Summer has arrived and with COVID restrictions being lifted, many will hit the road-for better or worse-for a road trip adventure. One such route that many put on their list of places to travel is Route 66. Established on November 11, 1926, this famous stretch of road begins in Chicago, Illinois and runs through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, until finally ending in California. Known as the Will Rogers Memorial Highway, the Main Street of America, or the Mother Road, route 66 was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System. Here are sixteen points of interest (two for each state) to visit as you make your way down this legendary highway either physically or virtually.
Illinois:
Travelers can begin or end their road trip by visiting the second tallest building in the western hemisphere. The building’s construction began in 1970 and ended in 1973. A renovation in 2000 added two more floors giving the tower a total of 110 floors. Two points of attraction are the Skydeck andThe Ledge.
Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum
Located in Pontiac, IL, the museum features thousands of artifacts and memorabilia related to Route 66. Take a memorable picture of the largest Route 66 shield mural that was painted on the museum’s outside back wall and Route 66 Artist and Icon, Bob Waldmire’s bus and van.
Missouri:
As travelers continue to make their way down or up the route, one landmark they must visit is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. This ‘gateway to the west’ reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the country during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Located in the city of Carthage, this drive in theatre is a must see. The historic theatre is usually opened from April to mid-September.
Kansas:
Kansas Route 66 Historic District
During your journey, take time to stop in Galena, Kansas, the Route 66 historic district of the state. The main street of the city is part of the famed highway.
The store has been in operation since the inception of the highway and continues to be a popular stop along the route. The store sells groceries, produce, flowers, Deli meats & cheeses, gifts, Route 66 memorabilia and local handicrafts.
Oklahoma:
Learn all about “Oklahoma‘s Favorite Son, who was also a world traveler at this museum. Route 66 is also named in his honor.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Learn all about the great American West here at this museum.
Texas:
Cadillac Ranch
Folks come from all around to put their art on these 10 cadillacs brought by hippies in 1973 to be half buried in the sand.
The road will take you through Shamrock, Texas so while you’re there stay at the U-Drop Inn and visit the tower.
New Mexico:
National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
Learn about nuclear science at this museum. There are a variety of exhibits, a kids camps and more. The admission price isn’t bad either.
This fabulous museum has lots to offer visitors with its expansive collection.
Arizona:
Learn more about the Najavo and Hopi tribes at this musuem.
Space is the place to be and the Lowell Observatory has lots to share with visitors about the final frontier.
Creator: Burley Packwood
California:
Check out this massive crater left by a volcano from 6,000 years ago. It’s a beautiful sight to behold!
End or begin your journey at the Santa Monica pier. There’s food, fun, and lots of history by the seaside. Now there’s more than these 16 places to visit while you’re on the road. Head here to discover even more places.
All pictures from Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise stated.
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