THE MOST COMPLETE LISTING OF THE TOP ROUTE 66 ATTRACTIONS!
THE TOP ROUTE 66 ATTRACTIONS:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AND THE BEGINNING OF HISTORIC ROUTE 66:
In Chicago, the City of Big Shoulders, a Historic Route 66 Loop consists of W Jackson Blvd, eastbound one-way, and W Adams St, westbound one-way. The Historic Route 66 "Begin" Signpost is located at S Michigan Ave and W Adams St across from the Art Institute of Chicago. The historic 1898 Berghoff German Restaurant at 17 W Adams St, is known for obtaining the first ever liquor license when prohibition was lifted and has a most wonderful vintage neon sign. The Skydeck Chicago is located atop the Willis Tower (old Sears Tower) located at 233 S Wacker Dr, between W Adams St and W Jackson Blvd, where you can rocket up to the 103rd floor and enjoy spectacular views of city's vast skyline. The 1846 St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at 700 W Adams St was one of only two historic buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. On the eastbound loop, Lou Mitchell's Restaurant at 565 W Jackson Blvd, has been a true Route 66 staple near the 1926 start of Route 66 at S Lakeshore Dr and W Jackson Blvd. Historic Grant Park is located at W Jackson Blvd and S Michigan Ave, to the southeast and encompasses 10 full city blocks!
THE LAUNCHING PAD & GEMINI GIANT:**
After leaving Chicago and suburbs, and after sevaral miles of rural "Land of Lincoln" Route 66, you will enter the sleepy little town of Wilmington and immediately be greeted by a 28 foot tall Spaceman with silver helmet and dark green suit!! You have reached the Launching Pad: (Closed) at 810 E Baltimore St, which is also home of the now, American Flag wielding, Gemini Giant which is one of the most photographed icons along Illinois 66!! Just down the road in Braidwood is the lively Route 66 diner named the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PONTIAC, ILLINOIS:
Pontiac is home of the Illinois Route 66 Association Hall
of Fame Museum: Free:** at 110 W Howard St,
which includes countless artifacts/memorabilia related to Illinois Route 66 icons, along with Bob Waldmire's
bus and his VW Van. In the same buildings as the museum are the
Home Again Gifts on Route 66**,
on the second floor with plenty of unique Route 66 souvenirs and books, as well as hand-designed Route 66 T-Shirts and more.
The Livingston County War Museum,
is on the third floor and is huge and a hands-on museum recognizing the sacrifices and service of U. S. military veterans from Livingston County
and central Illinois. The Bob Waldmire Experience, and more. The streets around the Complex are
filled with photograph and other memorabilia celebrating the life and times of the well known traveling Route 66 Artist.
The Walldog Murals Exibit
is in celebration and as a tribute to the talented Walldogs whos murals are located all around Pontiac, IL.
The
Pontiac Oakland Museum: Free at 205 N Mill St is a new museum addition with not only vintage Pontiac
and Oakland automobiles, but a huge Resource Library also. There is also a lot more to do and see in Pontiac!
SPRAGUES SUPER SERVICE STATION:
Just after entering Normal, Illinois, you will come upon the 1931 Spragues Super Service Station located at 305 Pine Street, along the 1926-1941 alignment. Spragues is a huge historic service station which has been painstakingly restored to it original glory and is a favorite for car clubs and photographs! Spragues is also the location of Ryburn Place - Gifts and Gab** manned by the charming Terri Ryburn, where the Route 66 and other gifts and souvenirs are grand, but the conversation and friendship are more preciuos!
THE COZY DOG DRIVE IN:**
The Cozy Dog Drive In at 2935 S Sixth St, in Springfield, IL, is home of the one and only Cozy Dog ... a delicious battered, then deep-fried hotdog on a stick that is a Route 66 Tradition! The Cozy was created by Ed Waldmire, Jr, around 1946 and was originally named a "crusty cur", and with a name change, the Cozy Dog was born! Ed's son, Bob was the Route 66 traveling micro artist, whos work may be enjoyed all along Route 66. In 1996, the diner was rebuilt in it's current location. Sue, Josh, Eddie, Tony and Nick continue the "Mom and Pop" operation, right next door to the original 1949 location. The Cozy Dog also has a full breakfast menu, with burgers and other tasty treats and a nice and well stocked Gift Shop!
