Route 66 didn’t just connect Chicago to Santa Monica, it helped create an entirely new kind of American travel culture. When the highway was officially established in 1926, it quickly became a major corridor for migration, trade, and long-distance driving. But it wasn’t until the post-World War II boom in automobile ownership and family vacations that Route 66 truly transformed. As more Americans took to the road for leisure, small towns suddenly had a new challenge: How do you get travelers to stop?
The answer was creativity, visibility, and competition. Entrepreneurs along the highway began building eye-catching stops right along the roadside: motels with glowing neon signs, oversized statues, and oddities designed to grab attention as drivers sped by. These weren’t random curiosities, they were survival strategies for businesses. A giant muffler man, a world’s-largest anything, or a themed motel was advertising meant to turn a passing car into a paying customer.
Over time, these stops evolved into what people now casually call “tourist traps,” though that term misses part of the story. They were often deeply local, reflecting regional identity, humor, and pride. A fiberglass dinosaur in the desert or a kitschy motor court in Oklahoma was about giving travelers a memory they couldn’t get anywhere else. Route 66 became an open-air museum of American imagination, where each town tried to outdo the next with something bigger, brighter, or stranger.
Even after the construction of the Interstate Highway System pulled traffic away from the Mother Road, many of these attractions survived. Some faded, others were restored, and many became historic landmarks in their own right. Today, they’re central to Route 66’s identity, enduring symbols of a time when the journey itself was the destination and stopping along the road was part of the adventure.
This year marks Route 66’s 100th Anniversary, so to celebrate, here are more than 100 of the best roadside attractions along the route.
ILLINOIS
Route 66 Begin Sign (Chicago, IL)
The symbolic starting point of Route 66. Most travelers stop here for the classic “begin” photo before heading west.
Lou Mitchell’s (Chicago, IL)
A legendary breakfast stop that has fueled Route 66 travelers since the highway’s early days, known for its welcoming vibe and old-school charm.
Willis Tower (Chicago, IL)
A quick urban detour before leaving the city—one of the tallest skyscrapers in the U.S., offering sweeping views of Chicago.
Old Joliet Prison (Joliet, IL)
A historic limestone prison famous for its appearances in The Blues Brothers and various TV shows, now a major Route 66 landmark.
Joliet Route 66 Diner (Joliet, IL)
A retro-style diner celebrating Route 66 culture with classic comfort food and nostalgic decor just off the historic alignment.
Rialto Square Theatre (Joliet, IL)
A stunning 1920s “movie palace” with ornate architecture, often called one of the most beautiful theaters in America.
Gemini Giant (Wilmington, IL)
One of Route 66’s most famous fiberglass “Muffler Man” statues, holding a rocket instead of an axe—pure roadside Americana.
Polk-a-Dot Drive-In (Braidwood, IL)
A retro 1950s-style diner decorated with pop culture statues and memorabilia honoring music and film legends.
The Shop in Gardner (Gardner, IL)
A preserved Route 66-era gas station and visitor stop, often used as a gateway into the quieter rural stretches of the highway.
Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station (Dwight, IL)
A beautifully restored 1930s service station, showcasing what fueling stops looked like in Route 66’s early heyday.
Odell Standard Oil Station (Odell, IL)
Another preserved early gas station, now a museum stop that captures the golden age of roadside travel.
Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum (Pontiac, IL)
A must-stop museum packed with memorabilia, murals, and artifacts celebrating Route 66 history.
Pontiac Route 66 Murals (Pontiac, IL)
Massive outdoor murals painted throughout downtown that visually tell the story of Route 66 culture.
Dead Man’s Curve (Towanda, IL)
A legendary bend in old Route 66 known for its winding approach and local lore from the highway’s early driving days.
Rayburn Place at Sprague’s Super Center (Bloomington-Normal, IL)
A quirky Route 66 stop featuring classic roadside architecture and a collection of memorabilia tied to Illinois highway history.
Paul Bunyan Statue (Atlanta, IL)
A giant roadside statue of Paul Bunyan holding a hot dog instead of an axe—classic Route 66 humor.
American Giants Museum (Atlanta, IL)
A roadside attraction dedicated to the massive fiberglass “Muffler Men” that once lined Route 66 and other American highways.
World’s Largest Covered Wagon (Lincoln, IL)
A massive covered wagon monument topped with a statue of Abraham Lincoln, celebrating local heritage and roadside whimsy.
Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield, IL)
The birthplace of the corn dog and a beloved Route 66 diner still serving travelers today.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL)
A major historical stop dedicated to Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy, offering a deeper cultural break from the roadside kitsch.
Route 66 Drive-In Theater Litchfield (Springfield, IL)
A classic outdoor movie theater that captures the nostalgia of mid-century American road travel.
Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center (Litchfield, IL)
A small but rich museum preserving local Route 66 history and stories from travelers.
Historic Route 66 Brick Road (Auburn, IL)
One of the last remaining original brick sections of Route 66, giving travelers a literal taste of the old road.
Doc’s Just Off 66 Soda Fountain (Girard, IL)
A restored old-fashioned soda fountain serving ice cream and classic Route 66 nostalgia in a small-town setting.
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (Staunton, IL)
A quirky VW-themed roadside attraction where vintage Volkswagens and real rabbits share the spotlight.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall (Livingston, IL)
A giant pink elephant statue marks this eclectic antique mall, a perfect example of Route 66’s playful roadside creativity.
West End Service Station (Edwardsville, IL)
A replica early service station representing the golden age of roadside fuel stops along Route 66’s western Illinois stretch.
Brooks Catsup Bottle (Collinsville, IL)
One of the most famous roadside landmarks in America—a giant ketchup bottle water tower built as a promotional symbol that became a Route 66 icon.
MISSOURI
Chain of Rocks Bridge (St. Louis, MO)
A famously curved bridge that once carried Route 66 traffic across the Mississippi River, now a pedestrian landmark with sweeping river views.
Gateway Arch (St. Louis, MO)
An iconic 630-foot monument symbolizing westward expansion, just a short detour from the historic Route 66 alignment.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis, MO)
A legendary Route 66-era custard stand known for its ultra-thick “concrete” frozen desserts served roadside.
Route 66 State Park (Eureka, MO)
A preserved stretch of old Route 66 featuring interpretive exhibits, trails, and remnants of the original highway.
Meramec Caverns (Stanton, MO)
A massive cave system heavily promoted by vintage Route 66 billboards, famously linked to Jesse James folklore.
Jesse James Wax Museum (Stanton, MO)
A classic roadside attraction featuring wax figures and stories tied to the outlaw legend of Jesse James.
Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba, MO)
One of the oldest continuously operating motels on Route 66, known for its beautifully preserved stone cabins.
Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe (Cuba, MO)
A nostalgic diner serving classic roadside fare in the heart of Route 66 mural country.
Cuba Murals (Cuba, MO)
A series of vibrant outdoor murals depicting local history and Route 66 culture throughout downtown.
Osage Trail Legacy Monument (Cuba, MO)
A tribute to Indigenous heritage and early travel routes that predate Route 66.
Devil’s Elbow Bridge (Devil’s Elbow, MO)
A dramatic curve along the Big Piney River that once challenged early Route 66 travelers with its sharp bends and scenic beauty.
Fanning 66 Outpost (Fanning, MO)
A quirky roadside stop featuring souvenirs, Route 66 memorabilia, and the famous oversized rocking chair.
Red Rocker (Fanning, MO)
One of the world’s largest rocking chairs, a bold and playful Route 66 photo stop.
Stonehenge Replica (Rolla, MO)
A scaled-down replica of England’s Stonehenge, built as a quirky roadside attraction near Route 66.
Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store (Uranus, MO)
A famously cheeky Route 66 stop known for its novelty humor, quirky gift shop, and homemade fudge—built around playful roadside branding that makes it one of the most talked-about and photographed attractions in Missouri.
Munger Moss Motel (Lebanon, MO)
A neon-lit Route 66 icon and one of the most photographed motor courts on the entire highway. As of this article publishing, the hotel is closed, but visitors can still stop to check out the sign.
Missouri Route 66 Museum (Lebanon, MO)
A museum preserving artifacts, stories, and memorabilia from Missouri’s Route 66 heritage.
Gillioz Theatre (Springfield, MO)
A beautifully restored 1920s theater that once served Route 66 travelers with live entertainment and film.
Route 66 Car Museum (Springfield, MO)
A collection of vintage automobiles celebrating the golden age of American road travel.
Red’s Giant Hamburg (Springfield, MO)
Home of the world’s first drive-thru restaurant, revived as a Route 66 landmark.
Route 66 Drive In Theater (Carthage, MO)
A classic outdoor cinema that preserves the mid-century drive-in experience for modern Route 66 travelers.
Route 66 Mural Park (Joplin, MO)
A collection of murals and public art pieces honoring the history and culture of Route 66 in the region.
