If you’re itching to get out of your pandemic bubble and take a much-needed vacation, we recommend you have yourself a Route 66 road trip adventure. After all, we’re still allowed to travel within our own country. And what better road to travel than America’s Mother Road, the legendary Route 66. Some things are a bit emptier thanks to the pandemic, but everything is still more or less open and eager for you to swing by. (Like really eager – all the Route 66 shop owners are struggling right now.)
Here are our top 50 recommendations for the best Route 66 stops, attractions, and hidden treats to see along this epic 2,448 mile expedition. Of course, there are well beyond 50 things to see and do on Route 66. Every inch is covered in classic old neon signs, murals, old dilapidated buildings, souvenir shops, beautiful landscapes, etc. So many picture opportunities. And never enough time. You might be overwhelmed. It’s normal. Breathe.
You do not need to see everything on this route. Try to make all the especially cool shit we have listed, but even then don’t panic if you miss something. You’re gonna feel like there are way too many reasons to constantly stop and pull over as you go. And you will miss some stuff.
That’s okay. Just take your time. This road trip takes way longer than you expect it will. So leave yourself plenty of buffer to explore and enjoy.
Stay safe, pay attention to your surroundings, and wear your damn mask… unless you need to remove it to take a killer picture of course.
Illinois
1. “Begin Sign” – Chicago, IL
We drove the westbound route, so we began our road trip at the historic Route 66 Begin Sign on the corner of East Adams St/Jackson Blvd & South Michigan Ave in Chicago. This is the start of your journey. Check your oil. Check your tire pressure. Buckle your seatbelts. And here we go! (Or if you’re driving the eastbound route, simply reverse the order of these recommendations and make this your last stop for a nice sense of closure.)
A short drive on from the Begin Sign you’ll come upon Lulu’s Hot Dogs, a classic and affordable Route 66 food stop that offers hot dogs, chili dogs, bratwurst, burgers, and so much more at deliciously cheap prices. It’s an excellent option to fuel up as you begin (or end) your road trip.
2. Rich & Creamy – Joliet, IL
This little ice cream place got its fame from The Blues Brothers movie where they dance on top. Grab a cone (or cup) and take a little stroll through the park. They have cute old fashioned gas pumps (though you’ll see hundreds more of these along the road trip).
3. Polk-A-Dot Drive In – Braidwood, IL
This classic 50s diner is a fun little joint with lots of cute picture opportunities inside and out with famous icons like Superman, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Betty Boop.
There’s even a telephone booth where you can do your own superhero quick change.
4. Dead Man’s Curve – Towanda, IL
This famous curve in the original Route 66 road has been home to numerous accidents, thanks to its unexpected sharpness and narrow width – just 18 feet wide for two-way traffic. So if you decide to drive this yourself, make sure you go nice and slow so you don’t fall prey to the curve’s name.
There’s also a great walking/biking path that runs alongside with fun and informative signs that’ll tell you more about it. As well as some classic Burma Shave signs. It’s worth a meander.
5. Route 66 Memory Lane & Kelly’s – Lexington, IL
This little nostalgic road is super cute and is an amazing little drive. It’s about a mile or so. Drive it both ways if you have time so you can read all the great Burma Shave ads. Yes, more of them!
Then down the way is Kelly’s restaurant. Whether you’re hungry or not, the street corner outside Kelly’s offers a great photo op with a Route 66 robot 😉
6. Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup Farm – McLean, IL
That isn’t a misspelling, that is how they spell syrup. This syrup farm is an amazing little treasure trove. The syrup they sell is awesome and so cheap and makes for amazing gifts!!!
7. Giant Paul Bunyan Statue – Atlanta, IL
Giant alert! You’ll get this notification countless times in any Route 66 road trip guide. There are so so many larger-than-life sights to see on this trip that you’re gonna grow increasingly underwhelmed. So I refrained from mentioning most of them except the most interesting. This Giant Paul Bunyan statue isn’t by itself that amazing. Sure he’s huge. And holding a huge hot dog, which is a bit puzzling.
