The 21‑Day Motorcycle Route 66 Itinerary is the ultimate ride — a full three‑week journey that lets you experience every mile, every roadside icon, and every hidden gem along the Mother Road. With a relaxed pace, authentic biker‑friendly motels, and time for detours like the Grand Canyon and Oatman’s wild burros, this itinerary is built for riders who want the complete Route 66 adventure.
Day 1: Chicago → Springfield, IL (~200 miles, 4.5 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM at Route 66 Begin Sign.
- Attractions:
- Route 66 Begin Sign (8:00 AM)
- Old Joliet Prison (9:00 AM)
- Historic Downtown Chicago (10:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Dwight (~90 mi), Lincoln (~160 mi).
- Lunch: Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket.
- Dinner: Cozy Dog Drive In.
- Overnight: Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center.
Day 2: Springfield → St. Louis, MO (~100 miles, 2 hrs)
- Depart 9:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library (9:30 AM)
- Gateway Arch (11:00 AM)
- Forest Park (12:30 PM)
- Fuel Stop: Litchfield (~50 mi).
- Lunch: Lambert's Cafe.
- Dinner: Pappy's Smokehouse.
- Overnight: Red Roof Inn St. Louis.
Day 3: St. Louis → Springfield, MO (~215 miles, 4.5 hrs)
- Attractions:
- St. Louis Zoo (9:00 AM)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (11:00 AM)
- Route 66 State Park (1:00 PM)
- Fuel Stops: Rolla (~110 mi), Lebanon (~180 mi).
- Lunch: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
- Dinner: The Order.
- Overnight: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven.
Day 4: Springfield → Tulsa, OK (~180 miles, 4 hrs)
- Attractions:
- Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum (9:00 AM)
- Tulsa Art Deco District (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Miami (~110 mi), Claremore (~150 mi).
- Lunch: Burn Co BBQ.
- Dinner: The Tavern.
- Overnight: Route 66 Harley Motel.
Day 5: Tulsa → Oklahoma City (~105 miles, 2.5 hrs)
- Attractions:
- Oklahoma City National Memorial (9:00 AM)
- Bricktown Entertainment District (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stop: Chandler (~60 mi).
- Lunch: Empire Slice House.
- Dinner: Cattlemen's Steakhouse.
- Overnight: Skirvin Hilton OKC.
Day 6: Oklahoma City → Amarillo, TX (~260 miles, 5 hrs)
- Attractions:
- Cadillac Ranch (9:00 AM)
- Amarillo Historic District (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Elk City (~110 mi), Shamrock (~190 mi).
- Lunch: The Big Texan Steak Ranch.
- Dinner: Tyler's Barbecue.
- Overnight: Big Texan Motel.
Day 7: Amarillo → Albuquerque, NM (~290 miles, 5.5 hrs)
- Attractions:
- Albuquerque Old Town (9:00 AM)
- Petroglyph National Monument (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Tucumcari (~115 mi), Santa Rosa (~190 mi).
- Lunch: The Ranch House.
- Dinner: Sadie's of New Mexico.
- Overnight: El Vado Motel.
Day 8: Albuquerque → Santa Fe Loop (~65 miles, 2 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- El Malpais National Monument (9:00 AM)
- Gallup Cultural Center (11:00 AM).
- Attractions:
- Santa Fe Plaza (9:00 AM)
- Georgia O'Keeffe Museum (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stop: Las Vegas, NM (~70 mi).
- Lunch: The Shed.
- Dinner: Tomasita's.
- Overnight: Silver Saddle Motel.
Day 9: Santa Fe → Tucumcari (~230 miles, 4.5 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Petrified Forest National Park (9:00 AM).
- Attractions:
- Tucumcari Murals (10:00 AM)
- Blue Swallow Motel (11:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Santa Rosa (~100 mi).
- Lunch: Kix on 66.
- Dinner: Del's Restaurant.
- Overnight: Blue Swallow Motel.
Day 10: Tucumcari → Amarillo (~110 miles, 2.5 hrs)
- Start 9:00 AM.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument (9:00 AM)
- Lowell Observatory (11:00 AM).
- Attractions:
- Cadillac Ranch (10:00 AM)
- Amarillo Historic District (12:00 PM)
- Fuel Stops: Vega (~60 mi).
- Lunch: The Big Texan Steak Ranch.
- Dinner: Tyler's Barbecue.
- Overnight: Big Texan Motel.
Day 11: Amarillo → Shamrock (~120 miles, 2.5 hrs)
- Start 8:30 AM.
