Along Route 66's 2,400-mile stretch from Chicago to Santa Monica, travelers will find an incredible array of museums and historic sites preserving the spirit of America’s most famous road.

These stops are must-visits on your Route 66 adventure.

Illinois

• Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum (Pontiac) – Showcasing memorabilia, vintage signs, and the legacy of Route 66 legends.
• The Gemini Giant (Wilmington) – A towering roadside attraction symbolizing mid-century Americana.

Missouri

• Route 66 State Park (Eureka) – Offers exhibits on the highway’s history and a scenic drive through a preserved section of old Route 66.
• Meramec Caverns (Stanton) – A legendary hideout for Jesse James and a popular stop since the early days of Route 66 travel.
• Gary’s Gay Parita (Ash Grove) – A restored 1930s gas station with vintage pumps and memorabilia.

Kansas

• Galena’s Cars on the Route (Galena) – Home to the inspiration for the “Tow Mater” character in Cars, this stop celebrates the town’s Route 66 history.
• Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum (Baxter Springs) – Highlights the region’s mining and Route 66 past.

Oklahoma

• Route 66 Museum (Clinton) – An interactive journey through Route 66’s golden age, complete with classic cars and neon signs.
• Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa) – A whimsical roadside attraction beloved by travelers for decades.
• Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum (Warwick) – Showcases vintage motorcycles and classic memorabilia.

Texas

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) – A world-famous art installation featuring ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.
• U-Drop Inn (Shamrock) – A beautifully restored Art Deco gas station and café, now a visitor center.
• The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo) – Known for its 72-ounce steak challenge and vibrant Route 66 décor.

New Mexico

• Teepee Curios (Tucumcari) – A quirky trading post with Route 66 souvenirs and a giant teepee façade.
• El Rancho Hotel (Gallup) – A historic hotel once frequented by Hollywood stars traveling Route 66.

Arizona

• Meteor Crater (Winslow) – A massive impact crater and visitor center just off the highway.
• Standin’ on the Corner Park (Winslow) – A tribute to the Eagles’ famous song Take It Easy and a Route 66 landmark.
• Hackberry General Store (Hackberry) – A time capsule filled with Route 66 memorabilia and vintage gas pumps.

California

• Roy’s Motel & Café (Amboy) – A classic roadside stop with its iconic neon sign still standing.
• Route 66 Mother Road Museum (Barstow) – A comprehensive museum detailing the highway’s impact on American culture.
• Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica) – The official western terminus of Route 66, offering a perfect spot to end the journey with an ocean view.

Exploring these museums and historic sites is like stepping back into a golden era of American road trips. Each stop tells a unique story of the Mother Road’s past, making the journey just as unforgettable as the destinations themselves. Whether you’re planning a full cross-country trip or just visiting a few key sites, Route 66 promises a nostalgic adventure like no other.