Route 66 Best Major Towns and Cities. Route 66 is a historic highway that runs through the United States, also known as the “Mother Road.” It was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, and it connected Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The highway was officially decommissioned in 1985, but many of the towns and cities along the route have worked to preserve the historic sites and landmarks associated with Route 66, making it a popular destination for road trippers and history enthusiasts.
Along its 2,448 miles, Route 66 passes through several major cities, each with its own unique history, culture, and attractions. Some of the notable cities along the route include Chicago, St Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles. These cities offer a wide range of experiences, from historic sites and museums to natural landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious local cuisine. The route also passes through smaller towns and communities that have become synonymous with the “Mother Road”.
1. Chicago, IL
Route 66: 0 mi, 0 km
Chicago, Illinois is the starting point of Route 66. The highway officially begins at Grant Park on Adams Street, where a Route 66 marker has been placed. From there, the highway heads west, passing through the heart of the city, including neighborhoods like Little Village, Cicero, and Berwyn. Chicago is a major transportation hub, so it’s an ideal starting point for a road trip on Route 66.
Chicago is also a great city to explore before or after your road trip on Route 66. It has a rich history, world-class museums, famous architecture, and a vibrant food and music scene. Some popular attractions include Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and the Willis Tower Skydeck.
Additionally, in Chicago you can find some iconic places related to Route 66 like the Route 66 Begin Sign, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, and the Route 66 Experience Museum.
Chicago is also known for its delicious food, from deep-dish pizza to hot dogs, there are plenty of options to satisfy any appetite. Visitors can also take a stroll along the lakefront, visit Lincoln Park Zoo, or take a boat tour of the Chicago River.
2. Springfield, IL
Route66: 200 mi/322 km
Springfield, Illinois is a notable city along Route 66. It is the capital city of Illinois and it was also a significant stop for travelers on the highway. Springfield has a rich history, and it’s the home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, or the Lincoln Tomb.
In Springfield, there is also the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is a state-of-the-art facility that tells the story of Lincoln’s life and legacy. Visitors can also take a stroll through the historic downtown area, which features a number of vintage buildings and businesses, including the Old State Capitol, which is a National Historic Landmark.
Other points of interest in Springfield city that are related to Route 66 include the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cozy Dog Drive-In, which is the birthplace of the corn dog, and the famous Route 66 Mural in the downtown area.
Springfield is also a great place to stop for a bite to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants offering everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors.
Overall, Springfield, Illinois offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the communities that lived and worked along Route 66, and it’s a great place to stop and experience the nostalgia and charm of the Route 66 era.
3. St. Louis, MO
Route 66: 296 mi/476 km
St. Louis, Missouri is a notable city along Route 66. The highway passes through the heart of the city, and it is known for its Gateway Arch, which is a 630-foot-tall monument that symbolizes the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” Visitors can take a ride to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city, or take a tour of the Old Courthouse, which was built in 1828 and is a National Historic Landmark.
St. Louis is also known for its rich history, culture, and delicious food. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter, or visit the City Museum, which is an interactive museum that features exhibits on the history and culture of the city.
The Route 66 Association of Missouri Hall of Fame and Museum is located in St. Louis and it’s a great place to learn more about Route 66 and its history. The museum features exhibits on the history of Route 66, including photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays.
St. Louis is also a great place to stop for a bite to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants offering everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors. Visitors should try the famous St. Louis-style pizza, or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many barbecue restaurants.
Overall, St. Louis, Missouri offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the communities that lived and worked along Route 66, and it’s a great place to stop and experience the nostalgia and charm of the Route 66 era.
Check my other post about Best Missouri stops along Route 66: Route 66 in Missouri – The TOP 5 BEST Places, Attractions in MO – What to See Along Mother Road in MO?
4. Tulsa, OK
Route 66: 691 mi/1112 km
Tulsa, Oklahoma is a another city along Route 66. The highway passes through the heart of the city, and it is known for its rich oil history, as well as its art deco architecture. Visitors can take a tour of the Philbrook Museum of Art, which features a collection of American and European art, or visit the Tulsa Arts District, which is home to a number of galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Tulsa is also known for its rich history, culture, and delicious food. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods, such as the Greenwood District, which was once the wealthiest black community in the United States, or visit the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the city.
Tulsa is also a great place to stop for a bite to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants offering everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors. Visitors should try the famous Tulsa-style barbecue, or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many steak houses.
