Journeying Along Route 66: A Guide to Eight States of Americana, Culture and Roadside Legends

K.C. Dermody

Written by Justin Mewse

December 2025

Follow historic Route 66 across eight diverse states, tracing the iconic journey from Chicago to Santa Monica. This legendary highway delivers a compelling mix of classic Americana, regional flavours, cultural landmarks, and characterful towns—making it a standout itinerary agents can confidently recommend for unforgettable, experience-led road trips.

Use the links below to explore each state, or scroll on to uncover the stories, sights, and experiences that make the Route 66 Centennial a once-in-a-lifetime road trip:

Hit the road across the memorable heartland states of Route 66Illinois | Missouri | Oklahoma | Texas | New Mexico | Arizona

Route 66 highlights

Illinois: Setting the Tone for Route 66

Illinois introduces Route 66 with a compelling blend of big-city appeal, small-town nostalgia, and some of the Mother Road’s most recognisable early icons. For clients, it delivers a strong opening chapter that combines cultural depth, classic Americana, and an easy-to-follow historic driving route.

Chicago: A World-Class Starting Point

Every Route 66 itinerary begins in Chicago, marked by the official “Begin Route 66” sign in the city centre. Before heading southwest, travellers can explore headline attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago, while enjoying renowned dining, lakefront walks, and the city’s unmistakable energy. Chicago provides an exciting contrast to the quieter communities that follow, making it an ideal launch point for the journey ahead.

Illinois’ First 100 Miles: Icons and Open Landscapes

The opening stretch of Illinois Route 66 showcases some of the road’s most celebrated early landmarks. Highlights include breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s in Chicago, a long-standing Route 66 institution, and a visit to Old Joliet Prison, where guided tours bring Illinois history to life. South of Joliet, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offers a scenic detour, introducing wide-open prairie landscapes and opportunities to spot the reintroduced bison herd. Wilmington’s towering Gemini Giant provides a memorable photo stop, followed by Dwight’s Ambler’s Texaco Station, a beautifully preserved example of classic roadside architecture. In Pontiac, the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum anchors this section with immersive exhibits, memorabilia, and murals that contextualise the road’s cultural legacy.

Classic Towns and Culinary Heritage

As the route continues south, Illinois delivers a sequence of characterful towns filled with vintage signage, nostalgic diners, and local stories. Atlanta is known for its photogenic roadside attractions, including the Paul Bunyan Hot Dog Statue, alongside independent cafés popular with travellers. Springfield, the state capital, adds historical weight with the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and State Capitol, while also offering an authentic local food experience in the famous Horseshoe sandwich—a regional speciality that has become a talking point for Route 66 visitors.

The Final 100 Miles: Quirks, Culture, and River Crossings

The final 100 miles deliver quintessential Route 66 charm with a mix of quirky attractions and cultural landmarks. In Litchfield, enjoy a meal at the historic Ariston Café and catch a movie under the stars at Sky View Drive-In. Further south in Livingston, browse vintage treasures at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Collinsville adds a dash of whimsy with its World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, while UNESCO World Heritage Site Cahokia Mounds offers a striking contrast with its deep ancient history. The Illinois chapter concludes in Madison at the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge, where sweeping Mississippi River views set the stage for the road ahead into St. Louis.

Illinois’ southern stretch captures the essence of Route 66 variety. In Litchfield, clients can dine at the long-established Ariston Café or enjoy a nostalgic evening at Sky View Drive-In. Livingston is home to the Pink Elephant Antique Mall, a favourite stop for vintage browsing and playful photo opportunities. Collinsville’s World’s Largest Catsup Bottle adds light-hearted roadside appeal, while nearby Cahokia Mounds—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers a powerful counterpoint with its ancient Indigenous history. The Illinois journey concludes in Madison at the Chain of Rocks Bridge, where expansive Mississippi River views signal the transition into Missouri and the next chapter of the Route 66 experience.

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Route 66 Illinois highlights

Missouri: Neon, Icons and Classic Route 66 Heritage

Missouri delivers some of Route 66’s most recognisable and photogenic stops, blending major city landmarks, retro roadside attractions, and vibrant cultural experiences. For clients, it offers a mix of history, quirky Americana, and picture-perfect moments that appeal to a wide range of travellers.

