Who hasn't heard of Route 66? In the 1950s and 60s, this road became a symbol of freedom among young people. Many people were drawn to the western United States, especially followers of hippie culture, who traveled along Route 66.
How did Route 66 become famous?
Many films have contributed to making Route 66 even more famous; let's highlight a few now. Easy Rider tells the story of a motorcycle trip by two friends. The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of a family of small farmers who are evicted from Oklahoma and travel the highway to California in search of a better life.
The film Out of Rosenheim (Bagdad Café) tells the story of a German tourist who leaves her husband after a fight. She walks to the Bagdad Café rest stop, located in the Mojave Desert, now a tourist attraction on the route.
The film Thelma & Louise tells the story of two friends who decide to leave their routine behind and hit the road. The film Forrest Gump tells the story of a simple man from Alabama on his travels across the country. And also, Disney's Cars, a children's animation in which the characters travel Route 66.
Route 66 also became famous in literature, thanks to the writer Jack Kerouac. He spent seven years traveling the route and writing the book "On the Road"; a few years later the work was adapted into a film.
Bobby Troup was inspired by Route 66 to write a song. He composed a song with the same name as the road, "Route 66," which tells the story of his travels with his wife to Los Angeles.
Where is Route 66 located?
It was created in 1926 and is known to Americans as the "Mother Road." The road runs approximately 3,940 km from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The road is notable for its many tourist attractions, but not every kilometer has attractions, and there are sections that are right in the middle of the desert.
Tourist attractions along Route 66
Route 66 crosses 8 states and more than 200 cities. Along this route there are some very interesting places to visit, as we will see below.
Illinois
On the route you can go to Chicago and visit The Art Institute of Chicago (a spectacular art museum), Shedd Aquarium, Berghof Restaurant and take a tour of the homes of Frank Lloyd Wright, a great American architect of the 20th century.
Missouri
St. Louis is the capital of Missouri and offers many attractions, including the beautiful state capitols, Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo, the Botanical Garden, and the Boat House, a lakeside restaurant. You can also have fun with the kids at the City Museum.
Kansas
Although Route 66 doesn't pass through Kansas very often, it's worth a stop. Kan-O-Tex Service Station & Diner is a very stylish gas station that served as inspiration for the movie Cars. Besides gift shops and a restaurant, the gas station features a car that inspired the character Mater from the animated film Cars. Among other attractions, you can visit the old Texaco gas station.
Oklahoma
In Catoosa you can see the famous Blue Whale (a fiberglass sculpture of a blue whale). There's also Molly's Landing restaurant, a very attractive place with iconic decor and delicious food, although the prices are a bit steep. In Pops, you can enter a 20-meter-high soda bottle.
Texas
On this route, you can't miss Cadillac Ranch, a place where several cars have been half-buried in the sand. In Groom, you can visit the famous leaning water tower.
New Mexico
In Tucumari, you can see the neon corridor that makes the city's landscape beautiful and illuminated. Additionally, you can stay in one of the most famous neon motels, such as The Blue Swallow Motel. In Santa Rosa, you can visit The Blue Hole, a spring of crystal-clear water approximately 25 meters deep.
Arizona
This stretch of Route 66 is full of beautiful landscapes, colorful deserts, and must-see stops like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Canyon de Chelly. It's also worth visiting the Petrified Trees National Park. And don't forget to stop by... Las Vegas.
California
In Barstow, it's worth visiting Café Bagdad. Although it looks abandoned from the outside, it makes for beautiful photos to remember the occasion. Also check out Peggy's 50 Dinner, a diner with iron dinosaurs on the facade. The interior decor includes photos of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis dancing.
And if you're excited to explore Route 66, talk to us and... Discover our tour!
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