States | Cities | Stops | Along Route 66

ICONIC Route 66 Landmarks | Gas | Food | Motels

Here's a List that includes both small towns and large cities, many of which have iconic Route 66 landmarks, some in the same cities mentioned above. If you're in no hurry, you'll be sure to like details about attractions along the way!
*Note: All may not have prices or phone numbers as those can change from time to time.

Here’s a breakdown of attractions and historic sites along Route 66, organized by state:

Illinois
• Route 66 Start Sign (Chicago Nov 11, 1928): Iconic starting point on Adams Street.


• Gemini Giant (Wilmington): A classic fiberglass “Muffler Man” statue.


• Cozy Dog Drive Thru Springfield Illinois - Home of the 'Corn Dog'


• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (near St. Louis): A historic bridge crossing the Mississippi River, once part of Route 66.

• Famous Rte 66 Restaurant Diner in Springfield, IL


Missouri
• Gateway Arch (St. Louis): While not directly on Route 66, it’s a short detour worth seeing.
• Route 66 State Park (Eureka): Preserves a section of the historic road and offers exhibits.
• Meramec Caverns (Stanton): A famous cave system used as a hideout by Jesse James.

Kansas (13 miles)
• Cars on the Route (Galena): A restored Kan-O-Tex service station featuring trucks that inspired Pixar’s Cars movie.
• Rainbow Bridge (Baxter Springs): A historic Marsh Arch bridge, the last of its kind on Route 66.

Oklahoma
• Blue Whale (Catoosa): A whimsical roadside attraction perfect for photos.
• Golden Driller (Tulsa): A massive statue symbolizing the city’s oil heritage.
• National Route 66 Museum (Elk City): Features exhibits about Route 66 history and culture.

Texas (Panhandle)
• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo): An iconic art installation of half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs.
• The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo): Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge.

New Mexico
• Tee Pee Curios (Tucumcari): A classic roadside gift shop in a teepee-shaped building.
• Historic Old Town (Albuquerque): Offers a mix of historic adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants.
• El Rancho Hotel (Gallup): A historic hotel frequented by Hollywood stars.

Arizona
• Petrified Forest National Park (Holbrook): Famous for its ancient petrified wood and unique landscapes.
• Standin’ on the Corner Park (Winslow):
A tribute to the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.”
• Meteor Crater (near Winslow): A massive meteor impact site.
• Grand Canyon (side trip from Flagstaff): An unforgettable natural wonder.
• Oatman: A quirky ghost town with wild burros roaming the streets.

California
• Roy’s Motel and Café (Amboy): A classic Route 66 landmark in the Mojave Desert.

• Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino): One of the few remaining “sleep in a wigwam” motels.


• Santa Monica Pier: The official end of Route 66, marked by a sign and iconic views of the Pacific Ocean.

__________________________

Each site tells a story about America’s history, culture, and love of the open road. Let me know if you’d like more details on any specific attraction!
Gas stations are there between barstow and arizona along the way

SOUTHWEST USA

Traveling from Barstow, California, to the Arizona state line by way of Highway 40 and/or along historic Route 66 offers a journey through the Mojave Desert, dotted with both modern and historic gas stations. Here's an overview of fuel stops and notable sites along this stretch:

1. Barstow, CA:
• Modern Gas Stations: Barstow serves as a major hub with numerous fuel options, including well-known chains like Chevron, Shell, and Mobil.

2. Lenwood, CA:
• Historic Whiting Brothers Station: Located at 24645 West Main Street, this former station is a relic from the heyday of Route 66. While it no longer operates, it's a point of interest for enthusiasts.

3. Ludlow, CA
(760) 733-4338
National Trail Hwy Ludlow, CA 92338
• Modern Gas Stations (Chevron) and Motel

Ludlow offers a few gas stations, including a Chevron, providing convenient refueling options.

4. Amboy, CA:
• Roy's Motel and Café: A historic site featuring a retro gas station, café, and motel. While the gas station has been restored and offers fuel, it's advisable to check current operating hours before planning a stop.

