Get Your Kicks on Route 66: The Ultimate Guide to the Mother Road

Introduction

Route 66, fondly known as the Mother Road, is an iconic American highway that has captured the imagination of generations. Stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, it weaves through eight states, connecting bustling cities and quaint towns, and offering a glimpse into the heartland of the United States.

History

Route 66 was born on November 11, 1926, when the U.S. Highway System was established. It quickly became a major artery for westward migration and commerce, fostering the growth of roadside businesses and towns. During the Great Depression, Route 66 served as a lifeline for Dust Bowl refugees seeking a better life in California.

The Golden Age

The 1950s and 1960s marked the golden age of Route 66. With the advent of affordable automobiles, Americans took to the road in droves, and Route 66 became a symbol of adventure and wanderlust. The highway was immortalized in popular culture, including Bob Dylan's iconic song "Like a Rolling Stone" and the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies."

Decline and Revival

The construction of the interstate highway system in the 1960s bypassed many segments of Route 66, leading to its decline. However, in the 1980s, a grassroots movement emerged to preserve and revitalize the historic highway. In 1990, Congress designated Route 66 as a National Scenic Byway, sparking a renewed interest in its preservation and promotion.

Today

Today, Route 66 continues to attract travelers from around the world. It offers a nostalgic journey through American history, with its restored gas stations, vintage motels, and quirky roadside attractions. Many towns along the highway have embraced Route 66 as a source of tourism and economic revitalization.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

Route 66 can be enjoyed year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for driving and exploring. Avoid the summer months (June-August) if you prefer to escape the heat, especially in the desert regions.

How to Get There

The starting point of Route 66 is in Chicago, Illinois, and the end point is in Santa Monica, California. There are several ways to get to either city, including flying, driving, or taking a train.

Driving

Driving Route 66 is the quintessential way to experience the highway. Allow plenty of time for your journey, as the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica takes approximately three days.

Public Transportation

While driving is the preferred mode of travel, public transportation options are available. Amtrak offers a train that runs along parts of Route 66, and Greyhound buses stop at many towns along the highway.

Lodging

There are a variety of lodging options along Route 66, ranging from historic motels to modern chain hotels. Consider making reservations in advance during peak season to secure your accommodation.

What to See and Do

Chicago to St. Louis

• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
• Explore the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Stop at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois.

St. Louis to Oklahoma City

• Visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri.
• Explore the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
• See the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

Oklahoma City to Amarillo

• Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
• Explore the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
• Stop at the Leaning Tower of Groom in Groom, Texas.

Amarillo to Albuquerque

• Visit the Pantograph Tower in Amarillo, Texas.
• Explore the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
• See the Pueblo Bonito Ruin in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico.

Albuquerque to Flagstaff

• Visit the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Explore the Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico.
• See the Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona.

Flagstaff to Los Angeles

• Visit the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
• Explore the Joshua Tree National Park in California.
• See the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, California.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Key Statistics about Route 66

Table 2: Iconic Roadside Attractions on Route 66

Table 3: Top-Rated Historic Motels on Route 66

Stories from the Road

Story 1: The Dust Bowl Migration

During the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, hundreds of thousands of farmers and their families fled the drought-stricken Great Plains. Many of these migrants traveled west on Route 66, seeking a better life in California. The highway became a symbol of both hardship and hope for these refugees.

Story 2: The Jack Kerouac Legacy

Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac immortalized Route 66 in his seminal novel "On the Road." Kerouac and his friends drove across the country on the highway in the 1940s, seeking adventure and enlightenment. Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and the search for meaning for the Beat Generation.

Story 3: The Mother Road Marathon

Since 1978, the Mother Road Marathon has been held annually on the first Saturday of December. The marathon takes runners along a 26.2-mile course that follows Route 66 through Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event attracts runners from all over the world and celebrates the spirit of the Mother Road.

Lessons Learned

Resilience: Route 66 has faced countless challenges throughout its history, but it has always managed to endure. The highway is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit.

Nostalgia: Route 66 evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Americans. It reminds us of a simpler time when road trips were an adventure and roadside attractions were a source of joy.

Historical Significance: Route 66 is a living piece of American history. It offers a unique glimpse into the culture and economy of the United States during the 20th century.

Environmental Concerns: Like any major highway, Route 66 has an impact on the environment. However, efforts are underway to minimize the highway's environmental footprint, including promoting sustainable tourism practices and roadside cleanup initiatives.

Step-by-Step Approach to Planning Your Trip

1. Determine your travel dates.
2. Decide how you want to travel.
3. Book your transportation and lodging in advance.
4. Plan your itinerary and make a list of attractions you want to see.
5. Pack for the weather and allow plenty of time for stops.
6. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
7. Be prepared for unexpected detours and delays.
8. Enjoy the journey and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Pros and Cons of Traveling Route 66

Pros:

• Experience a piece of American history.
• Visit iconic roadside attractions.
• See a variety of landscapes and cultures.
• Make memories that will last a lifetime.

Cons:

• Driving can be tiring.
• Some sections of the highway are remote.
• Lodging can be expensive during peak season.
• Traffic can be heavy in certain areas.

Conclusion

Route 66 is an American icon that offers adventure, history, and nostalgia. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the Mother Road or a first-time traveler, there's something on Route 66 for everyone. So hit the open road and get your kicks on Route 66!