Gateway Arch, Classic Flavours and Blues in St. Louis

St. Louis is a natural starting point in Missouri, with the iconic Gateway Arch rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River. Travellers can ride to the top for panoramic city views and vistas of the historic westward trails. Nearby, Ted Drewes serves its famously thick frozen custard “concretes,” a sweet stop that has been delighting Route 66 travellers for decades. The city also offers a thriving blues scene, from intimate jam sessions to lively performances at venues such as Broadway Oyster Bar and the 1860 Saloon, providing clients with a mix of culture, cuisine, and live entertainment.

St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park

Further along the route, the newly opened St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park showcases restored neon signage that once guided travellers along the highway. Carefully preserved pieces glow vividly after sunset, providing striking photo opportunities. Nearby, the retro Munger Moss Motel offers a classic roadside photo stop. This open-air attraction is perfect for travellers interested in vintage Americana, offering a visual celebration of the golden age of motoring and the artistry behind Route 66 signage.

Birthplace of Route 66 in Springfield

Springfield is recognised as the birthplace of the Route 66 name and offers rich heritage experiences. The History Museum on the Square brings the story of the Mother Road to life through interactive exhibits, artefacts, and immersive galleries. Clients can combine cultural exploration with a stroll through the welcoming downtown area, where heritage blends seamlessly with a lively contemporary atmosphere—making it a memorable stop along the route.

Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin

Joplin closes the Missouri chapter with the vibrant Route 66 Mural Park. Visitors can capture photos beside a classic red Corvette sculpture and expansive murals that celebrate mid-century travel along the Mother Road. The colourful, nostalgic artwork creates an ideal backdrop for social media-ready imagery, while offering a fun, light-hearted stop to stretch legs and enjoy one of the state’s most popular Route 66 photo opportunities.

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Route 66 Missouri highlights

Kansas: A Quick Slice of the Mother Road

Kansas offers just a short 13-mile stretch of Route 66, but it packs in history and charm. Highlights include the Marsh Arch Bridge, the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum, and classic roadside relics that capture the spirit of the Mother Road.

Food market on Route 66 - Kansas Tourism/Doug Stremel

Oklahoma: Heartland Adventures and Cultural Highlights

Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 offers a lively combination of history, culture, and entertainment. From iconic roadside attractions and small-town charm to Native American heritage and diverse dining, it provides travellers with a dynamic and memorable segment of the Mother Road.

Diverse Attractions Along the Route

Oklahoma is home to a variety of distinctive Route 66 stops. Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, featuring the world’s largest concrete totem pole, is a highlight of folk art and local storytelling. Visitors can explore hand-carved designs, the whimsical Fiddle House, and picnic tables supported by small concrete totems, all created by Galloway as a tribute to Native American culture. Beyond this, travellers encounter historic gas stations, characterful small towns, and local museums that bring the state’s Route 66 heritage to life. Scenic stretches, roadside art, and welcoming communities ensure every stop combines nostalgia with discovery, making Oklahoma an essential chapter of the journey.

The Oklahoma Music Trail

The Oklahoma Music Trail celebrates the state’s rich contribution to country, jazz, and rock history. Visitors can follow the trail to live venues, historic recording studios, and landmarks tied to legendary performers. Whether attending concerts, exploring music museums, or spotting commemorative plaques, travellers experience the rhythms and stories that have shaped local culture and America’s broader musical landscape.

Authentic Native American History and Culture

Route 66 in Oklahoma also offers meaningful encounters with Native American heritage. Museums, historic sites, and interactive experiences allow travellers to engage with tribal history, art, and traditions. These authentic cultural touchpoints enrich the journey, connecting the legacy of the Mother Road with the deep, living heritage of the region.

Eclectic Food Experiences

Oklahoma’s culinary scene complements its attractions, from classic BBQ and hearty diners to innovative farm-to-table and fine dining options. Travellers can sample regional specialties, enjoy comfort foods with character, or explore city-centre cuisine, experiencing the flavours and hospitality that make the state a rewarding stop along Route 66.

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Route 66 Oklahoma highlights

Texas: Big Flavours and Iconic Sights on the Mother Road

The Texas Panhandle delivers classic Route 66 scale and personality, combining bold roadside attractions, wide-open landscapes, and deep musical roots. This stretch of the Mother Road adds contrast and character to any itinerary, balancing quirky Americana with memorable outdoor and cultural experiences.

