What are the stops along Route 66? Here is the full route.

Route 66, often called “The Main Street of America” or “The Mother Road,” is one of the most famous and historic highways in the United States. Originally established in 1926, Route 66 crossed a vast portion of the country, linking the Chicago metropolitan area to the southern coast of California.
This iconic road has seen decades of travelers, dreamers, and adventurers, but if you’re wondering what the official Route 66 itinerary is, here is a summary of its route, state by state:

What are the stops along Route 66? Here is the full route
 

1. Illinois: The Starting Point

• It all begins in Chicago, the Windy City, with its vibrant cultural energy and blues music.
• The road then winds through Joliet, famous for its historic prison and the Route 66 Raceway.
• In Springfield, you might stop for a dose of politics, as it was the home of Abraham Lincoln.
• Before leaving Illinois, Litchfield offers a nostalgic stop at the old Ariston Cafe.
   

2. Missouri: The Heart of the Midwest

• St. Louis is not just the Gateway Arch; it is a city of culture, jazz, and barbecue.
• Passing through Rolla, known for its engineering university, we arrive in Springfield, often described as the “true birthplace” of Route 66.
• Joplin, near the Kansas border, offers a relaxing break before a short but meaningful change of scenery.
   

3. Kansas: A Short but Sweet Taste

• In Galena, an old gas station turned diner will take you back in time.
• Riverton is home to the Rainbow Bridge, the only bridge of its kind on Route 66.
• Baxter Springs offers a museum dedicated to the road itself before diving into Oklahoma.
   

4. Oklahoma: The Soul of Route 66

• Miami (pronounced “My-am-uh”) is famous for its Coleman Theatre.
• Tulsa, once known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” blends history and modernity.
• And Oklahoma City offers a dynamic urban stop with museums and memorials.
   

5. Texas: The Vastness of the Lone Star State

• Amarillo is home to Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art installation.
• It is also home to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, where you can try to eat a 72-ounce steak!

6. New Mexico: The Charm of the Southwest

• Tucumcari is famous for its vintage motels with neon signs.
• Albuquerque, with its unique blend of Hispanic and Native cultures, offers an urban break.
• Gallup, known as the “Indian Capital,” offers Native jewelry and culture in abundance.

7. Arizona: Dreamlike Landscapes

• The Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest offer breathtaking views.
• Winslow invites you to “take it easy and slow down.”
• Flagstaff, located near the Grand Canyon, is a must for nature lovers.
• Kingman, the “Heart of Route 66,” is a pure dive into nostalgia.
   

8. California: The Epic Finale

• Needles, with its desert climate, offers a first taste of California.
• Barstow and San Bernardino mark the approach to the end of the journey.
• And finally, Santa Monica: where Route 66 meets the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean, marking a fitting end to this epic trip.

Every stretch of Route 66 offers a unique story, landscape, and culture, making it not just a road, but a journey through the heart and soul of America.
Over the years, the exact path of Route 66 has undergone various changes, with some sections rerouted or replaced by newer highways. However, the route described above represents the traditional and iconic alignment that many travelers associate with the historic “Mother Road.”

If you don’t have much time to devote to Route 66 but still want a taste of the American On the Road spirit that includes part of it, then you should definitely take a trip to California. We go there too! Take a look at the itinerary!