Start an unforgettable journey through America’s heart by planning a trip on the legendary U.S. Route 66. Known as “The Mother Road” and “The Main Street of America,” this iconic highway was set up on November 11, 1926. It stretched 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Route 66 was crucial in the country’s history. It helped people move to the West during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It also played a big part in moving military equipment during World War II. Now, it’s a top spot for travelers wanting to feel America’s past charm.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Plan a memorable Route 66 road trip with our comprehensive guide
- Discover the iconic attractions and highlights along the “Main Street of America”
- Explore the best accommodations, restaurants, and transportation options for your journey
- Crafting a detailed Route 66 itinerary and budget for a seamless experience
- Capture stunning photographs and create lasting memories on your Route 66 adventure
The Lore of Route 66: The Main Street of America
Route 66 is a key part of American culture, known as one of the most iconic roads in the U.S. This legendary Route 66 history has won the hearts of travelers, artists, and fans of pop culture.
The Route 66 pop culture is huge and lasting. Classic movies like “Easy Rider” and “Thelma and Louise” featured the road. Books like “The Grapes of Wrath” also celebrated it. Route 66 has made a big impact on Route 66 movies and TV.
Today, over 250 sites along Route 66 are on the National Register of Historic Places. This keeps the Route 66 history alive. The road’s challenges and adventures have made it legendary, touching the hearts of travelers for years.
“Route 66 is the road of dreams, the road of a thousand wonders.”
If you love history, pop culture, or just the open road, Route 66’s story will amaze you. On your own Route 66 road trip, get ready to feel the magic and nostalgia of this amazing highway.
| Route 66 Facts | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Length of Route 66 | 2,448 miles |
| Route 66 Span | Chicago to Santa Monica |
| Miles in Oklahoma | More than 400 miles |
| Midpoint Cafe to Chicago/Los Angeles | 1,139 miles |
| Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma | Acclaimed as one of the best museums on the route |
Plan US Route 66 road trip
Starting a Route 66 road trip is an exciting adventure. It lets us explore the famous “Main Street of America.” To plan your trip, gather information and analyze it well. This means looking at major attractions, understanding the weather, and figuring out how long you want your trip to be.
Step 1: Collect Information and Analyze It
Begin by researching the key sights and landmarks along Route 66. This historic route goes through 8 states, offering a mix of vintage diners, quirky roadside spots, and beautiful natural views. Get to know the attractions in each state to make a great itinerary.
Also, think about the weather and seasons that might affect your trip. Summer is the busiest time to drive Route 66, but it’s also the most popular. The best months to go are May to October, when the weather is nice and not too hot or cold.
Talking to friends or other travelers who’ve done Route 66 can give you great tips and advice for planning your trip.
Step 2: Determine the Trip Duration
After learning about the attractions and the best travel time, figure out how long your trip will be. Route 66 is about 2,278 miles long. Driving at 50 mph, it would take around 46 hours. But to enjoy it more, plan for a 5-day trip covering about 1,000 miles.
It’s good to drive for about 6 hours a day and have 2 extra hours for seeing sights. This way, you’ll have a good balance of driving and exploring the amazing places along the way.
Book your places to stay, like hotels and motels, early, especially in the busy season. There’s a lot of demand along this popular route.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to plan an amazing Route 66 road trip. You’ll get to dive into the history, culture, and beauty of this famous American highway.
Calculate a Budget
Planning a Route 66 road trip means setting a budget for a fun journey. You’ll need to think about Route 66 transportation costs, Route 66 accommodation costs, and Route 66 food and dining costs.
To figure out your Route 66 transportation costs, look at the route’s total mileage. It’s about 2,448 miles (3,429 km) across six different climates. Aim to spend 10-12 days driving, covering about 200 miles (300 km) each day. Think about your car’s fuel efficiency and gas prices to estimate fuel costs.
For Route 66 accommodation costs, check out different places to stay like hotels, motels, RV parks, and campgrounds. Prices change with the season, with the busiest time from late May to September. Book early to get the best deals, especially when lots of people are traveling.
Don’t forget to plan for Route 66 food and dining costs. Think about the types of places you’ll eat, from diners to local spots. Consider how many meals you’ll eat out, grocery costs for cooking, and any special diets to affect your food budget.
Using online tools like the USA Trip Calculator or the Roadtrip app can make budgeting easier. They give estimates based on your trip details, vehicle, and fuel prices. These tools help you make a detailed budget for a worry-free Route 66 trip.
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Route 66 Transportation Costs | $500 – $1,000 |
| Route 66 Accommodation Costs | $800 – $2,000 |
| Route 66 Food and Dining Costs | $500 – $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $1,800 – $4,200 |
Keep in mind, your actual costs might change based on how you travel, the season, and extra activities. Planning ahead and using budgeting tools can help make your Route 66 trip fit your budget.
