by Lisa Putnam

Created on: June 25, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Route 66 is as American as apple pie, Roy Rogers, and the bald eagle so it is no wonder that many people decide to plan a trip that leads them through some part of the “Mother Road”.  Unfortunately, Route 66 was removed from maps in 1985 but signs, markers, and guides can point enthusiasts in the right direction.  The following tips will help you plan your trip through the "Main Street of America".

All vs. Some

Route 66 is a 2, 451 miles long highway that crosses eight states, so before you leave decide if you want to see certain parts of Route 66 or most of it.  Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to travel the entire route interrupted as it has became private roads, highways, state roads, local roads, and some parts have been completely abandoned.  Keep in mind that some parts of Route 66 are in bad shape and are recommended for four wheel drive vehicles only. 

Map It

You will need a map of the road, but because Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 it no longer appears as “Route 66” on any modern maps.  The website www.historic66.com has turn by turn directions and visual maps for every state that can be viewed and used for free. 

Time

It takes approximately 37 hours to travel the length of Route 66, but that doesn’t allow for any stops.  If you want to see all of it, allow yourself at least 10 days.  For shorter excursions, plan out what you want to see and schedule accordingly.

Classic Stops

Some attractions can be seen on any vacation such as the Sears Tower in Chicago or the beach in Santa Monica but others can only be found on a “Main Street of America”. 

Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, MO

This narrow bridge with a 22 degree bend was quite possibly the most famous crossing of Route 66 over the Mississippi River.  Today it is closed to traffic but pedestrians can walk across it where the Gateway Arch can be seen. 

Meramec Caverns near Stanton, MO

Nicknamed “The Jesse James Hideout”, advertisements were painted on barns all across Route 66 during its heyday.  Today it is a vacation destination with cavern tours, riverboat rides, zip-lines, panning for gold, a restaurant, camping, and a motel.  For more information go to http://www.americascave.com/index.php .

Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park near Claremore, OK

This 9-acre parks features unique totem poles created by the late Ed Galloway in the early 1900s.  After

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