Route 66 – TOP 8 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along Mother Road

What are the best museums on Route 66? Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America,” spans over 2,400 miles and takes you through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica. Along the way, there are a plethora of museums that showcase the rich history and culture of the communities along this iconic highway. From vintage cars and motorcycles, to local art and history, these museums offer a unique window into the stories of Route 66. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a fun day trip, these museums are a must-visit for anyone traveling along Route 66.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best museums along this historic Route 66 highway, and what makes them so special. So grab your map, pack your bags, and get ready to explore some of the most fascinating museums along Route 66!

Here’s a look at some of the best museums along this legendary road:

1. Route 66 Association of Illinois

ROUTE 66 : 99 MI / 159 KM Pontiac, ILLINOIS
GPS: 40.881082, -88.62891
ADDRESS: 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764

The Route 66 Association of Illinois is one of the best museums on the highway, offering a wealth of information about the history and culture of Route 66. This museum showcases the rich history of the highway, from its early days as a dusty dirt road to its status as a beloved American icon. Visitors can see a wide range of exhibits, including vintage cars and motorcycles, photographs, maps, and other memorabilia that tell the story of Route 66.

The museum also provides a wealth of resources and information for travelers, including information about local attractions, landmarks, and events along the route. The Route 66 Association of Illinois is a must-visit for anyone traveling along this iconic highway, offering a unique window into the history and culture of Route 66.

2. Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center

ROUTE 66 : 250 MI / 402 KM LITCHFIELD, ILLINOIS
GPS: 39.177051, -89.666364
ADDRESS: 334 Historic Old Route 66 N, Litchfield, IL 62056

The Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is considered one of the best museums on Route 66. This museum is located in the charming town of Litchfield, Illinois, and serves as a hub for information about the highway, as well as a museum showcasing the history and culture of Route 66. Visitors can learn about the history of the highway and its impact on the communities along the route, as well as see a wide range of exhibits and displays, including vintage cars and motorcycles, photographs, maps, and other memorabilia.

The museum also offers a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia related to Route 66. With its rich history and informative exhibits, the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is a must-visit for anyone traveling along this iconic highway.

3. Route 66 Car Museum

ROUTE 66 : 512 MI / 824 KM SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
GPS: 37.207908, -93.313611
ADDRESS: 1634 W College St, Springfield, MO 65806

The Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and fans of Route 66. This museum showcases an impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, including classic models from the early days of the automobile and unique and rare finds. Visitors can see a wide range of vehicles, from classic roadsters and touring cars to hot rods and muscle cars, all of which have been beautifully restored and maintained.

The museum also offers a wealth of information about the history of Route 66 and its impact on the communities along the route. With its impressive collection of vintage vehicles and its focus on the history and culture of Route 66, the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield is a must-visit.

4. Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum

ROUTE 66 : 725 MI / 1167 KM SAPULPA, OKLAHOMA
GPS: 35.996214, -96.129669
ADDRESS: 13 Sahoma Lake Road, Sapulpa, OK 74066

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum is considered as one of the best museums along the famous Mother Road (Route 66) due to its extensive collection of classic and vintage automobiles from the 1920s to the 1960s, many of which are fully restored to their original condition. The museum also showcases other memorabilia and artifacts related to the historic highway and its cultural significance, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the era.

5. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

ROUTE 66 : 886 MI / 1426 KM CLINTON, OKLAHOMA
GPS: 35.506489, -98.98691
ADDRESS: 2229 West Gary Boulevard, Clinton, OK 73601

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is often considered one of the best museums on Route 66 due to its comprehensive and interactive exhibits that showcase the history and cultural significance of the highway. The museum features a variety of artifacts, photographs, maps, and interactive displays that tell the story of Route 66, from its inception in the 1920s to its eventual decommissioning in the 1980s. Additionally, the museum is located in a restored 1930s filling station, adding to its authenticity and charm. Overall, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of this iconic highway.

6. Route 66 Auto Museum

ROUTE 66 : 1167 MI / 1878 KM TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO
GPS: 34.946221, -104.654512
ADDRESS: 2436 U.S. Rte 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435

The Route 66 Auto Museum in New Mexico is considered one of the best car museums along Route 66. The museum showcases a collection of classic and vintage vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even a fire truck, all of which are related to the historic highway. The museum’s exhibits highlight the evolution of the automobile and its impact on the cultural landscape of America, particularly along Route 66. With its focus on cars and vehicles, the Route 66 Auto Museum in New Mexico is a popular destination for car enthusiasts and collectors, as well as anyone interested in the history of Route 66 and the automobile.

7. Arizona Route 66 Museum

ROUTE 66 : 1809 MI / 2911 KM KINGMAN, ARIZONA
GPS: 35.189101, -114.058916
ADDRESS: 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401

The Arizona Route 66 Museum is a museum located in Kingman, Arizona that focuses on the history and cultural significance of the iconic Mother Road (Route 66). The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays, including vintage photographs, maps, and artifacts, that showcase the history of Route 66 and its impact on the communities along the highway. The museum also has interactive exhibits and educational programs that provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience of the historic highway.

Arizona has many great Route 66 spots, check this post for more: Route 66 in Arizona – TOP 5 BEST Stops Places to visit Along Mother Road in AZ

8. California Route 66 Museum

ROUTE 66 : 2157 MI / 3471 KM VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.537137, -117.294329
ADDRESS: 16825 D Street, Victorville, CA 92395

The California Route 66 Museum is a unique and immersive destination for anyone interested in the history and cultural significance of the famous Mother Road (Route 66). The museum, located in Victorville, California, features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the evolution of the highway and its impact on the communities and culture of America.

Want to see more places to visit in California? Check out my post: Route 66 in California – The TOP 5 BEST Stops Places to visit Along Mother Road in CA – What to see?

Visitors can expect to see vintage photographs, maps, and artifacts, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs that provide an in-depth look at the history of Route 66. Whether you’re a fan of the road, a history enthusiast, or just curious about this iconic American highway, the California Route 66 Museum is definitely worth a visit. I hope you enjoy my list of Route 66 Route 66 – TOP 8 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along Mother Road! Have a great trip!

👍 Find out more: