Route 66: America's Legendary Road

In the early 20th century, one road would become the backbone of a nation and embody the promise of a better future: the American dream in its purest form. Known as Route 66, this iconic thoroughfare winds through the heart of the United States, linking Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) on an epic journey of more than 2,400 miles.

Remember those vintage films where entire families set off in gleaming cars, the radio playing catchy tunes, ready to conquer the West. They were drawn by the promise of a new life and endless adventure, guided by neon signs flickering on the horizon. More than a transport route, Route 66 mirrored a changing America — a symbol of unity and progress, the famous "Mother Road" immortalized by John Steinbeck.

For a reliable road trip, cross-check the National Park Service — Travel Route 66, the corridor preservation program, the Route 66 Centennial Commission (2026 centennial), and Library of Congress archives.

Download the checklist to check off key cities in all 8 states and the stages of all three sample itineraries, plus a road-trip prep list.

Established on November 11, 1926, Route 66 was one of the original highways of the brand-new U.S. federal highway system. It answered a dream: to connect the agricultural Midwest to the Pacific coast. Unlike the straight-line interstates, it ran through the Main Streets of towns and villages, fueling local economies — hence its nickname "Main Street of America."

Fully paved by 1938, it became the favored road for families fleeing the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression toward California, then the playground for the road trips of prosperous 1950s–1960s America. But from the 1970s, the Interstate Highway System rendered it obsolete segment by segment. On June 27, 1985, it was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System. Roadside towns emptied; motels and gas stations closed.

Yet, like a phoenix, Route 66 was reborn. From the late 1980s, enthusiasts — led by barber Angel Delgadillo in Seligman, Arizona — founded associations to preserve it. Today it is protected as a national historic route, and nearly 85% of the alignment remains drivable.

The journey begins in Chicago, with live music, museums, and architectural wonders (Willis Tower, Wrigley Building). Along the way you'll meet fiberglass giants like the Gemini Giant (Wilmington, Illinois), the majestic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the concrete teepees of the Wigwam Motels, the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, and the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch with its 72-oz steak challenge. Arizona then unfolds its natural wonders (Petrified Forest National Park, Meteor Crater), before the triumphant arrival at the Santa Monica Pier.

More than a route, Route 66 has become a symbol of freedom: the freedom of the road trip, of escape, and of self-discovery. Literature (Steinbeck, Kerouac), music (Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, Depeche Mode), cinema (Easy Rider, Cars), and TV series have engraved its myth into the global imagination.

After its 1985 decommissioning, enthusiasts worldwide brought it back to life. Restored neon motels, dedicated museums, festivals, and classic-car clubs reflect a thriving nostalgic tourism. As it approaches its centennial in 2026, the Mother Road has never been more alive — see the Route 66 Centennial Commission for official events.