by Eva Perry

Created on: June 30, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Traveling down Route 66 can be an exciting adventure on this historical stretch of road, but there may be some places you'll want to avoid.

First of all, when traveling down this original, “Mother Road”, in Chicago, Illinois, as you reach I-55, the road near the quarry is not in great shape. You may want to avoid that area and choose an alternate route for driving.

There are places in East St. Louis, Illinois, you may wish to avoid that have reported a higher incidence of crime in that area. It may be wise to inquire ahead of time for reports of any dangerous activity.

In the town of Devil’s Elbow, Missouri, on the old Route 66, the Historic Devil’s Elbow Bridge, is in need of repair due to the rusting steel and crumbling concrete of the bridge. You may want to avoid this bridge on your travels down Route 66 in Missouri. The town itself is one of the many highlights of Route 66 in Missouri, however, featuring beautiful, scenic bluffs and the picturesque Big Piney River.

Route 66 winds through Oatman, Arizona, but you may want to avoid the area, unless you don’t mind the wild mules that sometimes still roam freely through the streets. The story regarding this incidence, was that after the mines slowed down the miners moved out leaving their mules, which continued to breed, and were left to wander the streets.

In Daggett, California if you are visiting this area, you may want to avoid a section of road that ends abruptly, with no warning sign ahead of time.

The Mojave Desert in California has I-40 running very close to Route 66. You may want to avoid parts of Route 66 in this area, since the road is not well maintained, and choose to travel via the freeway.

The old historic Route 66 in downtown Glen Rio, TX, is virtually a ghost town now, which you may want to avoid. Years ago, this historic section of old Route 66 was a busy four-lane highway.

West of Glen Rio, TX in San Jon, New Mexico the old Route 66 is a dirt road that you may want to avoid because of driving conditions on the road. Although the road has improved slightly, other roads may be more preferable as an alternative method of traveling.

The majority of the Route 66 roadway has been well maintained for travelers to enjoy the history of, The Main street of America. This is true especially when you stop to visit many of the wonderful tourist attractions, dotting the roadside, including stores stocked with memorable souvenirs, restaurants, diners, motels, and gas stations.

Although there may be a few places on Route 66 to avoid, travelers do not seem to mind, since they have made this “Mother Road”, a well-traveled highway from settlers of the past, to curious tourists of the future.

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