Route 66 – State by State

Route 66 officially begins in Chicago, Illinois, where city streets gave birth to America’s most famous highway. Illinois is home to some of the oldest surviving Route 66 alignments, classic diners, restored gas stations, and iconic roadside figures known as Muffler Men. This stretch sets the tone for the journey, blending urban history with small‑town Americana as the road heads south toward St. Louis

Missouri delivers one of the most scenic and challenging stretches of Route 66. Winding through the Ozark Mountains, this state features stone bridges, river crossings, and some of the most original road alignments still in use. From St. Louis to Joplin, Missouri showcases Route 66’s early engineering and small‑town resilience.g.

Kansas contains just 13 miles of Route 66, making it the shortest stretch in any state, but also one of the most collectible and historically rich. Passing through Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs, Kansas packs classic service stations, vintage bridges, and strong Route 66 pride into a small but memorable section of the Mother Road

Oklahoma holds the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 and is often considered the heart of the highway. From roadside museums and neon signs to long, drivable alignments, Oklahoma offers an authentic Route 66 experience. Many communities here never lost their connection to the road, preserving its spirit better than anywhere else

Route 66 crosses the Texas Panhandle for just under 180 miles, but the impact is larger than life. This stretch features wide‑open landscapes, classic roadside attractions, and landmarks like Amarillo and Cadillac Ranch. Texas marks the halfway point for many travellers and delivers some of the most recognisable imagery of Route 66

New Mexico brings dramatic scenery and deep cultural roots to Route 66. From Tucumcari’s neon motels to the high desert and historic pueblos, this state blends Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo history. New Mexico also preserves long, drivable sections of original Route 66 that remain favourites with road trippers.

Arizona is home to some of the best‑preserved Route 66 towns and breathtaking natural landmarks. From the Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater to classic stops like Winslow, Seligman, and Kingman, Arizona captures the spirit of Route 66 like few other states. It also provides access to the Grand Canyon, one of the most popular detours from the route

Route 66 concludes its journey in California, crossing the Mojave Desert before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Pier. This final stretch highlights the contrast between isolation and urban sprawl, taking travellers from desert highways to the heart of Los Angeles. The famous “End of the Trail” sign marks the symbolic finish of the Route 66 journey