The iconic Route 66 begins in Chicago. Chicago was a commercial hub in the early 20th century, like Route 66. Skyscrapers like the Willis Tower represent the American ideal.
Travel southwest from Chicago to St. Louis on the historic route, passing historical sites and odd roadside attractions. Visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac to see highway history displays and memorabilia.
St. Louis to Joplin is your Route 66 driving adventure in Missouri. Start this leg at the Chain of Rocks Bridge. The pedestrian bridge provides great views and Route 66 nostalgia. The Stanton Meramec Caverns were Jesse James' refuge.
Just under 13 miles, Route 66 cuts across Kansas's southeast corner. The route passes through three livestock, mining, and Route 66 communities in that distance.
Oklahoma has the longest driveable section of Route 66, from Miami to Sayre. Along Route 66 in Oklahoma, you'll see the Coleman Theatre, a restored vaudeville and movie palace, and the Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum.
This unusual art piece is near Amarillo. Visitors may mark 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first and contribute to its colorful history. Then visit Amarillo's 72-ounce steak challenge-famous Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Route 66 enters New Mexico east of San Jon and departs west of Gallup. Tucumcari is a popular visit in the Land of Enchantment. It's notable for Route 66 murals, neon signs, the Blue Swallow Motel, and abandoned sites.
Arizona's Route 66 is a breathtaking drive amid natural and historic beauty. One of Route 66's most spectacular sections is the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert, a breathtaking display of colors and geology.
Between the Mojave Desert and Los Angeles, Route 66's 300 miles in California may be the most diversified. Photographing the Amboy Crater and Helendale's unusual Bottle.