Explorations of the Mother Road.
The Mother Road draws thousands of people every year to drive its lengths. While its mostly decommissioned now, Route 66 ran from Chicago, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, ending at the Santa Monica pier in Southern California. It was once a major highway for those traveling across the country.
The Interstate Highway system eventually killed it. In many places, the new expressways followed the route of old Route 66, and in other places like the southwest, the expressways built on top of the old highway. Route 66 lost its official designation in 1985, but there has been a revival recently. Throughout its old route you can find “Historic 66” signs in most states. Some states are better marked than others (Illinois is the best, Missouri is the worst). Starting in Western Oklahoma, Old Route 66 meets the interstate. However, most of the old routes that went into cities are still preserved in business loops. Luckily Google Maps has labeled the route.
I explored Route 66 in pieces, and I have yet to reach California (I finally did in Oct. 2018). In early December, I drove the route from St. Louis to Flagstaff, Arizona, including the oldest route going up to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I followed the route diligently from Cuba, Missouri to Santa Rosa, New Mexico. I found lots of kitsch along the way.
Since Illinois has some of the best-preserved Route 66 sights, I have included photos from 2015.
The beginning of Route 66 in Chicago, right in front of a Panda Express.
Pontiac, Illinois, has truly embraced its Route 66 connected with their giant Route 66 mural and museum. It’s actually a neat little town.
Atlanta, Illinois, home to a giant Paul Bunyan statue with a hot dog. The statue is one of many look-a-likes, but his ax has been replaced with a hot dog. It is still found alongside Route 66 but it’s originally from Cicero, Illinois in Chicagoland.
Lincoln, Illinois, has a giant Abe Lincoln on a giant wagon. Because, why not.
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, Illinois, where Route 66 kitsch goes to die.
The pink elephant where the store gets its name.
Now to start on my most recent journey at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. Route 66 used to be full of themed motels just like this.
There was an old gas station in front of the motel.
Route 66 was full of random giant objects like this Red Rocker in Fanning, Missouri.
While not exactly old, the Uranus Fudge Factory is a new hilarious attraction along Route 66. Styled as an old western town in strip mall format, it has a tattoo parlor, restaurant and the fudge factory/ gift shop.
Although it’s located a bit off of Route 66 near Chelsea, Oklahoma, Totem Pole Park is so politically incorrect its hilarious and worth the stop.
Catoosa, Oklahoma, has a giant Blue Whale. It used to be part of a swimming park here. Now it just sits there.
Sapulpa, Oklahoma, has the world’s tallest gas pump.
Elk City, Oklahoma, has a disused oil rig on Main Street. It is Oklahoma after all.
In Texola, Oklahoma, the creepiest town I have ever been to, lies on the Texas-Oklahoma border. Here is its main attraction, a one room jail house.
The leaning water tower of Groom, Texas. It’s leaning on purpose.
The Second Amendment Cowboy outside of Amarillo, Texas.
The little town of Adrian, Texas, is the midpoint of Route 66. I love that they marked this out.
There is even a gift shop and restaurant across the street (open seasonally).
My last favorite kitsch I found was in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Probably completely unrelated to Route 66, I just love it.
Check out my next update where I relocate to the Grand Canyon!