Amarillo and the Midway of Route 66

Amarillo sits at the halfway point of Route 66 and serves as a natural hub for travellers crossing the Panhandle. Events such as the Amarillo Route 66 Festival (July 2026) showcase the region’s love of music, parades, and community celebration. Dining is a highlight, with The Big Texan Steak Ranch offering an unmistakable Route 66 experience thanks to its legendary 72-ounce steak challenge and lively, old-school Texan atmosphere. Amarillo delivers energy, humour, and scale—an engaging stop that clients remember long after the journey continues west.

Cadillac Ranch – Iconic Roadside Art

Located just outside Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is one of Route 66’s most recognisable attractions. Ten half-buried Cadillacs form an interactive art installation where visitors are encouraged to spray-paint, photograph, and leave their mark. Its ever-changing appearance and hands-on appeal make it a standout photo stop and a textbook example of the playful creativity that defines the Mother Road.

Great Outdoors in the Panhandle

The Panhandle also offers striking natural scenery close to Route 66. Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States, provides dramatic viewpoints, hiking trails, and a sense of scale that surprises many first-time visitors. Caprock Canyons State Park adds another dimension, with rugged landscapes and the chance to see Texas’ official free-roaming bison herd. These outdoor experiences give travellers a welcome contrast to the highway and broaden the appeal of the Texas section beyond roadside attractions alone.

Lubbock – Music, Wine, and Culture

A manageable detour leads to Lubbock, birthplace of Buddy Holly and an important stop for music lovers. Live venues, museums, and cultural sites celebrate the city’s role in shaping early rock and roll. Lubbock also anchors the High Plains Wine & Vine Trail, where the majority of Texas wine grapes are grown, offering tasting rooms and vineyard experiences. Together, music and wine make Lubbock a compelling optional addition for clients seeking depth beyond the Route 66 corridor.

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Route 66 Texas highlights

New Mexico: Colour, Culture, and Classic Route 66 Character

New Mexico adds depth and diversity to a Route 66 itinerary, combining colourful desert towns, creative hubs, and some of the Mother Road’s most recognisable landmarks. This section of the route balances strong visual appeal with rich cultural experiences that resonate with a wide range of travellers.

Tucumcari and the Blue Swallow Motel

Tucumcari delivers one of Route 66’s most iconic overnight stops. The Blue Swallow Motel, famed for its glowing neon signage and beautifully preserved retro design, remains a favourite with photographers and nostalgia-seekers alike. The surrounding town reinforces the experience, with murals, vintage diners, and historic motels that clearly illustrate mid-20th-century road travel, making Tucumcari an easy highlight to position within any classic Route 66 journey.

Santa Fe – Art, Architecture, and Cultural Depth

Located a short drive from Route 66, Santa Fe offers a rewarding cultural detour. As the highest state capital in the U.S., the city is known for its adobe architecture, strong artistic identity, and long history. Highlights include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the extensive gallery scene along Canyon Road. Santa Fe appeals to travellers interested in art, cuisine, and design, adding a refined contrast to the roadside Americana found elsewhere along the route.

Albuquerque – Urban Route 66 and Elevated Views

Albuquerque features the longest uninterrupted urban stretch of Route 66, running for 18 miles along Central Avenue. Key attractions include the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which provides valuable insight into Native American heritage, and the Sandia Peak Tramway, offering expansive views across the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding desert. The city functions well as a hub, combining accessible attractions, strong Route 66 identity, and varied accommodation options.

Gallup – Red Rock Landscapes and Route 66 Legacy

Set against dramatic red rock scenery, Gallup delivers a strong sense of place along New Mexico’s Route 66 corridor. The historic El Rancho Hotel, long associated with Hollywood film crews and famous guests, remains a notable stop, blending classic Western style with Route 66 heritage. Gallup’s connection to Native American culture and proximity to striking natural landscapes make it a compelling overnight or stopover for clients seeking authenticity and scenery.

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Route 66 New Mexico highlights

Arizona: Big Skies, Bold Icons, and Classic Route 66 Appeal

Arizona represents one of the most visually striking and commercially appealing sections of Route 66. The state combines wide-open desert scenery with some of the highway’s most recognisable landmarks, making it a consistent highlight for clients seeking classic Americana, strong photography opportunities, and memorable overnight stops.