But the best part is the beautifully detailed Route 66 map wall mural painted on the side of the building next to him. There are oh so many beautiful Route 66 murals you’ll spot all along this road trip, and this one is just the beginning.
8. Lincoln Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery – Springfield, IL
While this historic attraction isn’t necessarily Route 66-specific, it is an iconic stop for American history. Here lies the final resting place of good old Honest Abe. A much-needed patriotic refresher in the face of our current tumultuous political climate. I bet Lincoln has been turning over in this grave with what’s happened in his beloved country recently.
9. Cozy Dog Drive In – Springfield, IL
This is the home of the “original” corn dog, or so they claim. So if you like fried meats on sticks, you’ll be in heaven here. Why aren’t there more meats on sticks? They’re just so handy and delicious.
10. Route 66 Drive In Theater – Litchfield, IL
If you have time on your trip to pause long enough for a movie, I highly recommend this wonderful little Route 66 drive-in theater. There are actually a few drive-in theaters along Route 66, so you’ll have many opportunities. But wherever you go, it’s an excellent way to catch a classic flick during the pandemic, from the safety and comfort of your own car, and a nice break from all the driving.
We managed to catch a double feature of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Clue. Two of my favorites. And my first ever drive-in movie theater experience!
11. Original Old Route 66 Brick Road – between Auburn & Chatham, IL
This little 1.4 mile stretch is beautiful and so worth it. It’s located on Snell and Curran Rd. Watch closely because it’s easy to miss. We Google mapped it. I recommend you do the same.
12. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch – Staunton, IL
Henry is one of the OG Route 66 folks. Every shop owner we met hereafter seemed to know him and have worked with or for him at one time or another. So this ranch is rich with Route 66 history. In fact, Henry’s son Rich now runs this ranch, which he turned into a rabbit refuge after his daughter’s pet rabbits had way too many babies (like they do).
Stop by and say hi and listen to his many stories of all the rabbits that have come through this property since then… and the graveyard where those since passed now rest.
The place also has its own version of Cadillac Ranch but with VW Rabbits. So clever.
13. Pink Elephant Antique Mall – Livingston, IL
This obscure and magical roadside attraction is just a little 3 mile detour off of Route 66. Lots of cool art, giant sculptures, souvenirs, sweets, and oh so many antique odds and ends.
Missouri
14. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – St. Louis, MO
Ted Drewes is a local favorite and OM-GAWD!!! Such a delicious treat. You gotta try their signature sundaes. We had the strawberry shortcake and the lemon crumb something, and they were amazing. Stop and enjoy!
15. Meramec Caverns – Sullivan, MO
Take the tour through these incredible Meramec caves. Rumor has it this was Jesse James’ hideout. Also an episode of Lassie was filmed here. Just some fun trivia. The tour is enjoyable and culminates in a super cheesy and patriotic light show at the end.
Wear your mask! You might be the only one who does (we were).
16. Mural City – Cuba, MO
Remember I mentioned all the murals you’d find on this route? Well this small “city” packs a whole lot of them in one place. Nearly every building’s got one. It’s really quite beautiful. Take your time here, and lots of detours down side roads to capture them all.
17. World’s 2nd Largest Rocker – Fanning, MO
Photo Op!! Check out the world’s 2nd largest rocking chair, located at the US 66 Outpost. Makes you wonder how big the 1st largest one is. Not much else to say. It’s a giant rocking chair 🤷🏻♀️ Though I do love that it’s located in Fanning. Coz it’s a giant chair where one might rest their giant… well, you get it.
18. City of Uranus, MO
Yup. That’s the actual name of this place. It’s a rather touristy attraction full of lots of silly puns and photo ops. Definitely worth a stop in to explore and share a good laugh.
Make sure you don’t miss the farewell sign as you leave too. It’s a real gem.
19. Munger Moss Motel & Gift Shop – Lebanon, MO
This is a popular stop on Route 66 with vintage rooms and great outdoor photo ops that’s been around since 1946. Just don’t take pictures inside without permission, or they will yell at you. Trust us. We speak from experience.
