Written By Rory Shaffer
Route 66 is one of the oldest continuous stretches of paved highways in the United States. This highway was used to migrated from the east to the west. The highway was established on November 11, 1926 and stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Originally it headed thru Illinois and Missouri and the southern part of Kansas. From here it turned in to more of westward direction through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and LA.
Why is Route 66 so popular? It was, and still is, famous because it became an icon of American Culture, the "Mother Road", "America's Main Street".
The U.S. Congress recognized the deep impact Route 66 had on the lives of the American people and its place in the US heritage as a factor of social mobility and freedom. The main reason is :
Route 66 has become a symbol of the American people's heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life and has been enshrined in American popular culture.
When is the best time to travel Route 66? The best time to take a Route 66 road trip is from late spring to early summer and in the early fall. The weather is usually good, and roads are open, as are most Route 66 businesses. Avoid travel during August, when the temperatures can reach more than 100 degrees in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and the California desert Getting stranded in the desert at anytime is never a good thing.
The route can be completed in two weeks covering 2,500 km, but I would suggest more like three weeks. You will want to stop and see many of the sites along the way. Good planning will be the key to make this trip successful.
I am listing a few great guidebooks you can check out for some additional ideas:
A host of guide books have been written explaining how best to explore and enjoy Route 66. These include:
Route 66: EZ66 GUIDE For Travellers - Jerry McClanahan
Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide – National Historic Route 66 Federation
Lonely Planet Route 66 Road Trips (Travel Guide)
Route 66 Traveller’s Guide and Roadside Companion – Tom Snyder
Route 66 Adventure Handbook – Drew Knowle
Attractions Along Route 66
Stopping at the Cadillac Ranch in Texas
As one heads westbound out from Amarillo today on I-40 between exits 60 and 62, the Cadillac Ranch comes into view quickly, on the south side of the road, on a privately owned pasture.
The Cadillac Ranch ... classic, half-buried Cadillacs!
This "interactive" folk art site of ten Cadillacs is the work of financier Stanley Marsh. It was created in 1974 and consists of what were old or junked Cadillac automobiles, many sporting those classic tail fins, all facing west in a straight line. The cars are half-buried nose-first in the ground, at an angle corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
Take exit 60 from I-40. Access is from the service road on the south side of the interstate. Park, cross over the fence gate, and walk across the field about 100 yards ... free admission! Graffiti is allowed as you will quickly learn!
Why You Should Stop at Pontiac
The city of Pontiac is home to 43 murals, inspired by local history and businesses. The largest one is a Route 66 signpost, painted on the back wall of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. The others are dotted around Pontiac’s downtown area.
Why You Should Stop at The 66 Drive-in
The 66 Drive-In opened in 1949 during a post-war boom of movie theaters that catered to motel guests and travelers along American highways. It’s one of only a few historically intact theaters still operating. Many of the site’s original structures, including a 66-foot high screen house, billboards, kids’ playground, Art Deco glass ticket booth and the original neon sign are still intact and still in use. The theater closed in 1985 but was renovated and reopened in 1998. It currently screens the latest movies from April to September and, like most on this list, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why You Should Stop at East Galena Historic District
Established in 1877, Galena is the oldest mining town in Kansas and was named after deposits of galena (lead sulfite) discovered in the area. The classic red-brick buildings of Galena’s business district were built during the town’s hey-day. Walking tour highlights include buildings that formerly housed the Old Mayhew Theater, First National Bank, vintage gas stations and Galena’s jail. There’s also an antique store in a building that once housed a bordello.
The entire area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Galena’s downtown is also known for several large murals commemorating Route 66 and various historical businesses.
Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park
Ed Galloway was one of Oklahoma’s best-known folk artists. He was born in 1880 and became skilled in woodcarving and blacksmithing. Galloway worked as a manual arts teacher and also made violins and furniture. After retiring, Galloway built a home, smokehouse and workshop on his property.
He became fascinated by American Indian totems and created a 90-foot tall pole from steel, wood, concrete and sandstone. The local Rogers County Historical Society bought and restored the site after Galloway’s death, adding the Fiddle House Museum that contains his wood carvings.
There are so many point of interest along the Route 66 I could spend a day listing places to visit. As you journey along the route there are plenty of signs with suggestions of things to visit.
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