- Attractions:
- U-Drop Inn (9:30 AM)
- Tower Station and U-Drop Inn (10:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Groom (~50 mi).
- Lunch: The Leaning Tower of Texas.
- Dinner: Shamrock Cafe.
- Overnight: Tower Station Motel.
Day 12: Shamrock → Oklahoma City (~180 miles, 3.5 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Oklahoma City National Memorial (9:30 AM)
- Bricktown Entertainment District (11:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Clinton (~90 mi).
- Lunch: Empire Slice House.
- Dinner: Cattlemen's Steakhouse.
- Overnight: Skirvin Hilton OKC.
Day 13: Oklahoma City → Tulsa (~105 miles, 2.5 hrs)
- Start 9:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum (10:00 AM)
- Tulsa Art Deco District (11:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Stroud (~50 mi).
- Lunch: Burn Co BBQ.
- Dinner: The Tavern.
- Overnight: Route 66 Harley Motel.
Day 14: Tulsa → Springfield, MO (~180 miles, 4 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Route 66 Car Museum (9:30 AM)
- Historic Downtown Springfield (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Joplin (~90 mi).
- Lunch: The Order.
- Dinner: Black Sheep Burgers.
- Overnight: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven.
Day 15: Springfield, MO → St. Louis (~215 miles, 4.5 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- St. Louis Zoo (9:30 AM)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (11:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Rolla (~110 mi), Lebanon (~180 mi).
- Lunch: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
- Dinner: Pappy's Smokehouse.
- Overnight: Red Roof Inn St. Louis.
Day 16: St. Louis → Litchfield (~100 miles, 2 hrs)
- Start 9:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library (9:30 AM)
- Historic Litchfield (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Litchfield (~50 mi).
- Lunch: Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket.
- Dinner: Cozy Dog Drive In.
- Overnight: Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center.
Day 17: Litchfield → Chicago (~120 miles, 2.5 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Historic Downtown Chicago (9:00 AM)
- Route 66 End Sign (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: None.
- Lunch: Lou Mitchell's.
- Dinner: Giordano's.
- Overnight: Home or local lodging.
Day 18: Rest Day in Chicago
- Explore local museums, parks, and dining.
Day 19: Side Ride to Devil’s Elbow, MO (~100 miles round trip)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Devil’s Elbow Bridge (9:30 AM)
- Local scenic overlooks (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Rolla (~50 mi).
- Lunch: Local diner.
- Dinner: Back in Chicago.
- Overnight: Chicago lodging.
Day 20: Side Ride to Oatman, AZ (~150 miles round trip)
- Start 7:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Oatman Ghost Town (9:00 AM)
- Historic Route 66 landmarks (11:00 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Kingman (~70 mi).
- Lunch: Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner.
- Dinner: Back in Chicago.
- Overnight: Chicago lodging.
Day 21: Chicago → Barstow (~200 miles, 4 hrs)
- Start 8:00 AM.
- Attractions:
- Calico Ghost Town (10:00 AM)
- Route 66 Mother Road Museum (11:30 AM)
- Fuel Stops: Needles (~100 mi), Ludlow (~170 mi).
- Lunch: Idle Spurs Steakhouse.
- Dinner: The Lobster.
- Overnight: Sea Shore Motel.
Rider Notes
- Fuel every 100–120 miles is the safe benchmark.
- Desert stretches (NM, AZ, CA): never skip a fuel stop.
- Motels chosen are biker-friendly with easy parking and Route 66 authenticity.
- Daily mileage pacing ensures comfort and time for cultural stops.
Travel Tips
- Emergency Contacts:
- Keep a list of emergency numbers and roadside assistance info.
- Prepare Your Motorcycle:
- Ensure your bike is in top condition before the trip. Check tires, brakes, oil, and lights.
- Pack Light and Smart:
- Bring essential gear including rain gear, layered clothing, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
- Plan Fuel Stops:
- Some stretches of Route 66 are remote; plan fuel stops carefully.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested:
- Riding can be tiring; take breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Respect Local Laws:
- Speed limits and helmet laws vary by state.
- Safety First:
- Wear protective gear and ride defensively.
- Weather Awareness:
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Navigation:
- Use both GPS and physical maps; cell service can be spotty.
- Accommodation Booking:
- Reserve lodging in advance, especially in popular towns.
- Local Culture:
- Take time to explore local diners, museums, and roadside attractions.
Ready to hit the Mother Road?
Pick your itinerary, fuel up, and start your Route 66 motorcycle adventure today.