HENRY'S RABBIT RANCH:
"HARE IT IS" is the slogan for Henry's ... and proprietor Rich Henry is one of the nicest people along all of Route 66!! Henry's Rabbit Ranch is just that, there are plenty of tiny bunnies, medium sized bunnies and full sized rabbits! Usually there is a bunny to greet you, a big rabbit you can get photographed on top of, a line of VW Rabbits with their noses in the ground and Bob Waldmire's vintage wagon. Hidden on the east of the building is the burial place of many bunnies, including the famous Queen Montana, who passed in June of 2008. The Ranch is located on the 1930 to 1940 alignment at 1107 Historic Old Route 66 !! You will be glad you made this stop and a new friend!
CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE:
The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge is a vintage iconic structure you won't want to miss while traveling 66 from Illinois and across the mighty Mississippi River and into Missouri. This historic landmark opened in 1929 and carried Route 66 traffic for 35 plus years. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The bridge is one mile long and has a unique 22-degree bend in the middle of its span. The bridge is named after a seventeen mile shoal of rocky rapids, which was very difficult to navigate until a low-water dam was built in the 1960's. Please enter from the Illinois side for safety reasons via Chain of Rocks Rd and for photo ops, turn south on W Chain of Rocks Rd to the Chouteau Island Fishing Area, also safe.
ROUTE 66 STATE PARK & MUSEUM: FREE ADMISSION:**
The Route 66 State Park a must-see-stop located just off Route 66 at 97 N Outer rd E, Eureka, MO. The park borders on the Meramec River which divides the park into two sections since the bridge was closed. The Museum and Gift Shop and historic bridge are accessable at Exit 266 of I-44, while the 419 acre park is accessible only from east bound I-44 Exit 265. The park is the former site of Times Beach Resort which was contaminated with dioxin and had to be evacuated and cleaned up by the EPA. The history of the park is in the museun along with Bridgehead Inn signs, Coral Court Motel entrance signs and relics as well as a beautiful Phillips 66 neon sign. If you have the time a drive through the park features the river, boat launch, fishing, wildlife and a very serene place just off the hustle and bustle of people speeding by on I-44.
MERAMEC CAVERNS: FEE:**
Since 1933, Meramec Caverns has been a must-see-stop located just off I-44/Route 66 at 1135 Route W Stanton, MO, located deep in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. The caverns has been a Route 66 tourist attraction not just famous for the vast cave system of genuinely stunning rock formations nor their many Meramec Caverns painted barns, but legend has it that the caves were once the hideout of outlaw Jesse James and his gang.
WAGON WHEEL MOTEL and CONNIE'S SHOPPE:
Built in 1935, the historic Wagon Wheel Motel is a must-see-stop along two-lane Route 66 at 901 E Washington St, entering Cuba, MO. The motel buildings have been recently renovated and brought up to code, but still feature the original windows, doors and floors. But what makes the tourist court so special is: 1) The original and working 1947 neon sign, and 2) The original Ozark Giraffe-style limestone work on exterior of the buildings! A great place to stay in a vintage cottage. Also at this address, there was once a station and cafe in the building out close to the highway that is now Connie's Shoppe which is the Motel Office and the cafe is now a beautiful shoppe filled with unique and handmade gifts, jewelry, T-shirts, and a plethora of Route 66 books and other items! Stop by and say Hello, even if you cannot stay the night!
MULE TRADING POST:(closed)
Since 1947, and at this location since 1957, the Mule Trading Post is just off I-44 at Exit 189, at 1160 Dillon Outer Rd, Rolla, MO. This historic roadside attraction has recently been graced with a new owner and things are rapidly changing for the better! Antiques are on the way out and being replaced with kids toys, T-shirts, a great selection of Route 66 souvenirs and books, as well as a wide selection of beef jerky, hot sauces, salsas, jellies, cheese curds, and along with a wide array of knives and swords.The Mule is noted for its wonderful neon sign of a Mule that wags its ears and also the "arm waving" hillbilly outside of the Tobbaco Shop on the west side of the property. A fun stop for all!
