Route 66, the Mother-road across America. This historic and famous highway is the crown jewel of American road trips. Along its pavement you’ll step into a time capsule showcasing wonderful history of a bygone America. Running from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA, Route 66 is one of the longest roads in America.

The goal of this page is to help you find valuable information for taking your own journey down America’s Main Street 🇺🇸

- Blue Whale of Catoosa, Catoosa, Oklahoma

My Journey Down Route 66 🇺🇸

Maps 🗺️

Below are some maps to help guide you along the route. You’ll be off and on the highway in certain areas, and I have not ridden the entire route myself (although I have ridden a large portion of it). I have included on some of the maps, some of my favorite places to see and places to eat. There is so much to see on Route 66 that if you stopped at every little road-side attraction along the way it could take you months!

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Please do your own research before setting out on the route. I make no guarantees that these maps are accurate, and I will not be keeping them up to date. There are even locations along the way where the road has been wiped out or damaged due to lack of maintenance, floods, downed trees, etc. Route 66 is truly an adventure, but it should be treated with respect, particularly if you’re on 2 wheels!

Route 66 - Illinois

Route 66 - Illinois Stretch.

Most of the map is post-1930 alignment. A google maps error puts you on I-270 half a mile too early.

Includes an optional 1926-1930 alignment where the route traversed through Carlinville.

Route 66 - Missouri

This map follows some older versions of the route through Joplin and Springfield, Missouri. There is also an optional 1926-1932 route through St Louis, Missouri.

Kansas

Route 66 only goes a short distance through Kansas, but some of the most famous places like the Rainbow Bridge, FFA Route 66 sign, and (more recently) 'Cars on the Route' are on this stretch.

Oklahoma

MOTORCYCLE WARNING!!! There is pre-1937 route south of Miami, Oklahoma - also named 9-Foot Hwy - that has gravel and is not smooth at all. Use extreme caution or skip this section.

Optional pre-1937 route west of El Reno, Oklahoma.

Texas

MOTORCYCLE WARNING!!! Pre-1932 route west of McLean is a unpaved and gravel - exercise extreme caution or skip this section.

New Mexico

The Route 66 New Mexico map includes the pre-1937 route through Santa Fe as well as the post-1937 route.

MOTORCYCLE WARNING!!! Google Maps will not recognize part of the route near Laguna - this is the part marked orange.

There's approximately an eighteen-mile unpaved part of the route. Motorcycles use caution!!!

Arizona

MOTORCYCLE WARNING!!! The post-1931 route is unpaved dirt! USE CAUTION!

There's a pre-1941 route west of Flagstaff, Arizona.

California

Route 66 map through California. I tried to mark certain locations on the map and according to Google they "don't exist" but according to the guide books they do. The guide book I have linked at the bottom of this page on Route 66 will help you find all the roadside attractions.

“Get your kicks on Route 66”

— Nat King Cole

History 📜

Route 66, often heralded as the "Main Street of America," has a rich history that stretches back to its official establishment in 1926. Originally designated as U.S. Route 66, it was envisioned to connect small towns, rural areas, and larger cities from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The route spanned approximately 2,448 miles, embodying the spirit of travel and exploration during a time when the automobile was becoming a central element of American life. It served not only as a major thoroughfare for those seeking opportunity in the West but also helped stimulate the economy during the Great Depression by promoting tourism and providing a pathway for migrating families, most notably those fleeing the Dust Bowl.

Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, Kingman, Arizona

As the country became more dependent on automobiles, Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and adventure, attracting travelers eager to experience the open road. The highway is characterized by its eclectic roadside attractions and signature motels that flourished during the mid-20th century. Places like the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, and the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, became iconic waypoints for travelers, providing a unique glimpse into Americana. Additionally, the cultural significance of Route 66 was immortalized in literature and music, with songs like Bobby Troup’s "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," capturing the essence of wanderlust and the allure of journeying down this historic highway.

However, the growth of the interstate highway system in the 1950s and 1960s shifted the focus of cross-country travel. While this development greatly improved travel times and safety, it also led to the gradual decline of Route 66, as many travelers opted for the faster, more efficient Interstate 40. In 1985, U.S. Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a federal highway, which sparked concern over the preservation of the route and the nostalgic businesses that had thrived along its stretches for decades. Local communities and preservationists, recognizing the historical significance of the highway, began to promote what is now known as the "Historic Route 66," revitalizing interest and tourism along the remnant stretches of the highway.

Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios on Route 66, Tulsa, Oklahoma

In the years since its decommissioning, Route 66 has undergone a renaissance of sorts. Efforts to restore and preserve the historical route have led to the establishment of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which seeks to protect and promote the highway's heritage. Many states along the route have developed scenic byways and cultural heritage trails that celebrate the history of Route 66. Enthusiasts and travelers alike flock to experience the unique blend of old-fashioned charm and nostalgia, tapping into the vision of a simpler time. Festivals, car shows, and motorcycle rallies have been created to commemorate the legacy of the highway, drawing thousands of visitors annually who appreciate its impact on America’s culture and identity.

Today, Route 66 stands not only as a testament to the American spirit of exploration but also as a reminder of the country's evolving relationship with transportation and tourism. The highway continues to inspire those who seek not just a path from one destination to another, but also a way to connect with the stories and memories that have defined the American experience. As travelers navigate its winding roads, they rediscover the charm of vintage diners, quirky roadside attractions, and the welcoming ambiance of small towns. Route 66 is more than a road; it is a journey through history that reflects the resilience and creativity of the American people.

Additional Resources

If you’re planning a trip along Route 66, here are some additional resources you may find helpful.

Hotels

I personally use HotelEngine.com and Booking.com for booking hotels along the route. Additionally, there are some nice state parks with camping and even hotels within the parks themselves (Meremac State Park in Missouri is one example - I stayed there and it was nice).

Books & Maps

I have provided a link to some of the physical maps and books I used to help plan my trip along Route 66, you may find them useful as well.

LINK TO MY AMAZON PAGE FOR ROUTE 66

“Route 66 is the main street of America, and the lifeline to the heartland.”

— Bobby Troup

Historic Hotel-Motel El Rancho, Gallup, New Mexico

Links included anywhere on this site may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting me so I can continue to make awesome motorcycle content for you!

Route 66 🇺🇸

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