5. Oklahoma City, OK
Route 66: 800 mi/1287 km
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a major city along Route 66. Visitors can take a tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which honors the victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995, or visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which features a collection of American and European art.
Visitors can take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods, such as the Automobile Alley, or visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the American West.
The National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma is located near Oklahoma City and it’s a great place to learn more about Route 66 and its history. The museum features exhibits on the history of Route 66, including photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays.
6. Amarillo, TX
Route 66: 1056 mi/1699 km
Welcome to Amarillo in Texas! Visitors can take a tour of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, which honors the world-renowned American Quarter Horse breed, or visit the Cadillac Ranch, which is a public art installation featuring ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in a field. Amarillo is a major city on Mother Road (Route 66).
Amarillo is also known for its delicious food, particularly its famous “Big Texan steak.” Visitors can try this 72 ounce steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many barbecue or Tex-Mex restaurants.
The Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo is a great place to learn more about Route 66 and its history. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods, such as the Polk Street Historic District, and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
Amarillo is also a great place to stop for a bit of outdoor adventure, such as Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the United States, which offers hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
7. Tucumcari, NM
Route 66: 1167 mi/1878 km
Another major big city on Route 66. Welcome to Tucumcari in New Mexico! Travelers can take a tour of the Tucumcari Historical Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the city and Route 66, or visit the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, which features fossils and exhibits on the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area.
Tucumcari is also known for its vintage Route 66 motels and businesses, many of which have been preserved and restored to their original condition. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
One of the most iconic and well-preserved buildings in Tucumcari is the Blue Swallow Motel, a classic Route 66 motel that features vintage neon signs, a courtyard with a swimming pool, and a gift shop. It’s a great place to stay or at least stop by to see the vintage architecture and decor.
Tucumcari is also a great place to stop for a bit of outdoor adventure, such as Lake Tucumcari, which offers fishing, boating, and camping, or the Ute Lake State Park, which offers hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.
Check what to see in New Mexico on Route 66 here: Route 66 in New Mexico – TOP 5 MUST-SEE Places in NM – What to visit along Mother Road in NM?
8. Albuquerque, NM
Route 66: 1371 mi/2206 km
Albuquerque, New Mexico is another great Route 66 town. The highway passes through the city and is known for its natural beauty and modern attractions. Visitors can take a tour of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the 19 Pueblos tribes of New Mexico, or visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, which features exhibits on the history of nuclear science and technology.
Albuquerque is also known for its delicious food, particularly its famous “Green Chile.” Travelers can try this local delicacy at one of the city’s many restaurants, which offer everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors.
The Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque is a great place to learn more about Route 66 and its history. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
Albuquerque is also a great place to stop for a bit of outdoor adventure, such as the Sandia Peak Tramway, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area, or the Petroglyph National Monument, which features ancient rock carvings.
More of best places to see during your trip on Mother Road you can find in my travel guide – “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” that is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America’s Route 66! MUST-HAVE for all Route 66 travelers. Visit 202 places on Route 66 with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
9. Winslow, AZ
Route 66: 1606 mi/2585 km
Winslow, Arizona is a small city along Route 66. The city is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its connection to the famous Eagles song “Take it Easy,” which includes the line “Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Visitors can take a stroll to the corner of Kinsley Ave. and 2nd St. where you can see the “Standin’ on the Corner Park” and the bronze statue of a man in a relaxed pose, enjoying the view and a guitar case at his feet.
Winslow is also known for its historic downtown area, which has been preserved and restored to its original condition. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
Winslow also features several museums such as the Homolovi Ruins State Park, which features ancient ruins of the Hopi people, and the Winslow Harvey House, which was a former hotel and restaurant that was built in the early 20th century.
Winslow is also a great place to stop for a bit of outdoor adventure, such as the Homolovi Ruins State Park, which offers hiking, picnicking, and bird watching, or the Little Painted Desert County Park, which offers scenic views of the desert landscape.
10. Flagstaff, AZ
Route 66: 1661 mi/2673 km
Flagstaff, Arizona is located in the Coconino County and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes such as the San Francisco Peaks, the largest mountain range in Arizona and the Coconino National Forest.
Visitors to Flagstaff can take a tour of the Lowell Observatory, where the planet Pluto was discovered, or visit the Museum of Northern Arizona, which features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the region. Additionally, visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area, which has been preserved and restored to its original condition and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
Flagstaff is also known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Visitors can take a scenic drive up to Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, or hike the many trails in the Coconino National Forest. The city is also a popular destination for stargazing and astronomical observation, due to its high elevation and low light pollution.