20. Wild Animal Safari – Strafford, MO
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! This was hands down one of the coolest things we did on this trip. It’s a 5mi self-guided drive-thru safari around a park that stretches for acres and acres of wide open wilderness with a diverse collection of wildlife – ostriches, emus, llamas, zebras, goats, rams, donkeys, deer, steers, pigs, camels, bison, and more – that come right up to your car to say hi. Very convenient and pandemic-friendly.
Pile into one car. Go slow. And make sure you get plenty of food for the animals. We ran out pretty quick. And had way too much fun. It is amazing!
The carnivorous predators were of course kept elsewhere in separate, but sizable caged areas. I’m often skeptical of the captivity in zoos, but this place and its workers definitely struck me as very diligent and passionate about the humane care of their animals.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and absolutely one of my top highlights from this entire road trip. An absolute must not miss, whichever Route 66 safari you choose.
Kansas
21. Field of Dreams – Baxter Springs, KS
This is the actual baseball field used in the Field of Dreams movie. Now a tourist destination. They built it, so you can come enjoy it.
This stop let’s you pop into Kansas, and then pop right back out again.
Oklahoma
22. Dairy King / Allen’s Fillin’ Station – Commerce, OK
Located on Commerce and Main is the last Dairy King (not Queen). Get a special Route 66 cookie, made from scratch. Ask to meet Crazy Legs or he might just drive by in his pickup and say hi. You will know it’s him because you won’t be able to understand him and he can turn his feet backwards. (Fun fact, he inspired the character Mater in the movie Cars.)
Also across the street is a cool gas station that’s sunken into the brick wall. More of those old classic gas pumps.
23. Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park & The Fiddle House – Chelsea, OK
This one’s a bit of a side trip, but worth it. Only 4 miles east of Hwy 66 on Hwy 28A. This large folk art park is an absolute gem. There’s a really cool giant totem pole you can go inside…
There’s also the Fiddle House — which is not, as I’d imagined, a house made out of fiddles. Rather a house filled with 400 handcrafted ones. So still worth seeing. The artist has been a staple of Route 66 for decades. Truly beautiful work.
24. Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili – Claremore, OK
This is THE place to stop for chili-lovers, or if you’re just hungry. It’s the self-proclaimed best little chili house in the west. And I have to agree. We had their award-winning chili and Ron’s special hamburgers. Truly delicious.
25. The Nut House – Claremore, OK
This fantastically nutty shop is an entire world of goodies and gifts that goes well beyond just nuts (though there are a ridiculous amount of nut-based treats too). Prepare to be sucked in for longer than you intended. Then we suggest taking a fun photo escaping the “nut house.”
26. Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, OK
It’s a big ass whale in a little pond. 0.2 mile east of the stoplight at Rice St. Climb up inside and look out one of its eye holes. Just don’t go in the water. Not sure what else is lurking in there.
27. Rock Cafe – Stroud, OK
Sadly this was closed when we went, but it was still worth seeing the crazy assortment of random decor all around the outside and their outdoor patio area.
So don’t skip it. Go see if it’s open and if not, walk around and explore what you can. You’ll still get some fantastic photos.
28. Pops – Arcadia, OK
Zomg this place is incredible! The most amazing colorful collection of global soda pops you’ve ever seen. Over 100 different soda pop flavors.
Also there’s a huge 66 foot tall Soda Pop that lights up and changes colors. Visit later in the day so you can catch this during sunset. It makes for a great picture!
29. Johnnie’s Grill – El Reno, OK
While you’re in Oklahoma, you gotta swing by Johnnie’s Grill and try the local classic onion burger (yes another burger). You’ll be sick of burgers by the end of this road trip, but trust us, all of these burgers are one-of-a-kind treats this trip is known for. So if you’re at all open to red meat, you simply can’t go by without giving these a try.
30. National Route 66 Museum – Elk City, OK
Most of the Route 66 museums were closed when we drove through, thanks to Mr. COVID-19. And most museums aren’t worth stopping at if they aren’t open, except this one located at 3rd and Pioneer in the Old Town Museum Complex.
