Route 66

Nothing stands for American freedom like a road trip down the infamous Route 66. Called the "Mother Road", it has come to represent an independent spirit and the quest for adventure.

Made famous in the song by Bobby Troup, as well as being a landmark through John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath", this somewhat desolate stretch of road still attracts hundreds of drivers today. Ironically though, the official US Highway Route 66 no longer exists, so you'll have to find an older map to find the right route.

Route 66 starts in Chicago and the end of the highway is in Santa Monica, California. Throughout the years since the ‘route’ was decommissioned sections of this famous road have disappeared or been swallowed up by newer, larger highways, making it difficult to follow the entire exact route of the road.

Because Western America has not been as heavily developed as other parts of the country you’ll find that an Arizona or New Mexico road trip will treat you to some of the best preserved sections of the road. So even if you’re not planning to drive the entire Route 66, you can at least say that you took your car or RV on part of it! And keep an eye open for the numerous historic markers which give you interesting snippets of information.

Regardless of the precise route you take, Route 66 will take you through America's heartland and you'll see plenty along the way. The best way to enjoy a road trip like this is to just hit the road and stop whenever you see something that catches your eye. That's the real spirit of Route 66!

Quick Facts:

-- The highway opened in 1928, and was decommissioned in 1985.

--There was a TV show called "Route 66" in the 1960s, about 2 men traveling across the country by car.