Rediscover Route 66: 100 Years of the Mother Road, Americana & Open-Road Adventure
Rediscover the legendary Route 66 and journey through a century of Americana, from the neon glow of Chicago to the red-rock vistas of Arizona. Celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road as you explore its classic diners, vintage motels, and offbeat roadside attractions. Follow the trail through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona – each offering its own blend of history, culture, and open-road adventure.
Along the way, meet the characters, taste the flavours, and experience the communities that keep the spirit of Route 66 alive today.
Use the links below to explore each state, or scroll on to uncover the stories, sights, and experiences that make the Route 66 Centennial a once-in-a-lifetime road trip:
Hit the road across the memorable heartland states of Route 66: Illinois | Missouri | Oklahoma | Texas | New Mexico | Arizona
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66: Route 66 Centennial Celebrations | Route 66 Museums & Attractions | Dining Along the Mother Road
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog: Journey Along Route 66 – Your Guide to Six States of Americana, Culture and Roadside Legends
Hit the Road Across the Memorable Heartland States of Route 66
Illinois
Start your Route 66 adventure where it all begins – in Illinois, the birthplace of the Mother Road. From Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline – alive with world-class museums, music, shopping, and its iconic skyline, to the classic charm of Springfield, home of Abraham Lincoln, every mile is packed with history, flavour and Americana. Cruise past vintage diners, murals, and neon-lit signs; explore quirky roadside attractions like Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum; and soak up the open-road freedom that defines the ultimate U.S. road trip. Discover where nostalgia meets adventure – click through to explore Illinois’ unforgettable stretch of Route 66.
Missouri
Missouri offers an extraordinary variety of experiences, making it a must-see destination for anyone looking for authentic American experiences. America’s most famous highway, Route 66, runs right through Missouri, taking travellers on an unforgettable road trip through the nostalgic, neon-illuminated past. Begin outside St Louis with the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi, then continue south-west through historic small towns where classic diners, 1950s-style motels and quirky attractions capture the charm of an era. Springfield, Missouri is recognised as the birthplace of Route 66 and will kick-off the celebrations as the Mother Road celebrates its centennial in 2026.
Oklahoma
Get your kicks on 400+ miles of Route 66 in Oklahoma – the Mother Road’s longest driveable stretch, making its way past charming towns, roadside diners and myriad quirky attractions. Experience Oklahoma City, Tulsa and homely communities along the way – you’ll meet friendly people; discover unique shopping and relish diverse eating places. Intriguing museums celebrate America’s Main Street, including the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton and the National Route 66 Museum, Elk City. Take a nostalgic ride on Route 66 and let its golden age whisper to you through vibrant neon signs, quaint motels, drive-in movie theatres and friendly small towns.
Texas
Spanning nearly 178 miles across the Texas Panhandle, Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and hope for those chasing new beginnings out West. The legacy of the Mother Road lives on in Texas through classic small-town main streets, neon-lit diners, vintage gas stations, and quirky roadside landmarks. Visitors can step inside the art-deco Tower Station & U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, marvel at the Leaning Tower of Texas near Groom, explore the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, or leave their mark at Amarillo’s iconic Cadillac Ranch. Each stop along the way offers a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of the American road trip.
New Mexico
The New Mexico stretch is one of the most iconic parts of Route 66, carving through Southwestern landscapes and serving up a healthy dose of nostalgic Americana. Passing through Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque and Gallup, road trippers will encounter vintage neons, classic diners and motels that preserve the road’s mid-century spirit. Albuquerque’s Central Avenue is a lively hub, complete with restored landmarks and Route 66 festivals celebrating its history. This portion of the journey also showcases New Mexico’s stunning high desert landscapes and cultural mix, making it a state worth slowing down for.
Arizona
From Lupton to just west of Kingman, Arizona boasts 385.2 miles of the longest preserved stretch of the original Mother Road in the United States. In 2026, the Main Street of America celebrates its Centennial – 100 years of memories, community, history and the open road. Radiator Springs in the movie Cars draws inspiration from Peach Springs, Hackberry, Seligman and Holbrook. Which town has the best Mater tow truck look-alike is an ongoing debate. Whether heading west to east or east to west on the Mother Road, there’s no shortage of quirky landmarks and iconic destinations to explore and discover along Arizona’s Route 66.
Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66
With just under a year until Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary on 11th November 2026, now’s the perfect time to hit the road along America’s iconic Mother Road. From classic diners and retro soda fountains to quirky roadside attractions and modern food halls, there’s something to delight every curiosity and appetite. Road trips remain one of the world’s favourite travel experiences, and Route 66 is the ultimate adventure, connecting travellers to people, places and stories across generations. So take the wheel, enjoy the nostalgia, explore vibrant towns, and experience the charm and freedom that make Route 66 truly unforgettable.
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
Join the excitement along Route 66 as communities celebrate the history, culture, and unforgettable experiences that define the Mother Road. Classic cars, lively parades, local festivals, and immersive events bring the iconic highway to life for travellers of all ages.
Key centennial events to experience:
- Springfield, Missouri Kick-Off – The official birthplace of Route 66 hosts concerts, livestream events, parades, and classic car shows to launch the centennial on 30 April 2026
- State celebrations – Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona offer local parades, historic site events, and community festivals
- Centennial Fun Run – Classic car cruises, live music, and family-friendly festivities across the Route
- Mother Road Market Bash – Oklahoma’s popular market hosts food, music, and pop-up art installations
- Historic ceremonies – Special centennial events bring history to life along the Mother Road
- End of the trail – Santa Monica Pier features live performances and commemorative ceremonies to mark the Route’s iconic conclusion
Route 66 Museums & Attractions
The Mother Road is packed with quirky roadside attractions, fascinating museums, and iconic landmarks that celebrate a century of history, culture, and Americana. Along Route 66, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy – whether it’s vintage cars, neon signs, or giant sculptures that make for unforgettable photos.
Must-see stops along the Route:
- Illinois highlights – Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac, Route 66 Experience in Springfield, the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston and the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville
- Missouri quirks – Gateway Arch, Neon Museum, World’s Largest Rocking Chair and the World’s Second-Largest Fork
- Oklahoma gems – Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park and Threatt Filling Station
- Texas art – Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo
- New Mexico pit stops – Route 66 Auto Museum, West Central Visitor Center and Route 66 Remixed public art series
- Arizona landmarks – Petrified Forest National Park, Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Kingman Route 66 Museum and Winslow’s “Take It Easy” sites
Dining Along the Mother Road
Route 66 is lined with classic diners, retro soda fountains and unforgettable local favourites that capture the flavour of America’s heartland. Whether you’re craving comfort food, world cuisines or quirky roadside treats, the Mother Road serves up something for every appetite.
Tastes to try along the Route:
- Cozy Dog Drive-In, Springfield – Famous for its original corn dog recipe, this Illinois hotspot is a real Route 66 staple and offers a simple retro menu of burgers, onion rings and more
- Missouri Hick BBQ, Cuba – For smoked meats and cold beer, this roadside BBQ joint is a true Route 66 staple
- Mother Road Market, Tulsa – Oklahoma’s vibrant non-profit food hall featuring global bites and local vendors
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo – The most famous dining stop on Texas Route 66. Known for its 72-oz steak challenge, Western saloon vibes and live entertainment. A must-visit for first-timers
- El Pinto Restaurant, Albuquerque – Just a short drive off Route 66, known for traditional New Mexican cuisine, festive décor, and margaritas
- Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, Seligman – Arizona’s beloved retro stop for shakes, sandwiches and playful nostalgia
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog:
Journey Along Route 66: Your Guide to Six States of Americana, Culture and Roadside Legends
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through six extraordinary states as we travel the legendary Route 66, discovering the history, flavours, icons, and personalities that bring this storied highway to life. From Chicago’s vibrant cityscape to the sunlit shores of Santa Monica, experience timeless Americana, character-filled towns, and the memorable moments that have made the Mother Road a road-trip classic.
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