Because it’s more than just a museum. It’s an entire life-size set of an old historic Route 66 town complete with model Victorian homes, opera house,
an old schoolhouse, a train station and old train,
a mercantile store, trading post, saloon, police station, jail, city hall,
even a mini bridge, and a giant Kachina at the entrance to greet you.
And the best part is it’s outdoors, so it’s both safe and free.
31. Sandhills Curiosity Shop – Erik, OK
This place is seriously a hoarder’s paradise of historic Route 66 memorabilia.
It’s not a shop. Nothing is for sale. But its stock certainly is a thing of marvel that must have taken ages to collect. You gotta respect that level of dedication.
Just a friendly warning, the owner Harley can get a little too friendly. Don’t worry though, he’s harmless. He plays guitar for you and will let you take all the pictures you desire.
Fun fact: This place also was an inspiration for the movie Cars.
Texas
32. U-Drop Inn Café – Shamrock, TX
This is a historic Route 66 cafe fully restored to its loveliness and set up with displays in each booth. It’s rumored to once be a place Elvis loved to visit. Plus there’s a cute little gift shop.
33. Blarney Stone – Shamrock, TX
While you’re in Shamrock, you might as well pop down the street from the U-Drop Inn for a less well-known stop in the Blarney Stone Plaza and give it a good rub for luck. It’s also worth the detour, especially if you have any Irish in you. Or just wish you did. 😉
34. VW Slug Bug Ranch – Panhandle, TX
This amazing installation is a satire on the Cadillac Ranch, but with VW Bugs. So clever. And equally fun to paint.
Just remember to bring your own spray paint with you. (And gloves if you don’t want to get it all over yourself.)
35. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery – Amarillo, TX
Yep, it’s open despite COVID-19 regulations. The restaurant will give you a free meal if you can eat an entire 72oz steak. And the dining room itself is quite massive and overwhelming.
But if you’re not that hungry (and that’s pretty damn hungry), this place is still worth a visit. There are lots of fun things to take pictures of inside and out, including a shooting gallery and other arcade games, big stuffed animals (like taxidermy), and a one heck of a gift shop.
36. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
This is also a tad of a detour off Route 66, but oh so worth it. It’s truly an iconic experience and impressive sight to see. An eccentric billionaire’s collection of Cadillacs shoved vertically into the ground that countless visitors have covered in their own personal artwork.
Again, make sure you don’t forget to bring your own spray paint, or buy some at the nearby store (if it’s open). There is also a nice benefit to visiting during the pandemic: way fewer people to compete with for all your Cadillac climbing and photo-ing time.
37. Midpoint Cafe – Midpoint, TX
Congratulations, you have officially made it to the midpoint of your journey (though it’s really a lot further than that). Take a well-deserved pitstop here to snap some awesome pictures. This place is designed for the ideal photo op. The sign even has a built-in selfie camera stand right there for you.
New Mexico
38. Clines Corner Travel Center – Moriarty, NM
This gigantic travel center is an oasis all its own in the middle of nowhere in Moriarty, New Mexico. You can’t miss it.
It’s been here since 1934 and it has the BIGGEST GIFT SHOP EVER. An oasis of souvenirs. So if you didn’t have enough memorabilia by this point in your journey, you will now.
39. El Rancho Hotel – Gallup, NM
The El Rancho is one gorgeously decorated hotel. Go exploring down the hallways and look at the names on the doors of all the rooms. You could say they’re famous for it. 😉 I’m sure you’ll see a few names you recognize. So take your time exploring inside. This place is definitely worth stopping for.
40. Green Chili Burger – Various Restaurants in NM
Okay so this isn’t technically a stop to go see. And you’re probably sick of burgers by now. But the green chili burger is a must-have tradition in New Mexico. They’re known for it here. And there are tons of places along Route 66 that serve them. Two solid options are Sparky’s and Blake’s, but you really can’t go wrong anywhere in this state. So if you’re up for a little more red meat, I highly recommend this treat.
