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.
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.
Fish Lake Beach offers a variety of camping options:
Amenities include a sandy beach, heated pool, hot tub, fishing, kayaking, mini-golf, and weekend activities like outdoor movies and crafts.
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.
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.
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.
The drive from St. Louis to Villa Ridge is approximately 43 miles and takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Further south, near Houston, TX, you’ll find our other Rjourney RV resorts that you might find more convenient depending on your destination:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!
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.
Route 66 starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California.
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.
Route 66 is approximately 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) long.
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.
