So you're planning a Route 66 road trip? Smart move. But figuring out what states Route 66 goes through is just the starting point. Having driven the Mother Road twice (once in a beat-up RV that broke down in Arizona), I'll give you the real scoop beyond tourist brochures.
Short answer: Historic Route 66 traverses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Covering over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
The Route 66 Roadmap: State by State
Let's cut straight to what you came for: exactly which states does Route 66 cross and what you'll find in each. I've included gritty details most guides skip – like that Texas stretch where you'll drive 178 miles without a single gas station.
Illinois: Where the Journey Begins
Starting at Chicago's Buckingham Fountain (301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago), Illinois throws you right into Americana. Honestly? The first 50 miles through industrial zones are underwhelming. Push through to Pontiac where things get interesting.
- Must-see: Gemini Giant (810 Vincennes Trail, Wilmington) – Free photo op with a 30-ft fiberglass spaceman. Always open.
- Hidden gem: Soulsby Service Station (206 S Old Rte 66, Mt Vernon) – Restored 1926 station with free museum (open daily 9AM-5PM).
Personal take: Springfield's Cozy Dog Drive-In (2935 S 6th St) claims to invent corn dogs. Tried them. Overhyped, but worth stopping for the vibe.
Missouri: Ghost Towns and Giant Rocking Chairs
Crossing the Chain of Rocks Bridge into Missouri shifts the scenery to rolling hills. The stretch between St. Louis and Springfield hides decaying towns that feel frozen in time.
| Attraction | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Meramec Caverns | 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan | $26 admission. Open 8:30AM-6PM. Jesse James hideout with kitschy light show. |
| Red Oak II | Near Carthage | Free ghost town recreation. Artist Lowell Davis saved buildings from demolition. |
Warning: The "World's Largest Rocking Chair" in Fanning is literally just a big chair. Go only if you're desperate for Instagram content.
Kansas: The Short but Mighty Stretch
Only 13 miles of Route 66 cuts through Kansas, but they pack a punch. Galena's transformed from mining town to roadside attraction central.
- Route 66 Motors Museum (615 S Main St, Galena) – $8 entry. See Tow Mater's inspiration (yes, from Cars!). Open daily 10AM-5PM.
- Eisler Bros Old Riverton Store (7109 KS-66, Riverton) – Operating since 1925. Grab bison jerky for the road. Closes at 6PM.
Tip: Do NOT skip the 4 Women on the Route cafe (former Kan-O-Tex station). Their $7 breakfast burrito fueled me to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma: Where the Road Comes Alive
Oklahoma claims 400 miles of Route 66 – more than any state. It's where the landscape opens up and classic motels still operate. Tulsa's Art Deco architecture blew me away.
| City | Don't Miss | Practical Info |
|---|---|---|
| Clinton | Oklahoma Route 66 Museum | 2229 W Gary Blvd. $7 entry. Best historical overview on the route. |
| Tulsa | Blue Whale of Catoosa | Free swimming spot (seasonal). 2600 N Hwy 66. Dawn to dusk. |
Controversial opinion: The Round Barn in Arcadia is cool, but nearby Pops soda ranch (over 700 soda flavors!) is more fun.
Texas: Where the Earth Gets Flat and Lonely
Texas gives you high desert panoramas and the infamous 178-mile "gas gap" between Amarillo and Tucumcari. Fill your tank in Shamrock!
- Cadillac Ranch (13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo) – Free 24/7. Spray paint provided. Wear shoes you'll trash.
- Midpoint Cafe (305 E Rte 66, Adrian) – Literally halfway point. Ugly crust pies? Absolutely. Worth it.
Personal horror story: Ignored gas warnings near Groom. Paid $6.50/gallon at a sketchy station with an actual tumbleweed blowing through. Don't be me.
New Mexico: Desert Magic and Green Chile
Here Route 66 splits between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Northern route is prettier but takes longer. Santa Fe's historic plaza (100 Old Santa Fe Trail) feels worlds away from truck stops.
| Spot | Why Stop | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tucumcari | Motel neon signs | Stay at Blue Swallow Motel (historic). Rooms from $99 |
| Albuquerque | Breaking Bad sites | Twisters Grill (4275 Isleta Blvd) is Los Pollos Hermanos |
Must-eat: Green chile cheeseburger at Bobcat Bite (now Santa Fe Bite) in Santa Fe. Worth the detour.
