Riding Historic Route 66 on Motorcycle

Map of Route 66, The Main Street of America, seen in this vintage postcard

Route 66 was one of the United State's first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated west. Today, many choose to ride and tour the historic route by motorcycle.

In the early years many sections connected only one small town to the next, and had no official federal route number. However, in 1926 the route was formalized as a Federal Highway numbered as "U.S. 66".

It became known as "The Mother Road" and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. The route was also called "The Main Street of America" and the "Will Rogers Highway".

From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed south through Illinois and Missouri, and a small section of southeast Kansas.

From there it turned in a more westward direction through Oklahoma and Texas, with the final stretches in New Mexico and Arizona before its termination point in Los Angeles.

Alignments of the road changed often over the years, as improved sections of highway were constructed.

Out on the open road ... riding Route 66 on motorcycle in the western USA

The passage of the Federal Highway Act of 1956 sounded the death knell for the old road, and gradually segments were replaced with new, safer superhighways.

Its final demise was the completion of the Interstate Highway System, and Route 66 was officially removed from the United States Highway System on June 27, 1985. Route 66 was replaced by five Interstates: I-55 from Chicago, I-44, I-40, I-15 and finally I-10 into Los Angeles.

Motorcycles at The Classy Ass, Oatman, Arizona, on Route 66

We've had the pleasure of driving in all eight states along Route 66, The Main Street of America!

Included on this website are photographs, personal experiences, commentary and travel recommendations on the various segments of the Mother Road.

Touring Route 66

Get your motor running! Get out on the highway! Route 66 attracts a variety of tourists from across the United States and Canada, as well as many from European countries, and even far away locales like Australia and Japan.

There are many ways to see and experience Route 66, whether it be by private auto, RV, or tour bus. Trips along the entire 2,000 mile route can take 10-14 days, or more depending on the number of stops, and side trips to attractions like the Grand Canyon.

Many travelers on Route 66 also ride their own bikes or rent motorcycles to seek new open-air adventures on their USA road trip!

Renting Motorcycles for a Route 66 Trip

Motorcycle rider stopping for a photo op in the middle of Route 66

A variety of motorcycle rental plans are available, such as those from Eaglerider Motorcycle Rentals. These are excellent plans for those traveling from Europe, Australia or other countries to ride on Route 66.

Groups in other countries such as the Joy Rides and the European Route 66 Association also provide services and tours related to Route 66.

Out West, your motorcycle can be picked up at a number of rental locations in Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. If you are starting your Route 66 trip further north, motorcycle pickup locations in Illinois are available.

Model options are plentiful, and cycles from manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Indian are available. Trikes can also be rented.

 

If you don't want to ride independently, choose from one of many guided motorcycle tours. Self-drive tours often include rental of the motorcycle, hotel reservations and detailed tour route information.

The movie "Easy Rider" ... much of it filmed on Route 66

Some companies offer one-way rentals, hotel pickups, luggage storage, helmets and other amenities.

Insurance, Licenses and More

Whether you are riding your own bike, or renting one, we highly recommend investigating all travel considerations, and then planning accordingly.

Make sure you have necessary travel insurance and health insurance, and coverage for lost passports, theft, damage to your bike, and travel disruptions. Consider mileage limitations from renters and roadside assistance before embarking on your trip. Also, be knowledgeable on motorcycle laws such as helmet usage and licenses in each state.

The Lore of Route 66: The Main Street of America

Route 66 became one of the most famous roads in the United States, outdistancing others such as the Lincoln Highway.

It is popular lore in movies, songs, books, and TV shows. The movie "Easy Rider" was filmed at several locations along Route 66.

The route was known far and wide for its variety of "mom and pop" motels, neon lights, drive-ins, quirky roadside attractions, flat tires, cars with no air conditioning, dangerous curves, steep hills, and narrow lanes.

The popularity stuck, and grew!

Route 66: The TV Show

Tod and Buz (By CBS, or Screen Gems)

A popular television show during the early 1960s bore the road's name: "Route 66". Starring George Maharis as Buz, and Martin Milner as Tod, the two young adventurers drove the road in their Corvette for 116 episodes.

Despite the name of the series, most episodes did NOT take place on the historic road, but in 25 different U.S. states.

The show was filmed mostly on location, and became known for its cinematography. A long list of well-known actors and actresses appeared on the series.

The show ran from October, 1960, through March, 1964, and created a huge following.

The interest in the show continues today by "Baby Boomers" who remember the original showings, and new generations of viewers fascinated by the show who watch it on DVD.

Read more about the Route 66 TV series ... and those Corvettes!

Route 66 Map from Chicago to Santa Monica

Map of Historic Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California

 

 

Road Trip Travel Guides for Various States Along Route 66

Planning a road trip on Route 66? Here are the travel guides and reviews by state...

 

Route 66 Today

Blue Whale on Old Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma

Today, several states recognize the historical significance of the road, and have it marked with "66" in the state highway number.

