Route 66 was made in 1926 to connect West Coast and Midwest. It is the shortest as well as year-round route that was decommissioned in 1985. However, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program was formed to protect its historical and cultural significance.
Route 66 starts from Chicago to the trail ends in Los Angeles, where you cross 8 states to reach the destination covering 2,448 miles.
The Historic Route 66 also known as the Mother Road begins in Chicago, then heads south through Illinois, Missouri and a small part of Kansas.
From here it takes a westward turn through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona before culminating at Los Angeles.
Plan you trip either between April and May or September and October to avoid the heavy traffic and the stifling summer heat.
You start your journey from Jackson Blvd at Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.
Gemini Giant , in Wilmington, Illinois, is one of the many Muffler Men at 30-foot height that you will see along the Route 66. These were the popular advertising icons in the 60s.
Stop at the Springfield, Illinois to visit a museum here to understand the history of the struggle of the Black people.
At St. Louis, Missouri, you get to see the world's largest arch that stands tall at 630 foot. Its called the Gateway Arch and you can take a tram ride to the see the stunning views.
Don't miss out on the Meramec Caverns in Sullivan Missouri.
It is a 4.6 mile long unique cave formation that was originally used by Native Americans centuries ago.
Along the Route 66, in Shamrock Texas, you will come across U-drop Inn. It was built in 1936 & was a former gas station and Cafe.
Another art installation that is worth a visit is Cadillac Ranch — Amarillo, Texas.
It was installed in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels. In this ranch, 10 Cadilliacs are half-buried with their nose in the ground.
Just off Route 66 is Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. It is a scuba diving destination where you can dive into a turquoise blue swimming hole.
Another attraction that should not be missed out is the Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona. It is a large crater that formed 50,000 years ago when a meteorite hit the planet Earth.
When in Arizona, visit Petrified Forest National Park through which Route 66 passes. The visitors get to see the beautiful hills and the petrified logs.
Another interesting stop along the Route 66 is the Calico Ghost Town, California. In 1890s, the miners searching for silver left this town.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande, California is another unique stop on Route 66. Many glass bottles were put together to create a forest of 200 tree-like sculptures. Hence the name.
How about a bite of McDonald Burger from the McDonald’s Museum, San Bernardino, California.
Stop for food and bit of burger history of this chain.
The road trip along Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.
Walk along the beach or visit the pier. Enjoy the sea while sipping a drink or munching on fresh seafood from one of the many eateries.