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 motorcyle.
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 sidetrips 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 knowledgable 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
Route 66: The Open RoadRiding the switchbacks on motorcycle on Route 66 near Kingman and Oatman, Arizona. |
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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...
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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 & MuseumThe 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 |
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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. |
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Lebanon, MissouriTexaco gas station display inside the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri |
Joplin, MIssouriThe Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin features two nostalgic murals and an oversized 45-record imprint of "Get Your Kicks on Route 66". |
The upper mural is called "Cruisin’ into Joplin", and showing a vintage Buick arriving in Joplin on Route 66 from the west |
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Cars on the Route in Galena, Kansas
Cars on the Route is located in a restored Kan-O-Tex service station at 119 North Main Street in Galena.
Formerly known as "4 Women on the Route", the attraction sells sandwiches, antiques, Route 66 memorabilia and work by local artists.
It has connections with the movie "Cars" featuring the rusted tow truck "Tow Tater" and other restored vehicles on display.
Vintage Iron Museum
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It also showcases Evel Knievel memorabilia, a wall of vintage helmets and a gift shop.
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Ribbon Road in OklahomaBe sure to ride this section of the Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" near Miami, Oklahoma. |
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East Meets West: Symbolic Route 66 Midpoint in TulsaThe 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!
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Milk Bottle GroceryThe grocery was built in 1930, and the giant milk bottle was added in 1948. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is adorned with a milk bottle from Braum's, the well-known Oklahoma-based dairy in Tuttle. |
National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma
Lucille's Service Station and Roadhouse in Hydro, OklahomaLucille'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." |
Clinton, Oklahoma |
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The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a popular stop in Clinton, Oklahoma
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Tower Plaza & U-Drop Inn
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The adjoining Tower Station provided fuel for those early travelers. The restored Inn and Station hosts over 25,000 visittors a year from around the world ... a "must see" when traveling this part of Route 66!
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Phillips 66 Gas Station |
It was also the first Phillips 66 station on Route 66 when it was built in 1927. The early Philliips 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 in Amarillo
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!
Cadillac Ranch
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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! |
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A Texas Ghost Town
The Little Juarez Cafe 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 emcompasses 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.
The Blue Swallow Motel in TucumcariThe famous Blue Swallow Motel, built in 1939, still does a thriving business in Tucumcari, New Mexico. |
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The "Texaco" mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico
Seen While Riding Route 66 in New Mexico |
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 Night view of neon on Central Avenue in Albuquerque |
 The Route 66 arch in Grants, New Mexico ... be sure to stop for a selfie! |
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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 SongThe 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. A new Glenn Frey tribute statue was dedicated and installed in the Corner Park in 2016. |
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me! It is estimated 100,000 visitors stand on the corner each year in Winslow! |
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Angel & Vilma's in Seligman, Arizona
In 1972, Angel Delgadillo moved his barber shop so that he could take advantage of the traffic on the new alignment of Route 66 through Seligman.
Business was good until September of 1978, when I-40 bypassed Seligman. To stimulate tourism, Angel, his wife Vilma, and other shop owners in northwest Arizona established the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
The Association was located in Angel's Barber Shop & Pool Hall.
His work helped make Seligman "The Birthplace of Historic Route 66".
Hackberry, ArizonaSeen below is a motorcycle tour stopped at the Hackberry General Store on Route 66 between Seligman and Kingman, Arizona |
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Enjoying the solitude of Route 66 by motorcycle in Arizona
Oatman, ArizonaMotorcycles and wild donkeys at the Olive Oatman Restaurant & Saloon on Route 66 in Oatman |
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Roy'sTime 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 |
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Wigwam Motel in San BernardinoIn 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.
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The End of the Trail ... Santa Monica, California (Staff Photo) |
Attractions and Cities Along Route 66
Along the length of Route 66, there are hundreds, probably thousands of attractions. And there are dozens of cities and towns, all easily accessible by motorcycle.
Different riders have different interests, so we can't list everything. But here are a few favorites! Let's get on the Road ... starting in Chicago, Illinois, and head west. Get ready to get your kicks ... on Route 66!
| Attraction | City | State |
| The Architecture ... and the start of Route 66 west | Chicago | Illinois |
| Gemini Giant | Wilmington | Illinois |
| Ambler's Texaco Station | Dwight | Illinois |
| Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum | Pontiac | Illinois |
| Shea's Gas Station Museum | Springfield | Illinois |
| Chain of Rocks Bridge | St. Louis | Missouri |
| The Murals | Rolla | Missouri |
| 66 Drive-In Theater | Carthage | Missouri |
| Route 66 Mural Park | Joplin | Missouri |
| Historic District | Galena | Kansas |
| Rainbow Curve Bridge | Baxter Springs | Kansas |
| Allen's Conoco Hole in the Wall | Commerce | Oklahoma |
| Route 66 Gateway Sign & Historic District | Miami | Oklahoma |
| Route 66 Ribbon Road | Miami | Oklahoma |
| Pryor Creek Bridge | Chelsea | Oklahoma |
| Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park | Chelsea | Oklahoma |
| The Blue Whale | Catoosa | Oklahoma |
| Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza: East Meets West | Tulsa | Oklahoma |
| Murals and Broadway Brick Street | Davenport | Oklahoma |
| Route 66 Interpretive Center | Chandler | Oklahoma |
| Arcadia Round Barn | Arcadia | Oklahoma |
| Milk Bottle Grocery | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma |
| National Route 66 Museum | Elk City | Oklahoma |
| Lucille's Service Station | Hydro | Oklahoma |
| Oklahoma Route 66 Museum | Clinton | Oklahoma |
| Conoco Tower Plaza Station & U-Drop Inn | Shamrock | Texas |
| Vintage Phillips 66 Gas Station | McLean | Texas |
| Route 66 - 6th Street Historic District | Amarillo | Texas |
| Cadillac Ranch | Amarillo | Texas |
| Midpoint of Route 66 | Adrian | Texas |
| Ghost town | Glenrio | Texas |
| Route 66 Monument & Downtown Murals | Tucumcari | New Mexico |
| Blue Swallow Motel | Tucumcari | New Mexico |
| Ghost town | Cuervo | New Mexico |
| Route 66 Auto Museum | Santa Rosa | New Mexico |
| Museums, Historic Sites, Fine Dining | Santa Fe | New Mexico |
| Historic Central Avenue | Albuquerque | New Mexico |
| El Rancho Hotel | Gallup | New Mexico |
| Wigwam Village Motel #6 | Holbrook | Arizona |
| Twin Arrows Trading Post | Twin Arrows | Arizona |
| Standing on the Corner & the LaPosada Historic District | Winslow | Arizona |
| Route 66 Visitor Center | Flagstaff | Arizona |
| Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Gift Shop & Visitor's Center | Seligman | Arizona |
| Hackberry General Store | Hackberry | Arizona |
| Powerhouse Route 66 Museum and Visitors Center | Kingman | Arizona |
| Feeding the donkeys downtown | Oatman | Arizona |
| Roy's Cafe & Motel | Amboy | California |
| Bagdad Cafe | Newberry Springs | California |
| Harvey House Railroad Depot | Barstow | California |
| Mother Road Museum | Barstow | California |
| California Route 66 Museum | Victorville | California |
| Wigwam Village #7 | San Bernardino | California |
| End of the Trail ... the westward end of Route 66 | Santa Monica | California |
Other Popular Road Trips in the USA |
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