The road is also a major tourist attraction, so many states openly market attractions and lodging along the old route.

The old road still traverses dozens of small towns with vintage gas stations, quirky tourist attractions, diners, "Mop & Pop" motels, historic sites, stunning vistas, and gift shops.

Photo Highlights from Road Trips Along Route 66

Included below are photo highlights of some of the more popular attractions and stops along Route 66. Hopefully the photographs will convey the type of sights you will experience riding your bike on the Mother Road!

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum The museum is a repository for thousands of pieces of historic memorabilia from the glory days of the Mother Road. This is a great place to learn the history of Route 66 in Illinois, see images of the road's wonderful history, and hear a few great stories about life in America when Route 66 was the most important highway in the nation. Located at 115 W. Howard Street in Pontiac, Illinois

1932 Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell, Illinois
	Patrick O’Donnell built a gas station in Odell, Illinois based on a 1916 Standard Oil of Ohio design, commonly known as a domestic style gas station. In 1997, the station was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri The Wagon Wheel Motel has been a historic landmark on Route 66 in Cuba since the 1930s. It is still open today, located on the east side of town on Highway 66. Read more about the Wagon Wheel Motel on TripAdvisor ... Traveler Reviews, Reservations

	Fanning 66 Outpost in Cuba The famous Route 66 Rocker!
Danny's Gas Hole Mural at the Fanning 66 Outpost

Lebanon, Missouri Texaco gas station display inside the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri

 

Route 66 Mural Park Joplin, Missouri Shown here is the mural in downtown Joplin, Missouri at Pearl Brothers Hardware Store. This is only one of many murals painted throughout the downtown area.

 

Cars on the Route in Kansas Cars on the Route is located in a restored Kan-O-Tex service station at 119 North Main Street in Galena. It features the rusted tow truck "Tow Tater" and other restored vehicles on display.

Ribbon Road in Oklahoma Be sure to ride this section of the Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" near Miami, Oklahoma. Shown below is a staff photo taken in November, 2018. We had a great opportunity to experience the way the road was then!

Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum The Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum is located at 336992 E. Highway 66 in Warwick, Oklahoma, west of Chandler. Seaba Station was built in 1921 by John and Alice Seaba, five years before historic Route 66 would be certified. This building's life started out as a DX station, and has now been restored and operated as a popular motorcycle museum. Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum website and Seaba Station on Facebook, or phone 405.258.9141

 

East Meets West: Symbolic Route 66 Midpoint in Tulsa The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is named for the Tulsa resident who is known as "The Father of Route 66".

The park and sculptures are an artistic representation of the use of automobiles and highways spreading across the country in the late 1920s and 30s. Highly recommended for Route 66 fans!

The National Route 66 Museum The National Route 66 Museum focuses on the people who lived, worked and traveled the “Mother Road” and offers visitors a classic walk through all eight states thru which the road traveled. The museum is located at 2717 W 3rd St, Elk City, OK 73644 National Route 66 Museum website

Lucille's Service Station and Roadhouse in Hydro, Oklahoma Lucille's Service Station, a classic gas station built in 1929 along Route 66 near Hydro, is one of only two upper-story, out-thrust porch style stations left on Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66.

In 1941, the Hamons family took over the operation of the station and Lucille Hamons, ran the business for 60 years. Lucille, who quickly became known for her friendly assistance to motorists, earned the nickname "Mother of the Mother Road."

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a popular stop in Clinton, Oklahoma. The state's official showcase of Route 66 is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, and offers visitors a spirited tour of pure Americana. Located off I-40 at Exit 65 at 2229 West Gary Boulevard. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum website

Welcome to Texas! Heading west across the Lone Star State on Route 66 ... with stops in Shamrock, Amarillo, Adrian and Glenrio

 

Tower Plaza & U-Drop Inn Shamrock, Texas The U-Drop Inn opened in 1936 in Shamrock to provide lodging for travelers heading west on the Mother Road. Restored in 2004, today the iconic art deco building of green glazed tile and brick serves as a Visitor Information Center and also houses the Chamber of Commerce.

The adjoining Tower Station provided fuel for those early travelers. The restored Inn and Station hosts over 25,000 visitors a year from around the world ... a "must see" when traveling this part of Route 66!

 

 

Phillips 66 Gas Station McLean, Texas Vintage Phillips 66 Service Station in McLean, Texas, the location of one of the first gasoline stations in Texas. The early Phillips stations, like the one in McLean, were designed in the "Cottage Look" to blend with local residential neighborhoods. Located at 218 West First Street.

