Although historic Route 66 is no longer Main Street of America but it’s still an iconic American road trip destination which stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles covering a total distance of 2,448 mi
Chicago
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It is called the "windy city" because of the constantly blowing strong wind. The city is a large business center and an important transport hub - the largest railway and the second air carrier in the entire United States. The city's icon is Willis Tower - it is 442 meters high, which in 1973 - 1998 was the highest building in the world.
Dixie Travel Plaza
The Dixie Travel Plaza also known as Dixie Truckers Home located at the intersection of U.S. Routes 136 and 66 in McLean, Illinois. This destination is one of the first America’s truck stops. But it’s definitely one of the oldest — and one of the most revered among aficionados of the old cross-country highway.
Opened in 1928, just two years after Route 66, at the midway point between St. Louis and Chicago to provide fuel, a bite to eat and a place to rest for weary truckers and travelers. It was the same great people who have worked at the Dixie for years. In 2003, the original owners sold the business, after which it was renamed "Dixie Travel Plaza" providing similar offerings along America’s highways over the years, Dixie Truckers Home remains a true original.
Chain of Rock Bridge
Chain of Rocks Bridge is an iconic structure over the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. This unique bridge opened in 1929 But it was not part of Route 66 until 1936, however, when the highway was rerouted over the Chain of Rocks Bridge. This bridge has unique sudden 30-degree sharp turn at its midsection across river which make this bridge unique.
After decades of rushing vehicles from Illinois to Missouri with a mid-river turn, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in 1968, and its traffic was routed to a new bridge just 2,000 feet away. After some decades the bridge was restored and opened for pedestrians and bike traffic in 1999. Since 2006 The National Register of Historic Places listed this bridge for it uniqueness and as landmark on famous highway Route 66 for over 30 years.
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Rocking Chair
In 2008, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair was erected on historic Route 66 outside the Fanning Outpost General Store in Cuba, Missouri. The black and white structure is made from welded steel and actually was a fully functioning swing back and forth, rocking chair in past. The chair stood 42 feet tall and 20 feet wide — it was the biggest rocker in all over America and even has Guinness certified for world’s largest rocker.
Unfortunately, in 2016, due to safety concerns, functioning has been stoped and no one is actually allowed to climb up and grab a seat. But it is still standing and you can still stop by for a visit.
Cars on the Route
Cars on the Route known as Kan-O-Tex service station in Galena, Kansas is a roadside fun stop for souvenir shop in the former little’s service station on an old US Highway 66. The old Kan-O-Tex service station at the north end of Main Street was restored by 4 women from Galena.The ownership has since changed with new partners and several of the original partners leaving.
Today it become so recognizable place by the emphasis on the connection to the movie Cars.
It’s the same place where the director of Cars movie saw the rusty old tow truck that inspired the character “Tow Mater”. Cars on the Route sells sandwiches, snacks, antiques and Car's items, including several made by local craftspeople and artists. t’s a great place to stop by and enjoy the story with old gas pumps, food, and 66 collectibles. You can also enjoy its celebrity truck “Tow Truck”.
Will Rogers Memorial
U.S. Route 66 also known as the Will Rogers Highway has its home as Museum built in honor of Will Rogers. Will Rogers was a beloved newspaper columnist, Broadway performer, political pundit, radio legend, movie star and philosopher.
The museum has artifacts, memorable quotation “ I never met a man I don’t like”,some old photographs, and manuscripts pertaining to Rogers' life. Museum has its own documentaries, speeches, and movies starring Rogers are shown in a theater. Rogers' tomb is located on its 20-acre (8 ha) grounds overlooking Claremore and Rogers State University.
Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Cafe
The U-Drop Inn, also known as Tower Station and U-Drop Inn, a Gas station and restaurant, built in 1936 — an Art Deco design topped with a metal tulip at the intersection of U.S. Routes 83 and 66 in Shamrock, Texas. This is the most recognizable destination by any traveller along the entire 2,400-mile journey. Attraction of this destination are with its Art Deco detailing building and two flared towers with geometric detailing, curvilinear massing, glazed ceramic tile walls, and neon light accents.
Today, with its prime location on iconic Route 66, the building was designed and constructed to be three separate structures refurbished with light pink concrete highlighted by green paint. In 2006 animated film Cars, the cartoon village which have many scene was based on multiple real U.S Route 66 landmarks. Which makes this place very famous and one of the must visit place by any traveller along the entire 2,400-mile journey.
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas was created by a group of art loving people called the Ant Farm, along with funding by Amarillo billionaire Stanley Marsh 3. 10 Cadillac automobiles halfway buried nose-down in a line facing west known as the Cadillac Ranch. This spot has become a popular stop for fans of public art and cars over the years, countless people have stopped to take a piece of the cars as a souvenir or mark them with spray paint, which didn’t seem to bother to owner Stanley Marsh 3.
In 1997 all 10 Cadillac automobiles was moved 2 miles west of its original site as the city of Amarillo expand; But it doesn’t create any impact on visitors around the globe. The Cadillacs Ranch remain intact and welcome to visitors
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada is features signs from old casinos and other businesses displayed outdoors on 2.62 acres. Museum has restored lobby shell from the defunct La Concha Motel as its visitor center.
It is an independent non-profit Museum located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Bonanza. the Neon Museum which is adjacent to the former YESCO Boneyard
For many years, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) restored many of these old signs and includes some new Neon Boneyard Park,
This signs are not only considered as business display but also has some historical significant to the culture of the city. Each of the restored signs holds a story about who created it and why it is so important.
The Grand Canyon
The magical Grand Canyon National Park is a famous canyon formed by Colorado River in Arizona. This Canyon is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Canyon is more about site of natural scene grace and is worth of slight detour. Canyon is 278 miles long and up to 18.5 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile.
Though You can also book thrilling whitewater rafting trips, Overnight Backpacking hiking and camping excursions. However, You can book National park service shuttle buses that drive to the Canyon along the South Rim.
Wigwam Motels
On Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, near Grand Canyon, is one of two remaining Wigwam Motels which was named as Wigwam Village. This motel chain was set up in the '30s’ by Frank Redford. It originally had seven different locations but now there are only three remaining, two of which are on Route 66 (the other is in Rialto, CA). Incidentally, the rooms are built in the form of tipis, mistakenly referred to as Wigwam.
Thanks to the movie Cars, which used many location of Route 66’s features and scenes, the Wigwam was portrayed as the home of one of the movie’s characters. In San Bernardino, you can see original Wigwam Motel scene actually existed when it was first built.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States with approximately 4 million inhabitants. It belongs to one of the most populated agglomerations in the world with a total of over 12 million people. It was founded in 1781 by the Spanish governor Filipe de Neve. After the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, it was incorporated into that country. It returned to the United States in 1848 - it was bought. The City of Angels is a world center of trade, entertainment, culture and sport - the summer Olympics were held here twice. Los Angeles is also the headquarters of Hollywood.