KANSAS
Phillips 66 Station (Baxter Springs, KS)
A beautifully restored vintage gas station that captures the look and feel of Route 66’s golden era of roadside travel.
Baxter Springs Heritage Center (Baxter Springs, KS)
A local museum preserving the history of Route 66, regional mining communities, and Kansas’ role in America’s Mother Road.
Rainbow Bridge (Riverton, KS)
One of the last remaining Marsh arch bridges on Route 66, celebrated for its distinctive curved concrete design.
Cars on the Route (Galena, KS)
A beloved roadside stop featuring restored tow trucks that inspired the character Mater in Pixar’s Cars.
Gearhead Curios (Galena, KS)
A quirky Route 66 shop packed with automotive memorabilia, vintage signs, and eclectic roadside treasures.
Luigi’s Pit Stop (Galena, KS)
A colorful service-station-themed attraction inspired by Pixar’s Cars, celebrating Route 66 car culture and nostalgia.
Sheriff, Mercury Police Cruiser (Galena, KS)
A vintage Mercury police car display that adds a fun photo opportunity and reinforces Galena’s connection to classic Americana.
OKLAHOMA
Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa, OK)
A whimsical waterfront attraction that has become one of the most photographed and beloved roadside icons on Route 66.
Totem Pole Park (Foyil, OK)
Home to giant handmade totem poles and folk art structures created by artist Ed Galloway along Route 66.
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza (Tulsa, OK)
A tribute to Route 66 founder Cyrus Avery featuring public art, historic displays, and views of the original roadway.
Meadow Gold Sign (Tulsa, OK)
A glowing neon landmark that stands as one of Tulsa’s most recognizable Route 66 photo spots.
Blue Dome District (Tulsa, OK)
A lively entertainment district centered around Tulsa’s famous blue-roofed former gas station on Route 66.
Golden Driller (Tulsa, OK)
A towering oil worker statue celebrating Oklahoma’s petroleum heritage and larger-than-life roadside culture.
Route 66 Bowl (Chandler, OK)
A vintage bowling alley preserving classic neon signage and mid-century Route 66 character.
Round Barn (Arcadia, OK)
A rare round wooden barn and Route 66 landmark known for its unusual architecture and restored interior.
POP’S 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia, OK)
A modern Route 66 attraction famous for its giant soda bottle sculpture and hundreds of unique soft drink flavors.
Lucille’s Service Station (Hydro, OK)
A restored roadside gas station honoring Lucille Hamons, often called the “Mother of the Mother Road.”
Stafford Air and Space Museum (Weatherford, OK)
An impressive aviation and space museum showcasing aircraft, spacecraft, and astronaut artifacts along Route 66.
Route 66 Museum (Clinton, OK)
A detailed museum tracing the evolution of Route 66 through immersive exhibits and vintage displays.
National Route 66 Museum (Elk City, OK)
A sprawling museum complex dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and spirit of America’s most famous highway.
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site (Cheyenne, OK)
A significant historical site interpreting the 1868 conflict between U.S. troops and the Southern Cheyenne village led by Black Kettle.
TEXAS
Phillips 66 Station (Shamrock, TX)
A classic Route 66 fuel stop that reflects the golden age of roadside service stations in Texas.
Big Red Boot (Shamrock, TX)
A playful oversized roadside attraction that adds a touch of humor and photo-worthy charm to the town.
Blarney Stone (Shamrock, TX)
A small but iconic Route 66 stop celebrating Shamrock’s Irish namesake with a quirky roadside landmark.
Pioneer West Museum (Shamrock, TX)
A local museum preserving regional history, pioneer artifacts, and early Route 66 heritage.
U-Drop Inn/Conoco Tower Station (Shamrock, TX)
An Art Deco landmark and one of the most photographed buildings on Route 66, known for its neon tower and restored design.
Devil’s Rope Museum (McLean, TX)
A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to barbed wire history and its role in shaping the American West.
Leaning Water Tower (Groom, TX)
A famously tilted roadside water tower that has become one of the most recognizable oddities on Route 66.
Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX)
A public art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs, constantly transformed by layers of visitor graffiti.
Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo, TX)
A legendary roadside restaurant known for its oversized 72-ounce steak challenge and classic Route 66 spectacle.
Cactus Hotel (Amarillo, TX)
A historic downtown landmark that once served Route 66 travelers with grand lodging and Art Deco style.
MidPoint Cafe (Adrian, TX)
The symbolic halfway point of Route 66, famous for pies and its “midway between Chicago and Los Angeles” sign.
