Route 66 is the historic highway that ran southwestwardly from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, crossing 8 states and covering over 3,900 km (2,400 mi).
From east to west, Route 66 runs through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Today Route 66 is the mythic road side culture and the appeal of the open road that attracts tourists. It is no longer just a route that connects towns, it is a destination. Even though it was officially decommissioned in 1985, people from around the world go to drive this classic highway, stay in vintage road motels, gawk at odd American roadside attractions, and eat road food.
Video » Route 66 – America’s Lost Highway
Resources
- My list of highlights along Route 66 — Plotted on Google Maps — compiled from several resources and suggestions
- National Historic Route 66 Federation – National non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Route 66
- National Park Service, Route 66 – Information on history of Route 66, some maps and itinerary ideas
- Route 66 Association of Illinois
- Route 66 Association of Missouri
- Kansas Historic Route 66 Association
- Oklahoma Route 66 Association
- Texas Route 66 Association
- New Mexico Route 66 Association
- Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
- California Historic Route 66 Association
- Historic Route 66 – Includes helpful information, travel tips, resources, maps, and even a helpful travel forum for those planning to drive Route 66
- Route 66 News – Provides helpful information and tips as well as recent news related to Route 66
- Updates for those using the EZ66 Guide for Travelers