“The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.” – William Least Heat-Moon, author of “Blue Highways”
Route 66 Attractions and Highlights
Start an amazing trip along the famous Route 66. You’ll find lots of Route 66 landmarks, Route 66 roadside attractions, Route 66 historic sites, and Route 66 national parks. From the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago to the Midpoint Cafe & Gift Shop in Adrian, Texas, each spot shows a piece of America’s history and today.
Learn about the Mother Road’s history at places like the Route 66 Museum and Resource Center in Pontiac, Illinois. See the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Missouri for its stunning design. Don’t miss the Route 66 roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma.
For nature lovers, the Route 66 national parks and monuments are a treat. Visit the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Meteor Crater Natural Landmark. Enjoy the local food, from famous diners like Lou Mitchell’s in Chicago to hidden spots along the route.
The Route 66 road trip is an adventure you won’t forget. It’s filled with Route 66 landmarks, Route 66 roadside attractions, Route 66 historic sites, and Route 66 national parks. These places will touch your heart and stay with you forever.
| Attraction | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Buckingham Fountain | Chicago, Illinois | Iconic landmark at the start of Route 66 |
| Route 66 Museum and Resource Center | Pontiac, Illinois | Explore the history and culture of the Mother Road |
| Chain of Rocks Bridge | Missouri | Architectural marvel and historic crossing over the Mississippi River |
| Oklahoma Route 66 Museum | Clinton, Oklahoma | Discover the story of Route 66 in the Sooner State |
| Midpoint Cafe & Gift Shop | Adrian, Texas | Celebrate the midpoint of your Route 66 adventure |
“Traveling Route 66 is a journey through time, where the past and present collide to create an unforgettable experience.”
Modes of Transportation
Planning your trip on Route 66 gives you many ways to travel. You can drive your own car, RV, or motorcycle. RV rentals are a hit, with companies like Cruise America, El Monte RV Rentals, and Camping World offering different sizes and plans.
For those who love the wind in their hair, motorcycle rentals from Eaglerider are easy to find. They have locations all along the Route 66. This lets you feel the freedom of the road.
If you don’t want to plan everything, there are guided and self-drive tours. These tours come with itineraries and guides. So, you can relax and enjoy the historic beauty of Route 66 road trip by car, Route 66 road trip by RV, or Route 66 road trip by motorcycle.
Choosing any transportation option, Route 66 guided tours are a great way to see this famous road. They help you make memories that will last forever.
Conclusion
Planning a trip on Route 66 is an adventure filled with history and the spirit of the American West. This famous road stretches over 2,400 miles, letting travelers see the cultural and natural beauty of the “Mother Road.” From Chicago’s neon lights to Santa Monica’s sunny beaches, the guide helps us find the best spots and attractions.
This guide shows us how to plan our trip, from getting info to picking the right trip length and travel style. We’ll see vintage America, stunning natural sights, and make memories that last a lifetime on this classic road trip.
Route 66 is perfect for both experienced travelers and those new to exploring. It’s an experience that captures the heart of the American dream. So, pack your bags, fill up your car, and get ready for an amazing journey. The adventure is waiting, and it’s just starting.
FAQ
What is the history of Route 66?
Route 66 was a key road in the U.S. It was paved first and helped people move west. It started on November 11, 1926, and went 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It was the main way from the Midwest to the West Coast.
It was also called “The Main Street of America” and “The Will Rogers Highway”. In the 1930s, it was the main path for farm workers moving to California during the Dust Bowl.
How is Route 66 represented in popular culture?
Route 66 is famous thanks to movies, songs, and books like “The Grapes of Wrath”. It’s known for its unique motels, neon lights, and quirky attractions. The road was famous for its challenges like flat tires and narrow lanes.
How do I plan a Route 66 road trip?
Start by learning about your trip destinations and the route. Look into the main sights, weather, and seasons. Talk to friends who’ve taken the trip for advice.
Then, figure out how long your trip will be based on the distance and what you want to see.
How do I budget for a Route 66 road trip?
Plan your budget for the trip by considering travel costs, gas, and where you’ll stay. Think about how you’ll get to the start of the road and what your car gets for gas. Look into places to stay along the way, keeping in mind the seasons.
What are the top attractions and highlights along Route 66?
The road is full of amazing places to see. Don’t miss the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago and the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, Illinois. The Chain of Rocks Bridge in Missouri and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton are also must-sees.
Other highlights include vintage motels, diners, and quirky attractions. The Midpoint Cafe & Gift Shop in Adrian, Texas, marks the route’s halfway point.
What are the transportation options for a Route 66 road trip?
You can drive your own car, RV, or motorcycle on Route 66. RV rentals are popular, with companies like Cruise America offering different sizes. For a unique experience, rent a motorcycle from Eaglerider.
There are also guided and self-drive tours available. These tours provide all the details you need for a smooth trip.