NEW MEXICO
Blue Swallow Motel Sign (Tucumcari, NM)
A glowing neon icon of Route 66, famous for its restored vintage signage and classic motor court charm.
Tucumcari Murals (Tucumcari, NM)
A vibrant collection of outdoor murals that tell the story of the town’s Route 66 heritage and local culture.
Tee Pee Curios (Tucumcari, NM)
A quirky roadside shop shaped like teepees, packed with souvenirs and classic Route 66 memorabilia.
Mesalands Dinosaur Museum (Tucumcari, NM)
A fascinating museum showcasing life-size dinosaur fossils and regional paleontology exhibits.
Route 66 Auto Museum (Santa Rosa, NM)
A nostalgic collection of vintage cars celebrating the golden age of American road travel.
Blue Hole (Santa Rosa, NM)
A crystal-clear natural spring popular with divers and travelers seeking a refreshing Route 66 stop.
El Rey Court (Santa Fe, NM)
A retro-style roadside motor lodge blending Southwestern design with modern Route 66 revival charm.
KiMo Theatre (Albuquerque, NM)
A beautifully preserved Pueblo Deco theater and cultural landmark on Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque.
Route 66 Arch (Grants, NM)
A welcoming gateway arch marking your journey along the historic highway through western New Mexico.
Richardson’s Trading Company (Gallup, NM)
A historic trading post showcasing Native American jewelry, crafts, and Route 66-era commerce.
El Rancho Hotel (Gallup, NM)
A legendary “Home of the Stars” hotel that once hosted Hollywood legends traveling Route 66.
Continental Divide Marker (New Mexico)
A scenic roadside milestone marking the high point where waters split between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds.
ARIZONA
Petrified Forest National Park (Holbrook, AZ)
A surreal desert landscape filled with ancient fossilized trees and colorful badlands along Route 66.
Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, AZ)
A classic roadside motel where guests sleep in concrete teepees, a true icon of mid-century Route 66 travel.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post (Joseph City, AZ)
A long-running roadside curiosity famous for its “Here It Is” billboard and vintage desert charm.
Meteor Crater (Winslow, AZ)
One of the best-preserved meteor impact sites on Earth, offering dramatic views of a massive ancient collision.
Standin’ on the Corner Park (Winslow, AZ)
A playful downtown tribute to the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy,” featuring themed art and a famous flatbed Ford mural.
Hackberry General Store (Hackberry, AZ)
A nostalgic Route 66 stop packed with vintage cars, signs, and decades of roadside memorabilia.
Kingman Route 66 Museum (Kingman, AZ)
A comprehensive museum highlighting the history, culture, and evolution of Route 66 through Arizona.
Seligman Historic District (Seligman, AZ)
A colorful stretch of classic Americana often credited as the birthplace of the modern Route 66 revival movement.
The Snow Cap (Seligman, AZ)
A legendary roadside burger stand known for its humor, pranks, and over-the-top Route 66 personality.
Oatman Wild Burros (Oatman, AZ)
Friendly free-roaming burros that wander the streets of this Old West mining town turned Route 66 attraction.
Oatman Highway and Sitgreaves Pass (Oatman, AZ)
A winding, dramatic mountain section of Route 66 offering steep climbs, historic mining views, and unforgettable desert scenery.
CALIFORNIA
Roy’s Motel and Cafe (Amboy, CA)
A stark neon landmark rising from the Mojave Desert, once a bustling Route 66 stop and now an iconic photo opportunity.
Amboy Crater (Amboy, CA)
A striking extinct volcanic cinder cone offering a short hike into a dramatic desert landscape shaped by ancient eruptions.
Bagdad Cafe (Newberry Springs, CA)
A cult-famous roadside diner made legendary by film, still serving travelers with offbeat Route 66 charm.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande, CA)
A whimsical desert art installation where glass bottles shimmer on metal “trees,” creating a surreal roadside forest.
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo, CA)
A restored Old West mining town where visitors can explore historic buildings, shops, and desert frontier history.
Original McDonald’s Site (San Bernardino, CA)
The birthplace of the McDonald’s fast-food empire, now preserved as a museum of early burger culture and drive-in history.
Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica, CA)
The symbolic end of Route 66, where the highway meets the Pacific Ocean with amusement rides and ocean views.
End of the Trail Sign (Santa Monica, CA)
A classic final photo stop marking the official conclusion of Route 66 at the edge of the Pacific.