5. Fenner, CA:
• Fenner Gas Station: This station is known for its high fuel prices due to its remote desert location. Travelers are advised to fuel up in larger towns to avoid the steep costs here.

6. Needles, CA:
• Modern Gas Stations: As a larger town near the Arizona border, Needles offers multiple fueling options, including stations like Shell and Chevron. It's a recommended stop for refueling before crossing into Arizona.

Here are a Few Simple but Often Overlooked Tips for Travelers

• Plan Ahead: Given the sparse nature of services in the Mojave Desert, it's wise to refuel in Barstow or Needles to ensure a comfortable journey.
• Historic Sites: While some historic gas stations no longer operate, they serve as fascinating glimpses into the past and are worth a brief stop for photography and exploration.
• Check Operating Hours: Some stations, especially in remote areas, may have limited hours or services. It's advisable to verify their availability before relying on them for fuel.
Enjoy your journey along this iconic stretch of Route 66, rich with history and scenic desert landscapes!
High Gas Prices in Remote Desert Locations
'Most expensive gas station in US' charges drivers $8.59 due to location - and hangs sign begging them not to complain

Here's a Short Menu List of Cafes and Restaurants on Route 66 in Southern California heading East

Here’s a list of some interesting cafés and restaurants on Route 66 between Barstow, California, and the Arizona border, offering everything from classic diners to historic stops:

1. Barstow, CA
• In-N-Out Burger: A popular fast food chain famous for its fresh burgers and fries. While not historic, it’s a favorite for travelers.
• Peggy Sue's 50's Diner: This retro diner offers classic American comfort food, including burgers, milkshakes, and pies. It’s a nostalgic stop for Route 66 travelers.
• Del Taco: A fast-food chain with locations along the Route 66 corridor, perfect for a quick bite.

2. Lenwood, CA
• Lenwood Inn Café: A small, local café offering simple diner-style meals. It's a place to stop for a break if you're near the Lenwood area.

3. Ludlow, CA
• Ludlow Cafe: A classic small town diner serving up typical American diner fare, like burgers, fries, and breakfast items. Perfect for a quick meal while on the road.

4. Amboy, CA
• Roy's Motel and Café: Famous for its retro gas station and motel, Roy's offers a charming café serving basic diner food. It's a historic stop along Route 66 and a great place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. It has an old-school desert vibe, and while the café isn’t always open, it’s worth checking out.

5. Chambless, CA
• The Desert Trail Café: Located along the Route 66 path in the small ghost town of Chambless, this café serves breakfast and lunch items in a historic setting.

6. Needles, CA
• River’s Edge Café: Known for its hearty meals and outdoor seating overlooking the Colorado River. A perfect stop for a break before crossing into Arizona.
• The Wagon Wheel Restaurant: A classic Route 66 stop serving diner favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food in a vintage atmosphere.

7. Mohave Valley, AZ
• The El Rancho Restaurant: A historic dining option serving classic southwestern cuisine. It offers both Mexican and American dishes, providing a good mix of regional flavors.

8. Oatman, AZ
• Oatman Hotel Restaurant: One of the oldest hotels in Arizona, the Oatman Hotel also has a restaurant serving classic American meals. The hotel is a historic landmark, and it’s known for its wild burros that roam the streets of the town.

9. Kingman, AZ
• Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner: A classic diner serving Route 66 memorabilia, burgers, fries, and shakes. It's a perfect place to enjoy a traditional American meal while soaking in the retro atmosphere.
• The Pizza Factory: If you’re craving pizza, this place offers a variety of pizza options and Italian-American dishes in a casual, laid-back environment.

10. Seligman, AZ
• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In: A Route 66 institution, this quirky diner is known for its unique décor, delicious hamburgers, and the iconic “Flying Saucer” sundaes. Don’t miss the chance to experience this fun roadside attraction.

These places are great for sampling traditional American diner food, discovering Route 66 history, and enjoying the quirky, nostalgic atmosphere of the Mother Road. Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these spots! "ENJOY!"

Find a Spot you think is really unique but not on the list above, let us know and Thanks!