10 Unmissable Sights Along Historic Route 66

Brian Sepp — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:58:17 +0000

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!

Another 10 Stops Showcasing Quirky Must‑see Gems Along Route 66

Brian Sepp — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:47:33 +0000

The legendary Route 66 stretches across America, peppered with off‑beat attractions, quirky photo‑ops, and delightfully cheesy tourist traps. Here’s another 10 stops that let you truly “get your kicks on Route 66.” In no particular order:

Why These Another 10 Stops Matter on the Mother Road

10. Round Barn

Back in 1898, William Odor and his kin erected a true architectural curiosity: a perfectly round barn. They soaked fresh green lumber, flexed it until it hugged the curved roof, then raised the circular structure. The ground floor housed livestock, while the loft served as a lively venue for dances and community gatherings. After a century, the Odor descendants gifted the building to the local historical society, which painstakingly restored it. Today visitors can explore the space, which now operates as a welcoming visitor center.

9. U‑Drop Inn

Undoubtedly one of Route 66’s most iconic silhouettes, the U‑Drop Inn sprang to life in the 1930s when investors pitched a bespoke design to the landowner eager to profit from the surge of motorists. Legend says the proprietor sketched his vision directly in the dust with a simple stick, and the distinctive art‑deco building emerged. Originally serving as both a gas station and a café, the U‑Drop continues to captivate travelers as a carefully restored landmark.

8. Cozy Dog Drive‑In

Considered the cradle of the classic corndog—essentially a hot dog on a stick—the Cozy Dog Drive‑In opened its doors thanks to Ed Wildmire, dad of the flamboyant artist Bob Wildmire, famed for his sprawling Route 66 map murals. For those unable to swing by, the shop offers a $20 kit that ships five pounds of the signature batter, step‑by‑step instructions, and wooden sticks so you can recreate the legendary snack in your own kitchen.

7. Big Texan Steak Ranch

Since 1960 the towering cowboy mascot of the Big Texan Steak Ranch has lured hungry passersby off the highway. The challenge? Devour a 72‑ounce top‑sirloin, accompanied by a baked potato, salad, roll, and shrimp cocktail—all within 60 minutes, and the steak is on the house. Over 60,000 hopefuls have taken the gauntlet, with roughly 8,500 emerging victorious. The record‑breaking youngest victor was an 11‑year‑old lad, while the oldest champion was a 69‑year‑old grandmother.

6. Wigwam Villages

Originally seven in number, only three Wigwam Villages remain today. The Rialto, San Bernardino site fell into serious disrepair, even operating as an hourly rental with a cheeky “Do it in a Tepee” sign. Following a thorough renovation, it now welcomes families once more. Another surviving camp lies in Cave City, Kentucky—my stay there felt like stepping straight into a nostalgic postcard of the Mother Road.

5. Meteor Crater

A short drive beyond Winslow, Arizona, lies Meteor City—essentially a two‑person souvenir outpost perched beside an immense meteor crater. The impact that carved the basin occurred roughly 50,000 years ago, yielding a circular depression some 4,000 feet across and 570 feet deep. The modest shop boasts the world’s largest dream‑catcher and showcases the most extensive Route 66 map, hand‑drawn by the celebrated artist Bob Wildmire.

4. El Rancho Hotel

Constructed in 1937, the El Rancho Hotel owes its origins to the brother of legendary film mogul D.W. Griffith. The surrounding region served as a backdrop for countless productions, and the hotel became a comfortable retreat for Hollywood luminaries such as Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Errol Flynn, and Kirk Douglas while they were on location.

3. Jack Rabbit

Widely billed as the world’s most famous Stop‑n‑Go, the Jack Rabbit store sits near Joseph City, Arizona. For miles beforehand, travelers encounter towering billboards featuring only the sleek silhouette of a jackrabbit. Directly opposite the shop, a second sign proclaims “HERE IT IS” alongside a massive fiberglass rabbit, making the location instantly recognizable.

2. Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant

During a frigid February visit to Chicago, I discovered Lou Mitchell’s, where the queue snaked down the block. To ease the chill and the wait, the friendly staff handed out fresh donut holes and steaming coffee. The payoff? Enormous, fluffy omelets, attentive service, and a delightful surprise at the finish—a complimentary box of Milk Duds for the ladies. Absolutely worth braving the cold!

1. The Leaning Tower of Groom

Ralph Britten deliberately built this water tower with a noticeable tilt to draw the curiosity of passing tourists. The resulting foot traffic boosted business at the adjacent truck stop and restaurant. Though the eatery succumbed to a fire years ago, the quirky leaning tower still stands as a perfect photo backdrop. The name “Britten” appears on the structure because the Britten family, a long‑standing local clan, has called the area home for generations.

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