Arizona
41. Wigwam Village Motel – Holbrook, AZ
Heading into Arizona, you absolutely must stop at this unusual motel for a fantastic photo op spot. Especially if you’re a fan of the movie Cars. You can also book a stay here, though it is a tad pricey. Either way, totally worth a pull over to take some fun pictures. There are nifty old classic cars parked by every teepee dwelling. And some have faces.
42. Jack Rabbit Trading Post – Joseph City, AZ
This place is an absolute must stop. It’s uber duper famous. And uber easy to spot. There’s a giant black and yellow billboard that screams, “Here It Is” to help guide you.
Outside is a giant rabbit you can ride, and inside is a fantastic gift shop with very reasonably priced souvenirs made by local indigenous peoples and artists.
43. Corner in Winslow, AZ
If you’re a big Eagles fan, make sure you take the quick detour to go stand on this famous corner in Winslow, Arizona at Kinsley St and 2nd. Such a fine sight to see. They play Eagles music non-stop and have all the details on display right down to the flatbed Ford truck.
44. Meteor Crater – Winslow, AZ
This place is an incredible stop off of exit 233. It’s a little pricey, like $20 a ticket. But that gets you get a giant crater, a most informative museum, and other neat things to see. Like museums do, it does close a bit early (7pm), but the staff is super nice. We got there at 6:45pm and they let us have till 7:30pm.
45. Williams, AZ
This charming little town is super small, cute, and easy to explore, even in the heat of the summer when we went. It has one continuous road that winds up and back both sides of the main street, so you can drive by both sides of its main sights without having to turn the car around. So convenient!
Though you will likely still want to stop and get out to partake of the abundant souvenir shops and treats they pack in here. Great for a lunch stop, or just some ice cream and shopping.
46. Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Diner – Seligman, AZ
This is perhaps the funkiest, kitchiest cafe we’d ever seen, complete with trick door knobs, wall-to-wall stickers, outlandish decor, condiment puns, an eclectic patio, and silly backyard area. Ask to buy your Route 66 dollar or “Mother Bucks” here, which are souvenir bills for those who travel Route 66. And the staff will really ham it up if you ask for it too!
The best part about this place is that every inch, inside and out, is covered in stickers from past Route 66 travelers. We added our mark with a Black Lives Matter sticker to honor the issues of our current times and to remind us that trips like this are fun, but life is about much more than just ourselves.
47. Cool Springs Gas Station – Golden Valley, AZ
The museum and gift shop here has one of the very best spots for a photo op with a big Route 66 stencil painted on the road, and very little traffic to run you over while you’re posing in the middle of the road. Just be courteous to the shop owners. They don’t love folks stopping for the photo op and not coming into their shop. Understandable. Besides, the shop is chock full of cool Route 66 souvenirs and historic memorabilia, and the owners themselves are super knowledgeable about all sorts of fun trivia, including how this spot was filmed for the Van Damme movie Universal Soldier. And inspired the town of Radiator Springs in the movie Cars. So it’s definitely worth stepping inside.
48. Oatman, AZ
Oatman is such an awesome little Route 66 ghost town now run over by wild donkeys (burros) who will follow you around town hoping to be fed.
You can buy feed in several of the shops, all of which have hilarious donkey pun names like Saving Your Ass, a shop owned by the same folks who run the Cool Springs Gas Station above. They’ve got lots of great souvenirs, burro food, and a huge cactus growing through the middle of the shop. Cactus Joe. You bet your ass.
California
49. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – Oro Grande, CA
This is a one-of-a-kind sight to see. A forest of over 200 metal pipe “trees” covered in empty bottles of all sizes and colors created by scrap material artist Elmer Long.
It’s a magical fairyland of colored glass and old road signs. Totally worth it! Sadly Elmer is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in those bottles. Plus the guy who runs it now is super hot. So there’s that too. 😉
50. Rte 66 End Sign – Santa Monica Pier, CA
What would a journey be without an end? This pier is home to a couple End of Route 66 signs. Lots of opportunities to show off the completion of your road trip. Pat yourself on the back. Give yourself a high five. You did it!
