Route 66 was once the Main Street of America. It was officially decommissioned on June 27, 1985, yet it still pulls in a certain breed of traveler. If you love friendly locals, tiny towns, and a dash of history, the 10 notable stops along this legendary highway won’t disappoint. Share your own Route 66 tales in the comments below.
Explore the 10 Notable Stops
10. Gemini Giant
Guarding the Launching Pad Drive‑in is a towering 20‑foot green astronaut clutching a rocket, a whimsical reminder of the road’s space‑age nostalgia.
9. Dixie Truckers Home
The Dixie stands as the oldest certified truck stop on Route 66. In almost seven decades it’s missed only a single day of operation—when a fire forced a brief closure—and still serves fuel, hearty meals, and houses a modest Route 66 museum.
8. Chain of Rocks Bridge
The Chain of Rocks bridge once carried Route 66 over the mighty Mississippi, distinguished by a distinctive 24‑degree bend that accommodated river traffic. After I‑270 rerouted traffic, the structure fell into decay until it was reborn as a pedestrian‑ and bike‑friendly pathway, with two charming water‑intake towers downstream that resemble tiny castles.
7. Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard
If I could pick just one dessert to savor forever, it would be Ted Drewe’s frozen custard—a silky, buttery treat that’s simply unforgettable.
6. Meramec Caverns
Legend says outlaw Jesse James used these caverns as a hideout from the law. Later, the limestone labyrinth was converted into a tourist attraction, and—fun fact—the world’s first bumper sticker was reportedly invented within its walls.
5. The Blue Whale
Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale as an anniversary surprise for his wife. Though intended as a private family pool, it quickly became a beloved swimming hole for locals and travelers alike.
4. Cadillac Ranch
Eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh III commissioned ten classic Cadillacs to be half‑buried nose‑first in the sand, creating a massive outdoor sculpture that visitors continuously repaint with vibrant graffiti.
3. Blue Swallow Motel
Regarded as the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, the Blue Swallow is instantly recognizable by its striking neon sign that glows against the desert night.
2. Sitgreaves Pass
Between Kingman and Oatman, Route 66 winds through the Black Mountains, climbing 1,400 feet in nine miles. The road’s hairpin turns demand caution, but the sweeping vistas reward the effort.
1. Santa Monica Pier
The iconic Santa Monica Pier marks the official western terminus of Route 66 at Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. As of this writing, the pier’s Ferris wheel has been sold on eBay and is being shipped to Oklahoma City!