Signature Route 66 Landmarks

Arizona’s Route 66 corridor features a concentration of well-known roadside icons that are easy to position within self-drive, escorted, or fly-drive itineraries. Key stops include the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City, recognised for its long-running “Here It Is” signage; the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, offering distinctive teepee-style accommodation; and Winslow, made famous by the Eagles’ Take It Easy. These locations deliver high recognition value and reinforce the nostalgic identity clients expect from the Mother Road.

Neon Nights and Desert Skies

After dark, Arizona’s Route 66 towns reveal another layer of appeal. Restored neon signage lights up historic streets in Kingman, Williams, and Seligman, creating atmospheric evening experiences that work well for photography-focused travellers. Away from town centres, minimal light pollution allows for impressive stargazing, adding a natural contrast to the roadside heritage. Evening diner stops and relaxed nighttime strolls extend the Route 66 experience beyond daylight driving hours.

Character-Driven Stops: Hackberry to Seligman

The stretch between Hackberry and Seligman is especially rich in personality and storytelling. The Hackberry General Store offers a visually engaging stop with vintage petrol pumps, classic vehicles, and nostalgic displays, while Seligman is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Route 66 preservation movement. Colourful storefronts, retro diners, and locally run businesses provide opportunities for client interaction and reinforce the living culture of the road.

Structuring an Arizona Route 66 Itinerary

Allowing around six days to explore Arizona’s Route 66 enables a well-paced itinerary that balances driving with discovery. Historic towns including Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Kingman, and Oatman each add distinct character, while nearby highlights such as the Petrified Forest National Park introduce natural scenery alongside roadside heritage. This combination makes Arizona an ideal centrepiece within longer Route 66 programmes, appealing to both first-time visitors and repeat travellers.

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Route 66 Arizona highlights

California: The Legendary End of the Trail

California delivers the iconic finale to any Route 66 journey, where the Mother Road meets the Pacific at Santa Monica Pier. The celebrated “End of the Trail” sign, coastal views, and vibrant beachfront atmosphere provide a natural moment of arrival, reflection, and celebration—an instantly recognisable finish that resonates strongly with clients and works seamlessly as a memorable tour conclusion.

End of Route 66 sign, Santa Monica Pier – Brand USA

Suggested Route 66 Itineraries

A selection of Route 66 itineraries showcasing different ways to experience the Mother Road, from independent self-drives to RV, motorbike, and fully escorted tours. These routes highlight classic diners, neon-lit landmarks, and iconic landscapes across America’s most legendary highway.

22-Day Route 66 & Highway 1 by Motorhome

Motorhome along Route 66 from Chicago to San Francisco, exploring classic Americana, iconic roadside attractions, neon-lit towns, Grand Canyon vistas, Native American heritage, the vast Mojave Desert, stunning scenic landscapes, and California’s Pacific Coast.

** Tailor to your clients’ needs **

From £2,149pp
Including flights

Operated by North America Travel Service

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  • Chicago offers Lake Michigan views, world-class museums, jazz and blues heritage, and diverse dining. Springfield provides classic Route 66 Americana with its museum, shops, and vintage diners, introducing the Mother Road’s historical charm
  • St. Louis highlights include the Gateway Arch, Lone Elk Park, and Route 66 State Park, while small towns and rolling hills showcase iconic roadside stops, Joplin’s history, and the nostalgia of classic diners and motels
  • Tulsa’s arts districts, western collections, and live music heritage combine with historic towns en route to Oklahoma City. Stockyards, Route 66 museums in Clinton and Elk City, and small-town attractions reflect Native American culture and the Mother Road’s legacy
  • The Panhandle includes Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon, and heritage attractions, while New Mexico features Tucumcari’s murals and neon, Santa Fe’s art scene, Albuquerque’s central Route 66 corridor, and Gallup’s Native American heritage sites
  • Arizona’s Petrified Forest, Holbrook, Winslow, and Williams provide classic Route 66 landmarks, desert scenery, and access to the Grand Canyon. The Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, and Boulder City highlight the western stretch, leading to Las Vegas for iconic entertainment
  • Southern California’s Mojave Desert, Angeles Crest Highway, and Los Angeles combine dramatic scenery with cultural and historic landmarks. Northward along the Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, complete the coast-to-coast journey