SPRINGFIELD ROUTE 66 VISITOR'S CENTER:
The Springfield Route 66 Visitor's Center at 815 E St. Louis St, is near downtown Springfield, MO, and is a wonderful place to gather information about the many alignments of Route 66 through the city and the top attractions that are located on each alignment. Gather information on the many vintage motels, the History Museum on the Square, the 1926 Gilloz Theater, the historic Park Central Square, the first Steak n Shake, the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park along with many others. The center has maps, guides, directions and information to make you visit to Springfield a rewarding one, by helping the Route 66 Traveler figure out the maze of aligments so you will not miss your favorite attraction!
GARY TURNER'S GAY PARITA SINCLAIR STATION:**
Gary's Gay Parita Station is located 3 miles west of Halltown at 21118 Old Route 66 in Paris Springs, MO. The station building is a re-creation of the original Gay Parita Station built in 1934 by Fred and Gay Mason. Parita means equal and that was the way Fred and Gay ran the station together until it burned to the ground in 1955. This stop will immediately take you back in time with mementos, photos, old cars, old tools, petroliana, and vintage signs from a by gone era. Gary's is one of the few stops along old 66 that seems to capture the true essence of the iconic highway. Gary was a true Ambassador of Route 66 and very well liked by Route 66 Travelers from around the world. Gary sadly passed in 2015 and the station is now in the very caring hands of his daughter Barbara and George, who continue to greet 66 Travelers daily, carrying on Gary's legacy. Please don't miss this iconic stop along Missouri Route 66!
CARS ON THE ROUTE:**
Just inside the Sunfloer State of Kansas, on the original 13.2 mile alignment, at 119 N Main St, Galena, you will find a bustling restored Kan-O-Tex Service Station which has sparked a new era for this stretch of Route 66. Cars on the Route is a must-stop-attraction and is home to the 1951 International Boom Truck that was the inspiration for Tow Mater in Pixar's animated movie "Cars". The vintage station building and décor of the little diner and Gift Shop instantly connect Route 66 Travelers to both the Cars movie and Kansas Route 66. But this stop wouldn't be what it is, if it wasn't for some very good friends of mine who also work their butts off keeping Route 66 alive and well in Galena, KS!
THE CATOOSA BLUE WHALE:**
Built by hand in 1972 from steel and concrete, as an anniversary gift for the creator's wife, The Blue Whale has become one of Route 66's most famous and most photographed roadside attractions located at 2680 Ok 66, Catoosa, OK. Originally a hot spot for families who would picnic, play on him, fish and swim in the lake he resides in. The 80' long tribute closed in 1988, but has since been renovated and reopened to Route 66 Travelers, who may still enjoy climbing up to the second floor or his tail and frolicking on, in and around the iconic photo opportunity! There is a small Gift Shop on site operated by a very nice lady!
ARCADIA'S ROUND BARN:**
Built in 1898, this historic barn had a presence many years before Route 66 became The Mother Road, and now is the only wooden round barn remaining in Oklahoma. The structure originally housed livestock and hay, and doubled as a community center where square dances were held. While the Arcadia Round Barn had been a long-time Route 66 landmark, it sadly fell into disrepair during the 1970's and 1980's. After the roof collapsed in 1988, the Arcadia Historical Society acquired the property and volunteers called the "Over the Hill Gang" banded together to repair the roof and restore the entire structure. Today, the Arcadia Round Barn stands proud at 107 E Highway 66, and is home to exhibits of Round Barn and Route 66 memorabilia and a huge Gift Shop loaded with Route 66 Souvenirs. This 100 year-old architecturally stunning barn with its self-supporting wooden roof structure is simply a must-see, so don't forget to go upstairs and check out the beautiful roof structure.
CHEROKEE TRADING POST in CLINTON, OK:**
Since 1947, the family owned roadside business named Cherokee Trading Post & Boot Outlet at 23107 N Frontage Rd, off I-40 at Exit 71, just before Clinton, OK. With over 10,000 square feet, the once large roadside cafe was closed and replaced by a huge Boot Outlet with Western Cowboy boots, work boots, jackets, moccasins, Native American jewelry, pottery, and tons of toys, books, souvenirs, Native headdresses and native bustles and more! Also, don't forget to visit their American Bison/Buffalo!
