Zany. Eclectic. Bizarre. These are just a handful of the words that have been used to describe Route 66 since its inception in 1926. One hundred years of evolution is preserved in roadside attractions like Froella, the Giant Elephant; The Nut House; Big Bill; and Stella Atom, the new space cowgirl in Tulsa. Take your time stopping at each of these iconic statues for a more leisurely trip.
Forget everything you think you know about Texas. El Paso, Texas, doesn’t do things the way the rest of the state does. Perched at the far western tip of the Lone Star State — where Texas, New Mexico, and the rugged Southwest converge — this borderland city defies every expectation, and it rewards every traveler bold enough to seek it out.
Las Vegas may be known for casinos. But the outdoor adventures surrounding the city reveal an entirely different side of the region that rivals some of the most well-known outdoor recreation hubs in the country.
There’s no wrong way to experience Dubois; rather, there’s no shortage of great ones. Here are six of our favorite activities, both in and out of town.
From stepping inside tipis to throwing tomahawks, the hands-on experiences offered in Bartlesville will help demystify themes most of us have only heard about through pop culture.
Winter in southern Utah often surprises travelers. While the region is best known for red rock deserts and iconic national parks, Cedar City, Utah, offers a winter experience that blends snow-covered mountains, accessible outdoor recreation, and uncrowded landscapes – all framed by those classic Utah red rock views.
Calico Ghost Town is without a doubt the most bustling ghost town in the American West. With a heaping roster of family-friendly festivals and entertainment and a genuine tie to California’s mining past, it’s a destination where old west history comes to life, year-round.
The variety of landscapes throughout Cowboy Country had my jaw dropping what felt like every few minutes. There are multiple hot springs and geothermal features in the area, rolling sand dunes, and wide expanses of desert that feature some of the most quiet places in the US (aside from the occasional coyote howl).
Route 66 isn’t just asphalt and neon, it threads across the ancestral and living homelands of many Indigenous nations. From Potawatomi lands at the Chicago start, through Osage and Kickapoo land in the Midwest, across dozens of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma, to Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Navajo and Hualapai lands in Arizona, more than half of Route 66 runs through Indian Country. For travelers looking to go beyond the kitsch, the most authentic experiences are those led and offered by tribal people themselves. These experiences vary from guided canyon walks and pueblo tours to trading-post galleries, and tribally owned lodgings. Spending your money at these establishments directs tourism dollars to local economies and cultural programs. You can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
Ash Fork offers an unfiltered, authentic experience of Route 66 that is hard to find elsewhere. With its vintage charm, historic architecture, and quiet, laid-back atmosphere, this small town invites travelers to connect with the true spirit of the Mother Road. Whether you’re exploring the town’s unique landmarks, enjoying a meal at a local diner, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Ash Fork provides a refreshing escape from the busier stops along the route. It’s the perfect place for those seeking to embrace the grit and charm of Route 66 in its purest form.