The Big Texan Modern-day travelers through the city probably know about "The Big Texan" steak house! It was originally on Route 66, but is located today not far away, on I-40 ... it's a place many tourists to Amarillo want to check out. In 1960 Bob Lee opened the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch on Route 66 in Amarillo. The Big Texan moved to the east side of Amarillo on I-40 in the 1970s. Shown below is "The Big Texan" as it appears today ... home of the free 72 oz steak (with caveats)

Cadillac Ranch Amarillo, Texas Route 66 is known for its quirky and unusual attractions. Shown here is one of those, the Cadillac Ranch, just west of Amarillo, on present-day I-40.

Access is from the service road on the south side of the interstate. Park and walk across the field ... free admission. And be sure to bring a can of spray paint!

Midpoint Cafe & Gift Shop Adrian, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop, Adrian, Texas Located at the exact geo-mathematical center of Route 66	Welcome to Adrian, Texas ... the midpoint of Historic Route 66

A Texas Ghost Town

The Browlee Diner in Glenrio

Sitting directly on the Texas - New Mexico border at Exit 0 is the abandoned ghost town of Glenrio.

The townsite still has noticeable traces of Route 66 and the motels and restaurants that used to thrive there before the arrival of I-40.

Today it includes the Glenrio Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The district encompasses the Route 66 roadbed and 17 abandoned structures.

Remains can still be seen of an old motel, cafe, service station, the post office, and a few other buildings, as well as the old Route 66 roadbed.

Read more about the history and current status of Glenrio.

Welcome to New Mexico! Heading west across the Land of Enchantment on Route 66 ... with stops in Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque and Gallup

 

The Blue Swallow Motel The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari has been serving travelers along the Mother Road since 1939, and today, guests enjoy a pleasant reminder of what it was like to travel across the USA in the “good old days.” From the beautifully restored rooms, to the distinctive attached garages, to the fabulous neon display each night, a stay at the Blue Swallow is a unique experience! 815 E. Route 66 ... Phone 575.461.9849 website of the Blue Swallow Motel

The "Texaco" mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Seen While Riding Route 66 in New Mexico
Night view of neon on Central Avenue in Albuquerque	The Route 66 arch in Grants, New Mexico ... be sure to stop for a selfie!

Standin' on the Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona

This area was dedicated on September 11, 1999, as a tribute to the memorable song of the 1970s that made Winslow, Arizona a town to sing about on famous Route 66.

The song "Take It Easy" includes the verse "Well, I'm a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see".

The park is located at the corner of Old Route 66 and North Kinsley Avenue.

The Song The song "Take It Easy" was written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and recorded by the Eagles. The Standin' on the Corner Park features a two-story mural and bronze statue.

It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me!   A new Glenn Frey tribute statue was dedicated and installed in the Corner Park in 2016. It is estimated 100,000 visitors stand on the corner each year in Winslow!

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Seligman ... Birth Place of Historic Route 66

Welcome to Seligman ... "Birth Place of Historic Route 66"

One of the original U.S. Highways, Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926, stretching 2,448 miles.

Route 66 served as a major path for those who migrated west.

A favorite stopping place on Rouge 66 in Arizona is the town of Seligman.

Its earlier roots was as a railroad town. Originally Seligman was called “Prescott Junction” because it was the railroad stop on the Santa Fe Railroad mainline junction with the Prescott and Arizona Central Railway Company.

In 1886 it was renamed Seligman, after Jesse Seligman, one of the founders of J.W. Seligman Co. of New York, who helped finance the railroad lines in the area.

In 1987 Seligman became known as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66”.

Today, Seligman is home to numerous gift shops, restaurants and several small motels. It is truly a step back in time!

Historic Seligman Sundries on Route 66 ... the police car, the motorcycle and much more!

Hackberry, Arizona Seen below is a motorcycle tour stopped at the Hackberry General Store on Route 66 between Seligman and Kingman, Arizona

Kingman, Arizona
The "Police" at Mr. D'z	The mural at Mr. D'z
Mother Road Harley-Davidson mural	Rt 66 Motorcycle Parts & Accessories

Oatman, Arizona Motorcycles and wild donkeys at the Olive Oatman Restaurant & Saloon on Route 66 in Oatman

Welcome to California Heading west to Amboy, Barstow, San Bernardino, Victorville and Santa Monica

Roy's in Amboy, California Time for a stop on a hot day of bike riding on Route 66 in the desert ... at Roy's Motel and Cafe in Amboy, California

Stopover in Barstow Barstow, California is a great Route 66 city, and has a number of well known murals and exhibits around the city, including these ...	Route 66 Mural in Barstow, California
Motorcycle exhibit at the Mother Road Museum in Barstow

 

Wigwam Motel In 1933 Frank Redford started developing the Wigwam “Villages” by designing teepee shaped motel units. This was the last of seven Wigwam Motels built across the country; only three survive today. This one was opened in 1949, at 2728 E. Foothill Boulevard.

Driving down Route 66, this San Bernardino motel immediately grabs your attention with its one of a kind roadside architecture. Website of the Wigwam Motel

The End of the Trail ... Santa Monica, California (Staff Photo)

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