Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Established in 1926, it was one of the first highways in the U.S. Highway System, stretching approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.
This iconic route connected rural and urban communities across eight states, making it a crucial transportation artery during the early to mid-20th century. During the Great Depression, it became a key migration path for people escaping the Dust Bowl, symbolizing hope and opportunity as families sought better lives in the West.
The highway’s cultural impact further solidified its fame. Route 66 became a symbol of American freedom and the spirit of the open road, embodying the ideals of the American Dream. Its allure was amplified by popular culture, including songs like Bobby Troup’s “Route 66” and the 1960s TV series “Route 66.”
As the highway reached its peak usage in the 1940s and 1950s, it fostered the growth of numerous roadside attractions, diners, motels, and gas stations, creating a vibrant roadside culture. Today, Route 66 remains a nostalgic journey into America’s past, drawing tourists eager to experience its historic charm and the romance of the open road.
Here are a few of the must-see attractions along the way in order from west to east:
Flagstaff Visitor Center: Gateway to Route 66 Starting in Flagstaff, you’ll find yourself in a city rich with history and vibrant culture. In downtown Flagstaff, you’ll find vintage neon signs and classic diners. At the Flagstaff Visitor Center, housed in the historic 1926 train depot, you’ll find helpful information about the area, along with brochures, maps, and exhibits detailing Flagstaff’s rich history.
Walnut Canyon National Monument – A short drive east of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument features ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people. Hike the Island Trail to see these fascinating structures up close and enjoy the stunning views of the canyon.
Twin Arrows – A little further down the road, you’ll encounter the iconic Twin Arrows Trading Post. This site is now abandoned and in rough shape. Until recently it still featured two giant arrows sticking out of the ground. But m like the fate of Twin Pines Mall in Back to the Future, one of the Arrows has fallen down, leaving the site to be unofficially named Lone Arrow (trademark BlaiseAcrossAmerica).
Meteor Crater – Continuing east, take a detour to Meteor Crater, one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth. The crater is nearly a mile wide and can be viewed on guided tours around the rim.
Meteor City Trading Post – Meteor City was put on the map by the namesake trading post with a population of just 2 – the original owners. The trading post has the world’s largest map of Route 66 painted on the side of the building. The site also boasts an array of eccentric roadside attractions, including a geodesic dome and a giant dream catcher. The trading post has seen periods of closure and revival over the years changing ownership many times. It was last closed in 2012 before new owners began revitalizing the property in 2017 hoping to re-opening in 2020. That re-opening never materialized and the property was once again sold in July 2024 with the new owners projecting a new opening date of early 2025.
Winslow: Standin’ on the Corner – Winslow is a town immortalized by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” The Standin’ on the Corner Park features a life-sized bronze statue and a mural depicting the famous lyrics. Nearby, the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel, designed by renowned architect Mary Colter, offers a charming spot for lunch or an overnight stay.
Two Guns Ghost Town – Continuing east, Two Guns Ghost Town offers a glimpse into Arizona’s wild past. Once a bustling tourist stop, it now stands abandoned but still holds remnants of its former glory, including ruins of the old zoo and trading post. Two Guns thrived during Route 66’s heyday, serving as a popular stop for travelers seeking adventure and supplies.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post – Further east, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City has been a Route 66 icon since 1949. The giant “Here It Is” sign and the larger-than-life jackrabbit statue draw travelers in for a fun photo op.
Wigwam Motel (Holbrook) – In Holbrook, the Wigwam Motel offers a unique lodging experience. Here you can sleep in one of the concrete teepees, now equipped with modern amenities while retaining a retro charm. Opened in 1950, the Wigwam Motel is one of the few remaining examples of the distinctive teepee-shaped motels that once dotted Route 66.
Rainbow Rock Shop (Holbrook) – Also in Holbrook, the Rainbow Rock Shop stands out with its giant fiberglass dinosaurs. The shop offers a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Take a photo with the dinos and explore the vast selection of unique geological treasures inside.
Stewart’s Petrified Wood Shop (Holbrook) – Just outside Holbrook, Stewart’s Petrified Wood Shop boasts an impressive collection of petrified wood, fossils, and Native American artifacts. The shop also features quirky roadside attractions, including a dinosaur park and a rock garden.
Petrified Forest National Park – Petrified Forest National Park, located east of Holbrook, showcases one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Here you can explore trails like the Crystal Forest and Blue Mesa, and marvel at The Painted Desert which offers stunning vistas of multi-hued badlands. We spent a few hours exploring this park.
Yellowhorse Trading Post – Near the Arizona-New Mexico border, the Yellowhorse Trading Post offers a glimpse into Native American culture. The trading post sells authentic Native American crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. The scenic location, nestled in a canyon, adds to the charm and allure of this stop.
Final Note:
During our drive, we stopped at Winslow Standin’ on the Corner Park, Wigwam Motel, Rainbow Rock Shop, and Petrified Forest National Park. We decided against going to Walnut Canyon National Monument as we had plans to see Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historic Park already and thought the kids would be Ruins’d out. As we drove by both Twin Arrows and Two Guns, we saw them both completely abandoned and looking slightly sketchy, so we decided there wasn’t much there for us. We opted against Meteor Crater due to the crazy high cost ($29 for adults and $20 for ages 6-13). And we didn’t drive by Yellowhorse Trading Post as we drove north after visiting Petrified Forest National Park in order to visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
