia Mountains. Learn about the history of the city at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Museum or about snakes at the American International Rattlesnake Museum! 

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Distance: 222km (138miles)

Continue west and take some time to visit the Sky City Cultural Centre, which serves as the gateway to the 13th-century Pueblo of Acoma, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. 

Gallup is the commercial hub of the nearby Navajo reservation and the self-proclaimed Capital of Indian Country, where Route 66 serves as its Main Street. There are dozens of unique murals inspired by regional cultures which can be explored downtown. Experience authentic traditional dances performed by different tribes using drum, flute and rattle instruments.

With over one thousand Native America Artisans in the area, there is a plethora of arts and crafts to buy including turquoise jewellery, paintings, pottery rugs and blankets. 

Distance: 298km (185miles)

Travel onto your next state, Arizona, where you can visit the Petrified Forest National Park and witness a colourful landscape made up of petrified logs. Continue on to Meteor Crater to see the impact site of a 150-foot-wide meteorite, which landed 50,000 years ago.

A charming, historic town, Flagstaff has plenty to occupy your time here. Embark on a self-guided walk, follow the Brewery Trail or take advantage of the International Dark Sky Reserve at the Lowell Observatory in the open-air heated seats.

Take the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, which is an eighty-mile drive away.

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Distance: 238km (148miles)

Once a Mohave Desert outpost, Kingman is now a vibrant city which can be explored with a self-guided walking tour. Its downtown district boasts over forty buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Visitor Center was the original power plant, the Kingman Powerhouse, which now houses the Arizona Route 66 Museum. 

As a gateway to the lesser-visited Grand Canyon West, seventy miles north of Kingman, a popular trip is to the Skywalk bridge, which hovers over the canyon’s rim.

Distance: 172km (107miles)

On your way to the bright lights of Vegas, include a stop at Seligman’s quirky Roadkill Café and the Route 66 General Store for memorabilia.

At the intersection of Arizona and Nevada lies Lake Mead reservoir and the impressive Hoover Dam, the second-tallest dam in the U.S, which can be walked across. A short drive onto Las Vegas for an overnight stay to witness the dazzling water fountain displays, themed hotels and art murals. Take time to check whether a show is on beforehand to pre-book tickets. 

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Distance: 254km (158miles)

Today is the penultimate day of the infamous road trip through the Mojave Desert and mountains. Barstow’s ‘Main Street’ is taken from the early nickname of Route 66’s “the Main Street of America”. Located in the historic Harvey House is the Mother Road Museum, which showcases exhibits of the route’s significance in transportation in the U.S.

Distance: 240km (150miles)

The final leg in the RV towards the Pacific Coast! Complete your adventure with a picture under the Route 66 sign at the official end of the route on Santa Monica Pier. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay near the beach. 

A classic California seaside town, Santa Monica offers the perfect spot to relax and rewind after travelling the epic and classic journey from Chicago.