Exploring the Fascinating Sights of the Historic Route 66 Road Trip

Introduction

Welcome to the second in a series taking a look at great American Road Trips. The first in the series A Guide To Great USA Road Trips sets out a number of long distance routes that criss-cross the USA touching on the Amercian love affair with the car and a way to see the beauty of continental USA.

Route 66 stretches 2,451 miles starting in the windy city, Chicago ending on the Pacific coast Santa Monica, California. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America and a must-see for anyone traveling across the United States. This iconic highway, also known as Main Street America, takes you through many great places and attractions along the way. From small towns steeped in Americana, to big cities and natural wonders, Route 66 has something for everyone. Here are some of the greatest places to visit along this iconic highway: -

Chicago is the starting point for anyone embarking on a Route 66 road trip. This vibrant city offers amazing art galleries, world-famous baseball parks, historic landmarks and delicious cuisine. From here, it’s east towards Springfield where you can check out Abraham Lincoln’s home or sample some of Illinois’s famous horseshoe sandwiches. In St. Louis, see the Gateway Arch and visit Missouri’s wine country before heading down to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tulsa’s art deco architecture is sure to please any sightseer while its music scene will keep your feet tapping all night long.

Next up is Texas! Amarillo is known as “The Big Texan" and it’s here that you can check out classic cars at Cadillac Ranch or take a wild ride at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. If you make it into New Mexico then Be sure not to miss Albuquerque with its captivating hot air balloons rides and traditional Hispanic culture before making your way toward Arizona.

In Arizona you should make time to explore Grand Canyon National Park – its immense size will leave you breathless – as well as Flagstaff which offers beautiful hiking trails around Mount Humphrey's peak before finally arriving in California via Old Town San Diego or Hollywood's Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. Every place on Route 66 has something unique to offer so be sure not to miss any one stop during your journey!

Introduction to Route 66 – History and Description

Route 66 is an iconic part of American culture, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles for over two thousand miles and tracing the history of the nation’s development throughout the 20th century. It was one of the earliest highways in the country, first getting its start as a government-funded project in 1926. Throughout its history, it has been celebrated for its connection to the lives of everyday Americans and for its cultural significance to many who have traveled its roads.

The history and stories of Route 66 are deeply intertwined with American life and culture. Its original purpose was as a federal highway project that connected small towns across the Midwest and Southwest together with larger cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff and Los Angeles. As time went on it became known less as a functional infrastructure piece but more as a symbol of America’s spirit of adventure—it began to represent freedom, adventure, hope and community among travelers who made their way along it. Many songs written about Route 66 featured lyrics that talked about all the places you could go if you took this path—from small town diners to roadside cafes and neon signs—all symbolic reminders of Americana hidden away in these tiny communities along the road.

One thing that really makes Route 66 stand out is all the great places you can visit along it. From quirky museums to unique roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Texas or The World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Missouri, there are countless stops you can make on your journey that will give you insight into what life used to be like in different parts of America before interstate highways took over. There are also plenty of great food options available everywhere from classic diners like Lou Mitchell's Restaurant in Chicago or Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo to local favorites like Grandma Ethell's restaurant in Flagstaff or La Perla Mexican Cuisine in Albuquerque. No matter where you stop along this route, there is something interesting waiting around every corner!

Popular Attractions Along the Route

Exploring Route 66 is an iconic experience for many travelers. This legendary highway, spanning across the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles, is full of exciting places to visit, wonderful attractions, and unique experiences. As you journey along this route, prepare to be wowed by the amazing sights and activities that await you.

One of the most well-known stops along Route 66 is the Grand Canyon. From its awe-inspiring vistas and sheer size to its array of outdoor activities and educational opportunities, it’s easy to see why this spot has become such a classic tourist destination. Whether you take a scenic tour along the rim or go on a daring whitewater rafting adventure inside one of the canyon’s ravines, there will be plenty of memories made here.

Another great sightseeing stop on Route 66 is Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Here visitors can wander among fossilized trees that were buried under volcanic ash before being unearthed again over time. This park also offers plenty of hiking trails through stunning landscapes and colorful rock walls—as well as some impressive wildlife viewing opportunities for those who wish to explore further into this magical landscape.

In Oklahoma City, travelers can pay a visit to one of the most iconic structures in all of America: The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This museum honors those who lost their lives in the 1995 bombing attack on the city’s Alfred P Murrah Federal Building, with a memorial sculpture garden containing 168 empty chairs—one for each person killed as a result of this tragedy—and interactive exhibits about courage and resilience in times of crisis.

From California’s kitschy roadside attractions like Hackberry General Store to Texas’s Cadillac Ranch art installation, there are countless places worth visiting along Route 66 that combine culture, history and entertainment into an unforgettable experience. So if you’re looking for an exciting road trip adventure that will take you back through time while exploring spectacular landscapes and sites then look no further than historic Route 66!

Unique Experiences Found on Route 66

Route 66 has been known as the “Main Street of America” since 1926, and its winding journey from Illinois to California continues to captivate travelers today. Along the way, it takes you through cities and towns large and small, each offering its own unique experiences. From the retro diners in St. Louis to the breathtaking landscapes of New Mexico, there’s something for everyone on Route 66.

Start your trip off with a taste of classic Americana at one of the many vintage roadside attractions that dot the route. Stop by the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, where you can take a photo with this massive statue or go fishing on their lake-side property. Ride in style at Cadillac Ranch in Texas and marvel at this quirky ten-car monument that pays tribute to tail finned cars from 1949 - 1963. In Arizona, make sure to grab a bite to eat at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo where the notorious 72oz steak challenge awaits!

No visit along Route 66 is complete without taking in some stunning scenery. From Seligman’s rolling hills of Arizona, to Victorville’s Mojave Desert vista and then over into Needles for some desert wildflowers – this epic drive will be full of surprises around every corner! If you’re looking for a more leisurely excursion down memory lane then why not plan a museum stop? Make sure you check out Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or even take a tour through Laughlin's classic neon signs museum – both located right off Route 66.

Wherever you decide to stop along Route 66, no two experiences will be quite alike as each city offers its own unique charm along this famous highway. Whether it’s taking photos with unforgettable roadside attractions or experiencing cultural gems like local museums – an adventure down this classic American road will be filled with memories that last a lifetime!