CLINTON OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM: FEE:**
This wonderful Clinton Oklahoma Route 66 Museum pays homage to the history of transportation and Route 66 in Oklahoma, with an ultimate experience. Located at 2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton, OK, Route 66 Travelers quickly discover why the old highway had such an impact on American culture and is so dear to the hearts of people from all over the world. The neon "Route 66" sign on the museum and the classic car in the front window give visitors a taste of what they'll experience inside: pure Americana. Follow the timeline of Oklahoma Route 66 and explore exhibits showcasing the history of the highway in each decade since its inception. Artifacts, signs, vehicles and memorabilia have survived to tell the story of the highway's golden years and the nostalgia that surrounds Oklahoma Route 66 today!
TOWER CONOCO STATION & U-DROP INN:**
Built of brick and green-glazed tiles in 1936, the Tower Conoco Station & U-Drop Inn at 101 E Route 66 at US Route 83, Shamrock, TX, may be one of the most recognizable structures along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of the Main Street of America! The beautiful station has an Art-deco designed obelisk topped with a metal tulip visible above the trees. The very unique building is adorned with colorful neon and is now home to a Gift Shop, Museum, Visitor's Center and even Shamrock's Chamber!
DEVIL'S ROPE MUSEUM and OLD ROUTE 66 MUSEUM: FREE ADMISSION:**
Leave I-40 at Exit 143 at McLean, TX and make a stop at the Devil's Rope Museum and Old Route 66 Museum at 100 Kingsley St, for an interesting journey through the history of barbwire. Yes, with over 450 patents and over 2,000 variations of barbwire, the fascination begins. There is also a modest but really well done Route 66 Museum is located in the southeast corner of huge building which was a former brassier factory, The 66 Museum is complete with a mock diner and huge Cobra from the Regal Reptile attraction. There is also a really nice Route 66 Gift Shop ran by friendly Volunteers. Ask about the restored Phillips 66 Station (first Phillips 66 in Texas) which is a great photo op, and don't miss the vintage Cactus Motel. For a juicy Texas steak stop at the Red River Steak House at 101 W Highway 66!
AMARILLO'S SIXTH STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT:
The Amarillo's Sixth Street Historic District encompasses 13 blocks of SW Sixth Street (the San Jacinto Heights Addition) between Georgia Ave and Forrest Ave, and is located west of downtown Amarillo. Folks, this is the REAL Amarillo Route 66! First up is the Natatorium located at 2705 SW Sixth Ave, which started out as an indoor swimming pool, later to be covered with a wood floor and became a dance hall. Later in life, the Nat, became know as a huge antique mall and one that is rumored to be haunted ... The Lile Art Gallery** is located closeby in the historic Bussey Buildings at 2719 SW Sixth Ave, where Texas artist Crocodile Lile is famous for his creation of Cadilite Jewelry made fro paint chips from Cadillac Ranch. The gallery is filled with the artwork Croc, as well as the art of many local and many Route 66 artists. The 1946 Golden Light Cafe & Cantina at 2906 SW Sixth Ave is the oldest continuing operating restaurant, in the same location, on Amarillo Route 66. A little further west is Texas Ivy Antiques located at 3511 SW Sixth Ave, Dory and Andy have a cute little shop full of local antiques and other Route 66 souvenirs and nice selection of hand-made metal signs.
THE CADILLAC RANCH:
Located west of the city at 13651 I-40 S Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX, there is a very rare sight. Ten, yes 10 vintage Cadillac's are buried nose-down at an angle and in a line facing west. The Cadillac Ranch has become a popular stop for fans of public art and Route 66 Travelers since soon after its creation in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm. Though the years, countless people have stopped to mark them with spray paint, which didn't bother owner Stanley Marsh 3. As Amarillo grew, the entire installation was moved 2 miles west of its original site in 1997, but even with the move and being repainted millions of times, the Cadillac's remain strong and continue to welcome Route 66 Travelers!
