5 Must-See Stops Along Historic Route 66
If you're looking for a road trip that will take you back in time, then Historic Route 66 is the route for you. I'll show you 5 must-see stops along the way that will make your journey an unforgettable experience.
Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads in America. The "Mother Road" stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, traversing eight states in the process. First opened in 1926, the highway originally ran from Illinois to California but was extended in both directions over the years. Today, Route 66 is a popular destination for road trippers looking to explore America's rich history and culture. If you're planning a trip down Route 66, be sure to check out these five must-see stops along the way.
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1. The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo is a former mission-turned fort that played a key role in the Texas Revolution. Now a museum open to the public, the Alamo is one of San Antonio's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the fort's grounds and learn about the individuals who fought and died there.
2. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch is an art installation consisting of ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field just off Route 66. The Cars were installed in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm Collective. Visitors are welcome to spray paint the cars or take photos with them.
3. The Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a roadside attraction in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The whale was built in 1972 as a swimming hole for owner Hugh Sowers' children but has since become a popular photo op for Route 66 travelers.
4. Meramec Caverns, Missouri
Meramec Caverns is a complex of caves near Stanton, Missouri, that has been open to the public since 1933. The caverns are home to a wide variety of minerals and formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone; visitors can take guided tours of the caverns or go on their own self-guided tour.
5. Route 66 Museum, Santa Monica, California
The Route 66 Museum in Santa Monica chronicles the history of America's "Mother Road." The museum features exhibits on the people who built Route 66 and those who used it over the years; it also houses an extensive collection of vintage cars and memorabilia.
Final Thoughts
Route 66 is one of America's most iconic highways—and for good reason! Stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, the "Mother Road" offers travelers a chance to explore America's rich history and culture. If you're planning a trip down Route 66, be sure to check out these five must-see stops along the way!
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