11 Stops To Make for Memorable Route 66 Road Trip

Almost a century later, a trip down Route 66 remains an ultimate bucket list item for people across the country. Commonly dubbed as the Mother Road, this historic highway is loaded with roadside attractions to explore. The only problem is choosing which ones to visit. Allow our team at Rjourney to share 11 stops you should make on your Route 66 road trip.

America’s Route 66 Attractions and Destinations You Must See

1. Start Your Route 66 Trip in Chicago, IL

As you plan your cross-country road trip across Route 66, make your first stop at the road’s beginning in Chicago, IL. Exploring the big city is a great way to start your trip off with a bang. Make sure to find the Route 66 sign designating the start of the highway at East Adams Street and South Michigan Avenue for a memorable photo.

Detour to Volo, IL: Fish Lake Beach Camping in Illinois

Driving Directions From Chicago to Volo

Depart Chicago. Start your journey heading north on I-90 W (Kennedy Expressway).
Merge onto I-294 N. Continue on I-294 N, bypassing the city to the west.
Exit onto IL-120 W (Belvidere Rd). Take exit 26A for IL-120 W toward Grayslake.
Turn Left onto US-12 N (North US Highway 12). Drive approximately 1/2 mile to reach Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort on your right.

Stay at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

Fish Lake Beach offers a variety of camping options:

Tent Camping. Enjoy lakeside sites with water and electric hookups.
Cabins. Opt for cozy cabins equipped with modern amenities.
RV Sites. Choose from full hookup sites with 30/50-amp service.

Amenities include a sandy beach, heated pool, hot tub, fishing, kayaking, mini-golf, and weekend activities like outdoor movies and crafts.

2. Gemini Giant

The Gemini Giant is a landmark statue in Wilmington, IL, not far outside Chicago. Built in the ‘60s during the space race, this large-scale structure of an astronaut holding a rocket is a popular spot for travelers to take pictures.

3. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

In Abraham Lincoln’s hometown of Springfield, IL, make a visit through history at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Enjoy learning in this widespread historical exhibition detailing his life from childhood through his time in office.

4. Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

Aerial view of the illuminated st. Louis, missouri skyline at dusk, featuring the iconic Gateway Arch, Mississippi river, and Eads Bridge, creating a breathtaking cityscape

As you cross the state border, swing by the famed Gateway Arch. Settled along the Mississippi, this legendary monument is accompanied by a museum and a luscious park in downtown St. Louis. Feeling adventurous? Take the elevator ride to the arch’s top for unbelievable views.

Stop in Villa Ridge, MO, for Camping in Missouri at Pin Oak RV Resort

The drive from St. Louis to Villa Ridge is approximately 43 miles and takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Start in St. Louis. Begin your journey heading west on I-44 W toward Springfield.
Exit 247. Take exit 247 for MO-50 W toward Union.
Turn onto MO-AT. After 1/4 mile, turn right onto MO-AT.
Arrive at Pin Oak RV Resort. Continue for 1 mile; the resort will be on your right.

RV, Tent, and Cabin Camping Near St. Louis

Pin Oak RV Resort is an award-winning park located on Historic U.S. 66, just 45 minutes from St. Louis. Camp in a tent at our spacious, pet-friendly sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Bring the whole family in the RV where you’ll have premium amenities like full hookups with 30/50 amp service, including pull-through and lakeside options. Or stay in one of our cozy cabins in Villa Ridge, MO, equipped with modern amenities.

Pin Oak RV Park amenities include a swimming pool, fishing lake, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, mini-golf, arcade, laundry facilities, convenience store, and propane station. Rjourney also has another location for RV camping in Missouri at Perryville RV Resort in Perryville, MO, near the Illinois border.

5. Meramec Caverns

Further into Missouri, near Sullivan, are the Meramec Caverns. These colorful caverns are filled with beautiful formations. Alongside guided tours, you can enjoy zip line rides and grab a souvenir at the on-site gift shop. The Meramec State Park and Little Indian Creek Conservation Area are also nearby.

6. RV Camping in Oklahoma in Grove, OK

Escape to the serene Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, OK, where you can enjoy RV, tent, or cabin camping at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees RV Resort. With lakeside views, spacious campsites, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi, water, and electric hookups, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing outdoor getaway. Enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking, or unwind by the campfire after a day of adventure. Whether you’re in an RV, tent, or cabin, book your stay today at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees RV Resort.

7. Blue Whale of Catoosa, OK

Outside of Tulsa, OK, travelers will be greeted by the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Built in 1972, this giant whale, settled along a small pond, is a standout roadside attraction that has captured the imaginations of tourists and locals alike. There are also picnic areas set up for you to share a meal.

8. Oklahoma’s Route 66 Museum

Facade and entrance sign for the historical Route 66 Museum

For a look into Route 66 history, stop by the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, OK. Learn about the history, myths, and culture of the iconic road through the vast collection of signs and photos on display. Make sure to tour the diner replica on your visit.