MIDPOINT CAFE:
As you get ready to descend the Caprock heading down toward New Mesico, there is a great Mom and Pop-style Diner located in Adrian, Texas, Proprietor, Brenda Hammit has a livelly Route 66 Diner and Route 66 Gift Shop named the Midpoint Cafe Former owner of the Midpoint Cafe, Fran Houser, is the person who was known as the real life "Flo" from the 2006 Pixar animated movie "Cars".
TUCUMCARI'S NEON STRIP:
Tucumcari's Neon Strip: Former Tucumcari Blvd, renamed Route 66 Blvd, runs through the heart of, NM, and was once home to over 2000 motel rooms, several restaurants, service stations and curio shops all sporting bright neon signs to attract Route 66 Travelers. Today most vintage service stations are closed, many vintage motels are closed, but Tucumcari is still a remaining neon wonderland you can still enjoy. The sign at the Palomino Motel remains, with Del's Restaurant's ** neon across the street, The Apache Motel sign is still standing, Kix on 66 re-purposed a Denny's Sign, but what we came to see is the neon at Teepee Curios** at 924 E Route 66 Blvd where you will also find one of the best curio shops along the old road. Just further west and across the street is the historic neon sign of the Blue Swallow Motel at 815 E Route 66 Blvd where you can hole-up in one of the finest Route 66 has to offer, and my personal favorite. The Motel Safari Sign and the Trails West Lounge Sign at 508 E Route 66 Blvd, The Wash Lady neon across from the Americana Motel and then the La Cita neon sign and famous sombrero entrance! Next is the vintage Thunderbird neon at the Best Western Pow Wow Inn at 1700 E Route 66. The New Mexico Historic Route 66 Museum is located at the Convention Center at 1500 W Route 66 and is well worth a stop to see many vintage autos and lots of Route 66 memorabilia.
PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK & PAINTED DESERT: FEE:**
The Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert entrance is at Exit 311 of I-40 and enjoy simply spectacular landscapes of multi-hued and banded colorations of the Chenle Formation badlands of the Painted Desert. Plan a visit to the Painted Desert Inn and marvel at its superb southwest architecture, and give thanks to those who saved it from demolition in the 1960's. Stop at the Route 66 Crossing where one can view the old telephone pole that flanked old 66 and the faint path of colored weeds that mark her existence. Travel throught the TeePees and on into the heart of the Petified Forest with widespread evidence of the pertification of ancient Conifer Trees which were once buried in sand containing silica. Over time, the silica permineralized the logs replacing wood with silica, during the late Triassic Period. This is another must-see-stop!
NAVAJO COUNTY MUSEUM: FREE ADMISSION:**
The Navajo County Museum at 100 E Arizona St at Navajo Blvd (Route 66) is the Official Arizona Visitors Center with information on the areas top Route 66 attractions such as the Historic Holbrook Depot, the Henning Block and Bucket of Blood Saloon, Rainbow Rock Shop, Joe and Aggie's Cafe, The Wigwam Motel along with many other vintage Route 66 motels. The Book and Gift Shop has a wide variety of maps and other souvenirs and the museum houses over 70 exihibit areas (including a full-sized chuckwagon in one exhibit), and has a variety of information on the Petrified Forest National Park, Route 66, Native American Cultures and area Archeology and gems and rocks. And don't miss the huge territorial jail in the lower level, as Holbrook was known as the roughest, toughest, most lawless and bloody town of the old West!
THE JACK RABBIT TRADING POST:**
The famous and highly photographed "HERE IT IS" sign marks the location of the historic Jack Rabbit Trading Post just off Exit 269 of I-40 on the original alignment of Route 66. The business has been in operation now for just over 70 years!! Owners Cindy and Tony Jaquez are both very hard workers who manage to balance a family, baking and cooking for others, sign making as well as operating a huge Gift Shop with hundreds of Route 66 and other cool items! Don't forget to order your yellow Jack Rabbit Trading Post Mileage Sign!! Photo ops with the huge Jack Rabbit is another of my favorites and great fun time for the kids! This is another fun and must-see-stop along Arizona Route 66!
