Route 66, USA – Let’s explore here
Route 66 was a road in the United States of America, made famous by a number of books and films, most notably one of my favourite books, ‘The Grapes of Wrath‘ by John Steinbeck, but also the films, ‘Thelma & Louise‘ and ‘Easy Rider‘. Steinbeck named it the ‘Mother Road’, which, if you read the book you’d understand why.
The road underwent many changes over its lifetime, before the interstates eventually replaced it. However due to its cult status, it’s still a popular tourist route to travel. Some sections have been resurrected and identified with ‘Historic Route 66’ markers.
Route 66 is around 2,450 miles (3,950 km) long, and travels through the eight states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally California.
Map of the famous Route 66
Route 66 by State
Illinois
Route 66 starts in Chicago, Illinois. The specific starting point is close to the Art Institute of Chicago, on the corner of East Adams Street and South Michigan Avenue. There is a marker there to ensure you’re in the right spot.
The route through Illinois travels through Chicago, Romeoville, Joliet, Wilmington, Gardner, Dwight, Odell, Pontiac, Lexington, Bloomington, Atlanta, Lincoln, Elkhart, Williamsville, Sherman and Springfield
Missouri
The route through Missouri travels through Farmersville, Litchfield, Livingston, St. Louis, Eureka, Pacific, St Clair, Sullivan, Bourbon, Cuba, St James, Rolla, Doolittle, Devil’s Elbow, St Robert, Waynesville, Lebanon, Phillipsburg, Conway, Marshfield, Strafford, Springfield, Carthage and Joplin
Kansas
The route through Kansas travels through Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs
Oklahoma
The route through Oklahoma travels through Quapaw, and headed southwest through Commerce, Miami, Afton, Vinita, Chelsea, Claremore, Verdigris, Tulsa, Kellyvillw, Bristow, Depew, Stroud, Davenport, Chandler, Warcwick, Luther, Arcadia, Oklahoma City, El Reno, Weatherford, Clinton, Foss, Canute, Elk City, Sayre, Erick and Texola
Texas
The route through Texas travels through Shamrock, McLean, Alanreed, Groom, Amarillo, Wildorado, Vega, and Adrian
New Mexico
The route through New Mexico travels through San Jon, Tucumcari, Montoya, Newkirk, Cuervo, Santa Rosa, Moriarty, Edgewood, Sedillo, Tigers, Carnuel, Albuquerque, Mesita, Laguna, Paraje, San Fidel, McCartys Village, Grants, Prewitt, Continental Divide, Church Rock, Gallup, Williams Acres, Purty Rock and Manuelito
Arizona
The route through Arizona travels through Lupton, Houck, Chetco, Sun Valley, Holbrook, Joseph City, Winslow, Flagstaff, Bellemont, Williams, Ash Fork, Seligman, Peach Springs, Truxton, Crozier, Valentine, Hackberry, Antares, Valle Vista, Kingman, Walnut Creek, Oatman, Golden Shores and Topock
California
The route through California travels through Needles, Goffs, Fenner, Chambless, Amboy, Ludlow, Newberry, Barstow, Helendale, Victorville, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Pasadena and Santa Monica.
Route 66 ends in Santa Monica, California. The specific end point is next to Mels Drive-In, on the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard. There is a marker there to ensure you’re in the right spot.
We’re also creating blogs for each country when we have data, or we can find decent wifi, and we have enough power!
If you’d like any information on any of these places on the Pan American highway in North America, please don’t hesitate to contact us!