Detour to Graford, TX: Camping in Texas at Willow Beach RV Resort

Route from Oklahoma City, OK, to Graford, Texas

The drive from Oklahoma City to Graford spans approximately 219 miles and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and stops. Here’s a straightforward route:

Head South on I-35. Begin your journey south on I-35 from Oklahoma City.
Merge onto I-44 W. Continue on I-35 and merge onto I-44 W toward Lawton.
Take US-281 S. From I-44, take the exit onto US-281 S toward Wichita Falls.
Merge onto US-287 S. Continue on US-281 S, then merge onto US-287 S toward Fort Worth.
Exit onto TX-16 S. Take the exit for TX-16 S toward Jacksboro.
Turn onto TX-337 Spur W. Follow TX-16 S and turn onto TX-337 Spur W toward Graford.
Arrive at Willow Beach RV Resort. Continue on TX-337 Spur W, then turn onto Willow Beach Rd. The resort will be on your right at 1239 Willow Beach Rd, Graford, TX 76449.

Stay at Willow Beach RV Resort

Willow Beach RV Resort offers a variety of accommodations to suit every camping style, including spacious, pet-friendly RV sites with 30- and 50-amp hookups, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. For a more rustic experience, enjoy shaded, individual tent sites without hookups. If you prefer more comfort, the resort also provides cozy cabin rentals equipped with kitchens, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Additionally, guests can enjoy a marina with boat slips, a swimming pool, beach access, and a convenience store, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.

Enjoy Camping at Our Other Rjourney RV Parks in Texas

Further south, near Houston, TX, you’ll find our other Rjourney RV resorts that you might find more convenient depending on your destination:

9. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX

Row of brightly painted Cadillacs in the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

Right outside Amarillo, TX, sits Cadillac Ranch. This fascinating art installation of half-buried vintage Cadillacs covered in graffiti is a favorite among travelers and a great spot for pictures.

10. Petrified Forest National Park Along Route 66 in Arizona

Deep in the Arizona desert sits Petrified Forest National Park. Home to countless fossils and prehistoric formations, this is a must-see destination for any nature lover.

11. Santa Monica Pier in California

Rounding out the perfect Route 66 road trip is the Santa Monica Pier. With a museum, amusement park, and various shops, take a look at the Pacific Ocean and bring a beautiful end to the road trip of a lifetime.

Final Detour to Walnut Grove, CA: RV Camping California at Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina

If you’re up for extending your road trip, you can head to the serene shores of the Sacramento Delta. Start your journey from Santa Monica, CA, to Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina in Walnut Grove, CA, a peaceful waterfront destination perfect for RV, tent, or cabin camping.

Route from Santa Monica to the Sacramento Delta and Snug Harbor

The drive from Santa Monica to Walnut Grove is approximately 400 miles and takes about 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Here’s the quickest route:

Head North on I-405: Begin your journey by heading north on I-405 from Santa Monica.
Merge onto I-5 N: Continue on I-405 N and merge onto I-5 N toward Stockton.
Exit onto CA-12 W: Take exit 522 for CA-12 W toward Rio Vista.
Turn onto Snug Harbor Dr: Follow CA-12 W and turn right onto Snug Harbor Dr.
Arrive at Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina: Continue on Snug Harbor Dr to reach the resort at 3356 Snug Harbor Dr, Walnut Grove, CA 95690.

Stay at Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina

Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina offers a variety of accommodations to suit every camping style, including spacious, pet-friendly RV sites with 30- and 50-amp hookups, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. For those looking for a more rustic experience, there are shaded, individual tent sites without hookups. For a more comfortable stay, the resort offers cozy cabin rentals equipped with kitchens, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy additional amenities like a marina with boat slips, a swimming pool, beach access, and a convenience store. For reservations and more information, visit Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina or call (279) 214-0905. Embark on your lakeside adventure today—your perfect camping getaway awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Route 66

Why is Route 66 famous?

Route 66 is famous for its historic significance as “The Mother Road,” connecting small towns across America, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the rise of car culture. It’s celebrated in pop culture, music, and its unique roadside attractions.

Where does Route 66 start and end?

Route 66 starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California.

Where can I find a Route 66 map?

You can find a Route 66 map online, at tourist information centers along the route, or in guidebooks like EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan. Many websites, like the National Park Service or dedicated Route 66 travel sites, also offer printable maps.

How long is Route 66?

Route 66 is approximately 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) long.

See the Famous Route 66 Stops and Stay at an Rjourney RV Resort

As you’re traversing Route 66, you may find you need a place to lay your head for a night or two. Luckily, Rjourney offers several RV resorts in California, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Whether you stay for a night or several, you’ll feel right at home thanks to our convenient amenities and memorable activities. Start planning your American road trip to the top Rjourney RV Parks, and contact us online now.