11. Seligman, AZ
Route 66: 1737 mi/2795 km
Seligman, Arizona is a small town located on Route 66, known for its rich history and connection to the “Mother Road”. The town is considered the “birthplace” of the modern Route 66 preservation movement and it is home to many vintage businesses and buildings that have been preserved in their original condition. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
Seligman is also home to the Route 66 Gift Shop and Roadkill Cafe, both of which are popular tourist destinations. The gift shop offers a wide variety of Route 66 souvenirs and memorabilia, while the Roadkill Cafe is known for its unique menu items such as the “Roadkill Skillet” and “Squirrel Sandwich.”
The town is also home to the Seligman Sundries, a small general store and gas station that dates back to the 1930s. Visitors can see the original gas pumps, signs and old Coca-Cola advertisements on the wall, the place is a true time capsule from the Route 66 era.
12. Kingman, AZ
Route 66: 1809 mi/2911 km
Kingman, Arizona is a historic town located on Route 66, known for its rich history and connection to the “Mother Road”. The city is the county seat of Mohave County and is located on the historic Route 66 and the famous Route 66 bypassed the city center and a new alignment of the road was built in 1952, however, the old route runs through the city and it is still visible today.
Visitors to Kingman can take a tour of the Historic Route 66 Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the Route 66 era, including vintage cars, signs, and artifacts. Additionally, visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era.
Kingman, Arizona is also known for its connection to the railroads, as it was a major stop on the Santa Fe Railroad during the Route 66 era. The city was founded in 1882 as a railroad town and quickly grew into a major transportation hub for the region. The Santa Fe Railroad’s Kingman Yard and Locomotive Maintenance Facility was located in the city, and was a major employer for the residents of the city, Many of the buildings in the downtown area were built by the Santa Fe Railroad and are still standing today, and you can see the influence of the railroad in the architecture.
13. Oatman, AZ
Route 66: 1837 mi/2956 km
Oatman, Arizona is a historic town located on Route 66, known for its rich history and connection to the “Mother Road.” The town was originally a mining camp during the gold rush of the early 1900s, and was named after a prospector named Olive Oatman.
Today, Oatman is a popular tourist destination, known for its wild burros that roam the streets and the historic downtown area. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and see the vintage neon signs and vintage architecture of the Route 66 era. Oatman also has a number of shops that sell Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs, such as the Oatman General Store, which has been in business since 1902.
One of the main attraction in Oatman is the Oatman Hotel, a historic hotel that dates back to 1902. The hotel has hosted many famous guests, including Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, and has been featured in several movies and TV shows. Visitors can take a tour of the hotel and see the vintage furnishings and décor that have been preserved from the Route 66 era.
14. Los Angeles, CA
Route 66: 2248 mi/3618 km
The famous big major city on Route 66. Los Angeles, California is the western terminus of Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road.” The city has a rich history and connection to the Route 66, and it is often referred to as the “birthplace of Route 66.” The city was the starting point for many of the first Route 66 travelers, who began their journey here in the 1920s and 1930s.
Today, visitors to Los Angeles can explore the city’s Route 66 history by visiting the Route 66 Welcome Center, located in the historic San Bernardino County Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. The center offers information on the history and culture of the Route 66 era, as well as exhibits on the road’s history and its connection to Los Angeles.
There are also many other landmarks and points of interest along the Route 66 in Los Angeles, such as the historic Echo Park, the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the Sunset Strip.
Check what to see in California on Route 66: Route 66 in California – The TOP 5 BEST Stops Places to visit Along Mother Road in CA – What to see?
15. Santa Monica, CA
Route 66: 2278 mi/3666 km
The historic Route 66 ran through Santa Monica, California, starting at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard, and ending at the Santa Monica Pier. The section of Route 66 in Santa Monica is now part of State Route 1 and Lincoln Boulevard. Many of the original Route 66 landmarks and businesses no longer exist, but there are still a few, such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Museum of Flying, and the La Monica Ballroom, that harken back to the road’s heyday. Hope you enjoy my list of Route 66 Best Major Towns and Cities. Have a great trip!
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Mother Road in my travel guide, “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America’s Route 66! MUST-HAVE for all Route 66 travelers. Visit 202 places on Route 66 with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.