STANDING ON THE CORNER IN WINSLOW ARIZONA:
This "corner" was made famous in the early 1970's by none other then the band, The Eagles and now remains as a monument and city park in honor of one of their best and most well known ballads, Take It Easy". When you visit Winslow, Arizona, you must stop and reminise for a while at The Eagles - Standing On The Corner Park located on E 2nd Street (the Eastbound alignment of Route 66) at Kinsley St. The park features a brick wall with a painting of a girl in a flatbed Ford along with life sized bronze statues of the song writers, Jackson Browne and Glen Frey. This place really brings back fond memories for those of us who grew up with those all American ballads of the band named The Eagles!
159 MILES OF UNINTERUPTED HISTORIC ROUTE 66:
At I-40 Exit 139, Crookton Rd departs the interstate for a pristine Route 66 journey all the way to Topock at the California border. Several remnants of the old roadbed remain on the way to Seligman, and further west. Make sure to stop at Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In for a fun experience and try a dead-chicken sandwich! Also visit the many other quirky specialty shops like the Route 66 Motoporium** along your way west. Then enter the vast Aubrey Valley and enjoy its wildflowers and wildlife as you approach the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Grand Canyons Cavern is along the way west to the Hackberry General Store** with a vintage diner inside and every Route 66 souvenir imaginable, along with petroliana and service station memorabilia filling the grounds outside. Continue west then south into Kingman, AZ and through and area rich in Route 66 Motels and Diners. Plan to stop at the Historic Arizona Route 66 Museum: Fee: located in the Powerhouse Visitors Center at 120 W Andy Devine Ave in Kingman. Next, grab the wheel with both hands as you climb up into the Black Mountains by way of a very curvy old roadbed on the way to Oatman, Arizona! This old gold mining town has retained its vintage flair, especially with the feral burros who come down out of the mountains every day to visit with 66 Travelers! The historic 1902, Oatman Hotel and Cafe is where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night in Room 15. Oatman is a true throwback to the gun slinging days of the wild-west and its timless beauty. Please note, the town closes its doors at 5:00pm, so get an early start. Continue south to Topock, rejoin I-40 and enter California.
THE WIGWAM MOTEL:**
Featuring 19 unique teepee shaped 32 feet tall motel rooms, this was Frank Redmond's 7th and final Wigwam "Villages" Motel which he constructed in 1949. The wood framed and stucco covered structures are located at 2728 E Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA. The "tee pees" as some call them, quickly grab your attention and are simply a wonderful experience to stay the night in. Complete with bathroom and a walk-in shower, the rooms are spacious and quaint at the same time. This property has been painstakinly restored and is 1 of only 3 remaining Wigwam Villages of the 7, with the 6th Wigwam Village located at 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ, on Route 66. Sleep in a Wigwam!
SANTA MONICA PIER:
The 1909, Santa Monica Pier houses an amusement park, an aquarium, many different food options, several shops to browse in for great California and Route 66 souvenirs. The pier marks the western end of Historic Route 66 and literally thousands, upon thousands of locals, tourists and 66 Travelers from all over the world, make the pilgrimage to experience the excitement every year. The pier is the officially marked with the Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail Signpost near the 66 to Cali Kiosk where all things Route 66 are available, including "Made in the USA" T-Shirts. The official western terminus of Historic Route 66 was located at Olympic Blvd and Lincoln Blvd until 1935, ending at another US Highway, US 1. In Pacific Palisades Park next to and above the Pier, a 1952 bronze Will Rogers Highway Plaque may be found, also commemorating another name for the highway, and also the end of Historic Route 66!
LIFE BEGINS AT THE OFF RAMP:
Wherever you choose to stop along the Mother Road, make it a trip you will always remember. Drive safely, don't rush, stay off the interstates as much as possible and take the time to meet the people along the way and enjoy your once in a lifetime journey back in time!
IMAGES of 66 BOOKS:
** Denotes Merchants and Museums along the Route who offer my IMAGES of 66 Picture Books Volume 1 and/or Volume 2. Be sure to get your IMAGES of 66 Book(s) to learn more of the many Top Attractions and Icons along our beloved Historic Highway!!
