How long is route 66?
Route 66 is 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) long.
How old is it?
In 2026, Route 66 will celebrate its centennial year, honoring 100 years of road trip history and culture in America!
Where does Route 66 start and end?
Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California. However, motorists can travel in either direction along the route at any point. The route travels through parts of the Central, Southwestern, and West Coast regions of the continental United States.
What states are on it?
Route 66 includes eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
A nonstop journey driving the entire Route 66 takes roughly 40 hours. Many sections can be explored in a weekend, or the entire route can be completed with a bit of time for exploration in two weeks. To drive the entire length of the route and actually enjoy it, we recommend allowing at least three weeks or more for the journey.
Why is Route 66 Famous?
When America’s first Federal highway system was established in 1926, Route 66 was created by piecing together existing roads. At that time, it was advertised as the fastest and most scenic route from Chicago to St. Louis and on to Los Angeles. In 1936, it became the first completely paved highway in America and acted as a major military transport corridor during World War II. As the automobile industry exploded in post-war America, Route 66 grew in popularity for leisurely road trips and folks relocating westward. Route 66 was cemented in American pop culture history through music like Bobby Troup’s “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and films like Disney Pixar’s “Cars,” officially making it more than just a highway.
Why is Route 66 Called “the Mother Road”?
In fact, Route 66 has two nicknames: The Mother Road and the Main Street of America. It earned the former title during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Farmers traveling west coined the phrase for the route, which was also used by John Steinbeck in his iconic novel, “Grapes of Wrath.” The latter name was part of its early promotion strategy when developers envisioned a road connecting communities and towns all the way to California.
What are the most famous Route 66 attractions?
Nearly every mile of Route 66 is dotted by attractions ranging from scenic hikes to quirky roadside stops. We’ve compiled a list of spooky and strange Route 66 attractions, as well as some of the most popular and noteworthy stops below.
Unusual Roadside Attractions
- World’s Tallest Thermometer, Baker, California
- *The* Corner made famous by The Eagles song “Take it Easy,” Winslow, Arizona
- Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, New Mexico
- Baxter Springs Vintage Gas Station, Oklahoma
- The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Missouri
- The Gemini Giant, Illinois
- Bottle Tree Park, California
Route 66 Museums
- Poozeum, Williams, Arizona
- Arizona Route 66 Museum, Kingman, Arizona
- McDonald’s Museum, San Bernardino, California
Route 66 Hotels
- The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Williams, Arizona
- Wigwam Hotel, San Bernardino, California
Route 66 Restaurants
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery, Amarillo, Texas
- Cruisin’ Cafe 66, Williams, Arizona
National Parks Near Route 66
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Indiana Dunes National Park
