Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America,” is a historic highway that spans from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. The highway, which was established in 1926, stretches over 2,400 miles and passes through eight states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Today, Route 66 is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
You may be wondering: “What are best free activities to do on Route 66?”, “What are best free things to do on Route 66?”. If you’re planning a road trip along Route 66, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of free activities you can enjoy along the way. From museums and state parks to murals and vintage architecture, there’s something for everyone on this iconic American highway. Here’s a closer look at some of the best free activities along Route 66.
1. Just drive Route 66
The first thing about driving along Route 66 is that it offers an opportunity to see America’s heartland. You’ll pass through small towns, rolling hills, and open prairies, and you’ll see firsthand why the highway is known as the “Main Street of America.” You’ll also get a glimpse into the country’s history as you pass by vintage motels, diners, and gas stations that date back to the highway’s heyday. This is a great free activity!
2. Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Route 66. The museum showcases the history of the highway, including its design, construction, and the people and places that made it famous. You’ll learn about the various communities that sprang up along Route 66 and how the highway has changed over the years. The museum is also home to a large collection of vintage cars, signs, and other memorabilia.
Check this blog post for more best museums along Route 66: Route 66 – TOP 8 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along Mother Road
3. Stop by the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri
This is another great cost-free place to visit. The World’s Largest Rocking Chair is located in Fanning, Missouri and is one of the most famous landmarks along Route 66. The giant rocking chair, which stands over 40 feet tall, was built in the early 1990s and has since become a popular photo opportunity for visitors. You can take a selfie with the rocking chair and enjoy a picnic in the nearby park.
4. Visit the amazing Route 66 town of Seligman, Arizona
The giant Route 66 road sign in Seligman, Arizona is another popular landmark along the highway. The town is known for its vintage atmosphere and its preservation of the original Route 66 roadbed. Seligman is also famous for its quirky and colorful businesses, including souvenir shops, restaurants, and motels, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring Route 66. The town’s nostalgic charm and its connections to the history of Route 66 make it an amazing place to visit for those interested in the culture and heritage of this iconic American road.
5. Explore the Vintage Neon Signs and Architecture in Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari, New Mexico is another must-visit town along Route 66. The town is home to a large collection of vintage neon signs and historic buildings, including motels, diners, and gas stations. You can take a leisurely walk around town and admire the vintage architecture, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the town’s many diners.
6. Check Out the Route 66 Murals in Cuba, Missouri
Cuba, Missouri is home to a series of stunning Route 66 murals that depict the history of the highway. The murals, which are painted on the sides of buildings throughout the town, showcase the people, places, and events that have shaped Route 66 over the years. You can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals and learn about the rich history of the highway. This attraction is completely free!
7. Visit the Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
The Wigwam Motel is a vintage-style motel that features 15 concrete tepee-shaped cabins. Although the Wigwam Motel is not free to visit, tourists can take a walk around the property and admire its unique design and architecture, as well as its nostalgic charm. The Wigwam Motel is a popular stop for tourists exploring Route 66 and is considered one of the most iconic and photogenic attractions along the highway.
8. Stroll Around the Route 66 State Park in Eureka, Missouri
The Route 66 State Park in Eureka, Missouri is a beautiful place to take a walk and enjoy the scenic landscapes along the highway. The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a lake where you can relax and soak up the sun. You can also visit the nearby historic site of the 1906 Meramec River Bridge, which was a key crossing on Route 66.
9. Take a selfie with Route 66 sign in Kingman, Arizona
Taking a selfie with the Route 66 sign in Kingman, Arizona is a popular free activity for tourists exploring this historic highway. Kingman is known as the “Heart of Historic Route 66” and is located along the original roadbed of Route 66. The Route 66 sign in Kingman is a popular photo opportunity and is often used as a backdrop for selfies and other photos. If you’re visiting Kingman, be sure to stop by the Route 66 sign and snap a selfie to commemorate your trip along this iconic American road. Completely for free!
10. Stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a giant blue whale sculpture located in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The whale, which was built in the 1970s, has become a popular landmark along Route 66 and is a great place for a photo opportunity. You can stop by the Blue Whale and enjoy a picnic in the nearby park, or take a stroll around the nearby shops and restaurants.
In conclusion, Route 66 is a treasure trove of free activities for anyone who loves American history and the open road. Whether you’re interested in vintage architecture, scenic landscapes, or cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone along this iconic highway. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road to discover the many free activities along Route 66. I hope you enjoy my list of best free things and attractions activities along Mother Road!
👍 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.