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  • Accommodation on the first night – Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
  • C25 Motorhome, including: insurance (Third Party Liability Protection, Auto Liability Coverage and Supplemental Liability Coverage up to $1,000,000), 500 mile package and local taxes on items which have been prepaid
  • Return international flights
  • ATOL protected

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19-Day Route 66 The Road Less Travelled

An immersive coast-to-coast experience along the legendary Route 66, combining classic Americana, scenic landscapes, historic towns, iconic roadside attractions, national parks, and rich cultural highlights from Los Angeles to Chicago, with authentic and memorable local experiences throughout.

** Deposit from £125pp **

From £2,349pp
Including flights

Operated by Travelpack

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  • Greater Los Angeles offers Santa Monica’s classic California beach vibe, shopping, dining, and the Route 66 end/start photo opportunity at the pier, before the RV is collected and the journey east begins through Southern California freeways and the Mojave Desert
  • The Mojave Desert and Barstow region highlight historic ghost towns such as Calico, scenic desert landscapes, and the juxtaposition of Route 66’s original alignment against modern interstates, with opportunities to explore early mining and pioneer history
  • Arizona’s Route 66 corridor includes Kingman, Seligman, and Williams, featuring Mojave high desert scenery, Hualapai Mountains, Fort Beale Wagon Trail remnants, nostalgic roadside towns, and access to the Grand Canyon via train, helicopter, or guided tour
  • Flagstaff, Holbrook, and Petrified Forest National Park provide Route 66 landmarks, university town culture, outdoor adventures, and the Painted Desert, while Gallup offers Native American heritage sites and desert vistas en route to Albuquerque
  • Albuquerque and surrounding New Mexico showcase the Continental Divide, volcanic landscapes at El Malpais National Monument, historic Acoma Pueblo, Old Town Albuquerque, Sandia Peak Tramway, and regional cultural experiences including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October)
  • Tucumcari, Texas Panhandle, and Oklahoma feature classic Route 66 Americana with neon signs, historic motels, Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Café, iconic roadside attractions such as the Blue Whale of Catoosa, and engaging museums celebrating the Mother Road’s heritage

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  • 1 night stay at Freehand Los Angeles
  • 17 nights/18 days C25 RV motorhome hire with insurance, unlimited mileage, • Personal & vehicle provisioning kits
  • Return international flights
  • ABTA & ATOL protected

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16-Day Highlights of Route 66

Route 66’s centennial journey spans Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing eight states and showcasing historic towns, iconic roadside attractions, Route 66 museums, preserved motels, natural landmarks, and cultural highlights, including St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Santa Monica.

** Incredible excursions included **

From £3,269pp
Including flights

Operated by Cosmos

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  • Chicago introduces the Route 66 adventure with Lake Michigan vistas, iconic architecture, the Magnificent Mile, riverwalks, and jazz and blues heritage, while the starting point of the Mother Road and early Route 66 landmarks set the historical context
  • Illinois and Missouri feature Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and original stretches of the Mother Road, alongside classic diners, motels, and small-town Americana
  • Kansas and Oklahoma include the state’s brief Route 66 corridor, with whimsical attractions such as the “Cars on the Route” installation, Tulsa’s arts districts and western collections, Oklahoma City’s Stockyards, Bricktown, and the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City
  • Texas and New Mexico highlight Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon, and historic Route 66 sites, as well as Tucumcari’s neon signs, Santa Fe’s art scene, Albuquerque’s central corridor and Old Town, and Gallup’s Native American heritage and landscapes
  • Arizona showcases Petrified Forest National Park, Winslow’s “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, Holbrook, and Williams’ historic district, while optional access to the Grand Canyon adds dramatic scenery along classic stretches of the Mother Road
  • Nevada and California complete the journey with the Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Las Vegas entertainment, and Southern California highlights including Angeles Crest Highway, Los Angeles landmarks, and northward along the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

