Nat King Cole famously crooned in his 1946 hit song: "It winds from Chicago to LA. More than two thousand miles all the way ..." Yes, Route 66 — dubbed the "Mother Road" by John Steinbeck in his novel "Grapes of Wrath" — is so quintessentially American that it has become a permanent part of our cultural memory.
Also referred to as the Main Street of America, Route 66 originated in 1926 as one of the first highways in the U.S. Highway System. Spanning eight states — Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California — it funneled travelers west as the age of the automobile unfolded, providing a vital economic and social link between the West and Midwest.
Down through the years, modern interstate highways began replacing the old two-lane blacktop and, sadly, Route 66 was officially decertified in 1985.
Surviving segments of the original route in Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona have been designated an All-American Road under the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Scenic Byway program. Today, more than a million people annually cruise Historic Route 66 in search of roadside Americana.
Route 66 is not indicated on current road maps, so you'd best go online to a website such as historic66.com to obtain a detailed map, guide or app before hitting the road.
Image: historic66.com
If you go, here are some of the weird, wonderful and one-of-a-kind attractions you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Lou Mitchell's Restaurant, Chicago, Illinois: Begin your journey by fueling up on Uncle Lou's fresh doughnut holes and coffee at this legendary 1923 Jackson Boulevard eatery that's often cited as the starting point for the original Route 66.
Cozy Dog Drive-in, Springfield, Illinois: This historic drive-in, established in 1949, is home to the original hot dog on a stick. The "Cozy Dog," made with a secret batter recipe, is still being served today.
Chain of Rocks Bridge, St. Louis, Missouri: Spanning the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis, this unique bridge features a 22-degree bend. Built in 1929, it was closed for repairs in 1970 and never reopened to auto traffic. It does remain open for pedestrian and bike use and is said to be the world's longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed for repairs in 1970 and never reopened to auto traffic.
4 Women on the Route, Galena, Kansas: What was once a busy Kan-O-Tex filling station in this former lead-mining town is now a popular diner where you can grab a bite in the service bay-turned-dining-area.
Will Rogers Memorial Museum & Birthplace, Claremore, Oklahoma: Among its many monikers, Route 66 is sometimes referred to as the Will Rogers Highway, named after the famed Oklahoma humorist, actor and newspaper columnist. A magnificent museum of native limestone overlooks Claremore, honoring Rogers — and a scenic drive leads to his birthplace, nestled on a 400-acre ranch.
The Round Barn, Arcadia, Oklahoma: One of the most photographed structures on all of Route 66, Arcadia's famous 1898 round barn was the brainchild of farmer William H. Odor, who soaked green lumber in water, then shaped the rafters to form the curve of the roof. Members of a local historical society restored the barn in the 1980s.
U-Drop Inn, Shamrock, Texas: Also known as the Tower Conoco Station, this 1930s combo cafe and filling station is a neon-laced art deco masterpiece, and one of the classic Route 66 pit stops. Beautifully and authentically restored in 2004, it now serves as Shamrock's visitor center.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas: Another iconic Route 66 landmark, this "carscape" — featuring 10 vintage Cadillacs buried nose-down in concrete — was created by rancher and art collector Stanley Marsh in 1974 to honor America's love for the open road. Today, the cars are rusted and covered in graffiti but remain a popular attraction.
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico: The Blue Swallow — known as "The Friendliest Hotel on Route 66" — has been welcoming sleepy drivers with its flashy neon lighting since 1939. Restored as original in the motor court style of the era, complete with detached garages, the Blue Swallow continues to operate today.
The Blue Swallow Motel is known as "The Friendliest Hotel on Route 66."
Route 66 Malt Shop, Albuquerque, New Mexico: Enjoy a malt and one of New Mexico's famous green chile cheeseburgers while punching up free tunes on a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox at this retro Route 66 eatery.
Stewart’s Petrified Wood, Holbrook, Arizona: This quirky little curio shop rates as one of the more eye-catching attractions along Route 66. Standing out front are several giant dinosaur statues with mannequins in their mouths. Situated in the Painted Desert near Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park — the only place Route 66 passes through a national park — where you can visit archaeological sites and marvel at the remains of ancient petrified trees.
Seligman, Arizona: When this little Route 66 town (population 445) in the proverbial middle of nowhere was bypassed by I-40 in 1978, it refused to fade away, dedicating itself to preserving and promoting its Route 66 heritage. Evidence of the Mother Road can be seen everywhere along Main Street, including the Snow Cap Drive-In, famous for its "cheeseburgers with cheese," the old Aztec and Supai motels, 66 Road Kill Steak House, and a whimsical assortment of Route 66 themed shops.
The Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, Arizona, is famous for its "cheeseburgers with cheese."
Wigwam Motel, San Bernardino, California: This motel, with its 30-foot-tall teepees, is a great example of the fanciful tourist attractions designed to lure Route 66 travelers. Built in 1949, Wigwam's 19 venerable wood frame and stucco teepees continue to attract tourists — and lodgers — from all over the world.
Santa Monica Pier, California: Route 66 underwent numerous realignments during its lifetime, and one of them, in 1978, moved its California terminus westward from downtown Santa Monica to the city's landmark 1909 pier. A sign at the pier declares "Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail." Home to Pacific Park, a full-scale amusement park, Santa Monica Pier is the perfect place to wrap up a Route 66 adventure.
