One of the world´s most celebrated travel routes - a highway stretching approximately 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) across eight Midwestern and Western states of the USA which became an enduring symbol of freedom, adventure, and the open road - marks its centennial on November 11. It´s being marked by festivals, classic-car rallies, exhibitions, preservation projects, and community celebrations throughout all eight states. The National Route 66 Centennial Commission has coordinated a year-long program of events, while individual communities have hosted their own commemorations of the highway that helped shape modern travel in the United States.
Every Route 66 journey begins in Chicago. Near downtown, travelers can find the famous "Begin Route 66" sign (top) before setting out westward. The city itself is of course a trove of renowned architecture, museums, music scene, and culinary traditions. At the other end, the famous Santa Monica Pier offers amusement rides, restaurants, street performers, and gorgeous nearby beaches (not to mention proximity to to the wider Los Angeles region, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, and countless other attractions). In between, there are dozens of big cities, small towns, and other destinations of all types well worth your time to visit. But here´s what I think are the "big five":
St. Louis, Missouri
Some 300 miles south of Chicago (some 4½ hours without stopping, though trust me, you won't want to miss out on at least some of these nearly three dozen cool places to catch along the way), the "gateway to the American West" is one of the biggest (pop. 302,000) and most prominent cities on Route 66. Its downtown is dominated by the iconic Gateway Arch, rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River, and visitors can ride to the top for panoramic views. Other fantastic options include cruises along the Mississipi, exploring the rich blues heritage as well as more than three dozen museums and historical sites; and enjoying some of the Midwest's best barbecue.
From St. Louis, the road takes you roughly 395 miles (roughly six hours without significant stops, but there´s plenty to see and experience in between) to this state´s second largest city (pop. around 419,000), which is also one of the cities most closely associated with the highway's legacy - in fact, it touts itself as "The Capital of Route 66." Tulsa has accordingly invested heavily in preserving its Mother Road heritage, promoting various sites including its iconic neon signs, the Route 66 Historical Village (above) and Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, honoring the businesman often called the "Father of Route 66" because of his role in creating it as a member of the Joint Board of Interstate Highways. Tulsa is also known for its impressive Art Deco architecture, vibrant arts districts, and lively music scene.
Some 365 miles west of Tulsa (just over five hours if you don´t mind missing these fascinating stops along the way), the route enters the wide-open landscapes of the Texas Panhandle (the squarish bit that juts out of the north of the state), this city of 206,000 is perhaps best known for Cadillac Ranch, the whimsical, 52-year-old public-art installation featuring half-buried vintage Caddies protruding from the ground, just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Visitors can also explore the city's historic Route 66 Historic District; browse antique shops; and experience a classic slice of roadside Americana. Few places capture the quirky spirit of the Mother Road quite as effectively.
Continuing practically due west another 290 miles (four hours, unless of course you stop at these places along the way, which I highly encourage) brings road trippers to the largest city (pop. 557,000) in the state that bills itself as "The Land of Enchantment," and here Route 66 follows Central Avenue through the heart of the city. Albuquerque features a fascinating blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. Visitors can stroll through the adobe-lined streets of Old Town; learn about First Nations cultures at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; and ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for sweeping views of the surrounding desert and mountains. The city´s also known for its distinctive cuisine, featuring New Mexico's beloved red and green chile peppers.
About 325 miles (five hours) west of Albuquerque (check out the highlights in between here), here the vibe switches from mid-size city to small town. Plus with around 3,500 residents, Williams is one of the best preserved on the Route 66 towns, and it definitely leans into its Mother Road heritage, with a historic downtown still lined with neon signs, vintage diners, "motor lodges," and souvenir shops that evoke the golden age of automobile travel, and walking tours are available. It´s also home to the historic Grand Canyon Railway, which carries passengers on scenic excursions to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, two hours and 15 minutes away. During summer evenings, classic cars often cruise the streets, reinforcing the town's nostalgic atmosphere. And then from Williams, the final leg of the journey covers some 460 miles to Santa Monica (6½ to seven hours, give or take; for the top destinations in between, click here).
And Plenty of Others
There are a good 20 to 40 other very worthwhile destinations along the way, including Springfield, Missouri; Oklahoma City; of course Santa Fe (which although not on the Route's final alignment, was part of the original Route 66 and remains one of the most rewarding detours for travelers); Arizona destinations including Flagstaff, Seligman, Kingman, and Petrified Forest National Park, and Meteor Crater; the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma; and Missouri´s Meramec Caverns. Plus much of the route's appeal lies not only in its major destinations but also in its diners, motor courts, neon signs, trading posts, and roadside curiosities.
And by the way, keep in mind that driving the entire route is not always the romantic experience portrayed in brochures and pop culture. Some sections are vibrant and lovingly preserved, but plenty of others pass through declining towns, abandoned service stations, shuttered motels, industrial districts, and long, lonely stretches of prairie or desert. The construction of the Interstate Highway System diverted traffic away from many Route 66 communities, leaving some places struggling to adapt. But some might say that those quieter and sometimes melancholy stretches form part of the route's enduring appeal. Route 66 is more than a highway; it´s a living historical landscape that reflects both this country´s triumphs and its transformations, telling stories of migration, prosperity, mobility, decline, and renewal.
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