Arizona: Red Rocks and Route 66 Icons
You'll recognize Arizona instantly – think Painted Desert and Meteor Crater. Flagstaff to Seligman is the most intact section. Watch for elk near Winslow!
- Wigwam Motel (811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook) – $89/night. Sleep in concrete teepees. Book months ahead.
- Standin' on the Corner Park (Corner of Kinsley & 2nd St, Winslow) – Free Eagles tribute spot. Corny but essential.
- Grand Canyon Caverns (Mile Marker 115) – $18 tours. 210ft underground motel room ($700/night!).
Hot take: Oatman's wild burros are cute but aggressive snack thieves. Guard your sandwiches.
California: The Final Stretch to the Pacific
The last leg through Mojave Desert feels endless. Barstow to San Bernardino has eerie ghost towns. Seeing Santa Monica Pier appears like a mirage.
| Landmark | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roy's Motel & Cafe | 87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy | Iconic sign. Cafe open sporadically. Fuel available. |
| Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch | 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande | Free folk art. Sunrise-sunset. Leave donation. |
Ending ritual: Dip your toes at Santa Monica Pier after touching the "End of the Trail" sign. Feels surreal after weeks driving.
Planning Your Route 66 Road Trip
Knowing what states Route 66 goes through is step one. Here's hard-won advice from my trips:
Navigation Reality Check
Google Maps fails constantly on Route 66. Original alignments disappear into fields. Buy Jerry McClanahan's EZ66 Guide or use the Route 66 Navigation app. Don't rely on cell service in Arizona/New Mexico deserts.
When to Drive
- Best: Late April-May or September-October (60°-80°F)
- Avoid: July-August (desert temps hit 110°F+)
- Winter risk: Snow closes mountain passes in Arizona/California
Vehicle Tips
Rent an SUV, not a convertible. Dust storms in Texas/Arizona will choke you. Budget $150/day for RV rentals but know they struggle on steep grades. Avoid oversized RVs – some historic bridges have 10-ton limits!
Route 66 State-by-State Mileage
Here's exactly how much driving you'll do in each state:
| State | Approximate Miles | Key Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 301 miles | Easiest driving. Mostly flat with services every 10-20 miles |
| Missouri | 317 miles | Rolling hills. Watch for Amish buggies near Lebanon |
| Kansas | 13 miles | Short but packed with attractions. Narrow roads |
| Oklahoma | 432 miles | Longest section. Best-preserved stretches west of Tulsa |
| Texas | 186 miles | Desolate. Gas up in Shamrock! |
| New Mexico | 380 miles | Mountain passes near Santa Fe. Steep grades |
| Arizona | 401 miles | Most scenic section. Oatman road has sharp switchbacks |
| California | 314 miles | Mojave Desert seems endless. Traffic near LA |
Route 66 FAQs: What Travelers Really Ask
After helping dozens plan trips, here are the real questions people have about which states Route 66 crosses:
Can you drive the entire Route 66 today?
Technically yes, but not continuously. About 85% is drivable with detours. In some places like Jericho Gap, Texas, the original road is private ranchland. You'll use I-40 for detours.
How long does the full drive take?
Minimum 2 weeks if driving 5-6 hours daily. Ideal is 3-4 weeks allowing stops. My first trip took 17 days and felt rushed. Second trip took 24 days – way better.
Is Route 66 safe to drive?
Mostly yes but prepare for:
- Road conditions: Potholes in Missouri/Oklahoma, crumbling shoulders in Arizona
- Weather: Flash floods in New Mexico deserts, tornado risk in Oklahoma spring
- Services: Carry extra water/fuel in Texas/Arizona stretches
What's overlooked when planning?
People forget:
- Time zones: You cross from Central to Mountain to Pacific time
- Altitude sickness: Flagstaff, AZ is 7,000 ft – hydrate!
- Historic sites fade: Places like Glenrio (TX/NM border) vanish yearly. See them now
Why This Route Still Matters
Understanding what states Route 66 goes through reveals America's backbone. Each state shows a different face – from Chicago factories to Oklahoma farms to Arizona canyons. It's not the fastest route anymore. But drive it once, and you'll feel why Steinbeck called it "the mother road, the road of flight." Just watch for those Kansas potholes.
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