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  • 15 nights named accommodation
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 continental breakfasts
  • Guided city sightseeing in Chicago and Los Angeles
  • Visit to Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
  • Admission to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
  • Orientation tours of St. Louis, Joplin, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas
  • Entrance fee to Gateway Arch National Park including trip to the top of the Arch
  • Visit to Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Welcome & Cultural Center
  • Admission to National Route 66 Museum
  • Stop at Cadillac Ranch
  • Visit to Russell’s Car Museum
  • Visit to El Malpais National Monument
  • Entrance Fee and guided sightseeing at Grand Canyon National Park
  • Visit to California Route 66 Museum
  • Cosmos Tour Directors and local guides
  • Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
  • Return international flights
  • ABTA & ATOL protected

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22-Day Route 66 Extravaganza

A Route 66 adventure from Chicago to Santa Monica, highlighting historic towns, iconic roadside attractions, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California for a truly classic American road-trip experience.

** All accommodation included **

From £4,099pp
Including flights

Operated by North America Travel Service

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  • The itinerary begins in Chicago, Illinois, highlighting the city’s skyline, cultural districts, and the official start of Route 66, including key Route 66 attractions in Joliet, Pontiac, and Springfield
  • Travel through Missouri, featuring St. Louis with the Gateway Arch, historic Ozark towns, Meramec Caverns, and the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield
  • Route 66 across Oklahoma showcases Tulsa’s arts and heritage districts, historic Route 66 landmarks, roadside attractions, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton
  • The Texas and New Mexico section includes Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, Santa Fe’s cultural sites, Tucumcari’s murals, and Albuquerque’s historic Route 66 districts
  • Arizona highlights include the Petrified Forest National Park, Winslow’s “Standin’ on the Corner” park, Flagstaff’s neon signage, Seligman’s retro towns, and the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman
  • The final leg passes through Nevada and California, with Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert, Barstow’s Route 66 museum, Pasadena landmarks, Los Angeles highlights, and the official Route 66 endpoint at Santa Monica Pier

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  • 21 nights accommodation with stays at:
  • Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel, Chicago
  • President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
  • St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, St Louis
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Springfield
  • The Mayo Hotel, Tulsa
  • Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown
  • Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe
  • Hilton Garden Inn, Gallup
  • Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
  • Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
  • Hyatt Centric Delfina, Santa Monica
  • Intermediate 4 door car hire including insurances
  • Return international flights
  • ATOL protected

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16-Day Route 66 (Chicago-LA) – Guided Motorcycle Tour

EagleRider’s Route 66 motorcycle tour follows the Mother Road from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering 2,400 miles across eight states. Preserved highways, diners, neon motels, and frontier landscapes showcase why Route 66 remains a motorcycle journey.

** Option to self-guide available **

Price available via tour operator

Operated by North America Travel Service

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  • Chicago combines Lake Michigan views, a world-class skyline, top-rated museums, vibrant jazz and blues heritage, and dining options that set the stage for the Mother Road. Pontiac and Springfield offer iconic Route 66 attractions, including the Route 66 Museum and vintage roadside Americana
  • The state features the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, historic small towns, 1950s-style diners, neon signage, and quirky roadside stops like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair. Springfield, recognized as Route 66’s birthplace, anchors centennial celebrations and heritage experiences
  • Oklahoma’s stretch presents more than 400 miles of the longest driveable Route 66 corridor, highlighting small towns, neon-lit diners, and cultural attractions. Key stops include Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Route 66 Museums in Clinton and Elk City, and historic sites reflecting Native American heritage along the trail
  • The Panhandle showcases classic small-town main streets, vintage gas stations, and roadside landmarks such as the Tower Station & U-Drop Inn, the Leaning Tower of Texas, the Devil’s Rope Museum, and Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, offering a vivid glimpse of the Mother Road’s golden age
  • Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Tucumcari, and Gallup feature neon signage, vintage diners, historic motels, and Route 66-inspired public art. Cultural diversity, high desert landscapes, and heritage attractions provide multiple points of interest for immersive, photogenic experiences
  • Arizona offers the longest preserved stretch of Route 66, with classic towns such as Holbrook, Winslow, and Seligman, and landmarks including the Petrified Forest and Wigwam Motel. California concludes the Mother Road at Santa Monica Pier, with the Angeles Crest Highway providing scenic, dramatic terrain for memorable journey experiences

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  • Accommodation on the first night – Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
  • Motorbike
  • Expert travel guide
  • Return international flights
  • ATOL protected

**Clients MUST have a motorcycle license to ride

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