un jour / 1363 miles / 45 heures 25 minutes
The charm, the history, and the atmosphere that make up "The Mother Road" bring travelers from all over the world to experience America the way it should be experienced - down a stretch of highway where "anything goes" is literal.
Jour 1
9:00 - 1.2 miles / 2 minutes - 9:02
Since 1923, Lou Mitchell's Restaurant has been serving some of the greatest food Chicago has to offer. In the early 1930s the restaurant moved to its current location and solidified its position as one of the icons of Chicago and Route 66. The building is an ideal example of classic diner-restaurant architecture and the service is reminiscent of the culture
of Route 66. Complimentary donuts are served to guests while they wait, though ladies only receive a pack of Milk Duds.9:42 - 54.5 miles / une heure 49 minutes - 11:31
Gemini Giant at Launching Pad Restaurant
Nothing reflects the kitsch and nostalgia of the Route 66 era like the Gemini Giant, a 36' fiberglass "muffler man" - one of the most popular larger-than-life roadside attractions that began appearing on the American landscape during the 1950s. The giant is the most photographed man in
Wilmington and keeps watch over the Launching Pad (currently closed), a favorite stop for Route 66 travelers.11:46 - 4.5 miles / 8 minutes - 11:55
More than 40 years ago, the Polk-a-Dot was serving lunch from a mini kitchen in an old school bus decorated with polk-a-dots, of course. Today, the nostalgic diner-style restaurant greets locals and Route 66 visitors from around the world who come to enjoy great food and lots of fun. No stop is complete without a photo op with life-sized replicas of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Elvis.
12:25 - 25.5 miles / 50 minutes - 13:16
Historic Miller Park has served as a mecca for outdoor recreation and entertainment since 1887. Recognized for its architectural splendor, the park features a pavilion designed by George H. Miller, beaches, a bandstand and incredible zoo. During the 1930s the park welcomed 350,000 to 400,000 visitors each summer and later added amusement rides to entertain local residents and Route 66 travelers. Today, the park and zoo remain among the city's most popular attractions.
13:16 - 15.3 miles / 30 minutes - 13:46
Lincoln, Illinois, the only city named for our 16th President prior to his assassination, is alive with the charm of Route 66. Sangamon Street, original 66, is lined with quaint shops and restaurants, each with a special connection to the town's history and Route 66. Within a stone's throw, you'll discover Lincoln's historic depot and the "Christening Site," the actual spot where Abraham Lincoln christened the town with the juice of a watermelon.
13:46 - 36.9 miles / une heure 13 minutes - 15:00
Once the major 66 thoroughfare between Illinois and Missouri, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge crosses one of the most historic and scenic sections of the Mississippi River. Officially opened in June 1999 as a multi-use recreational trail, the Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world at 1 mile in length. The Bridge offers a panoramic view of the St. Louis skyline and the Mississippi River. Several historically significant gothic-style water intake towers jut from the shoals, and the bridge's Route 66 heritage area includes a vintage Model A fire truck.
15:00 - 9.6 miles / 19 minutes - 15:19
There's more than maple sirup (yes, it's spelled that way on purpose) at Funk's Grove. Since 1824, the Funk Family has been producing its special brand of pure maple sirup from more than 6,000 taps in the prolific stand of maple trees. When the new "hard road" cut through the family property, it also provided a steady and receptive string of customers for
the sirup venture. The grounds include a historic cemetery and mineral museum.16:04 - 20.4 miles / 40 minutes - 16:45
Thomas Coffin's Roadside Attraction
Roadside Attraction, an art deco tribute to the Mother Road by artist Thomas Coffin, sits in the town of Tucumcari. The 40-foot-long structure is made of stone and polished aluminum, and was commissioned through the Cultural Corridors Public Art on Scenic Highways Project and dedicated on May 17, 1997.
16:45 - 28.8 miles / 57 minutes - 17:43
Gas man Bill Shea has been running his business on old Route 66 for over half a century. Beginning with a gas station and garage, the business has been transformed into a tribute to the early days of gas stations that once lined the Mother Road. Visitors can enjoy a large and eclectic collection of vintage gas pumps, signs, photos, and service station memorabilia. Shea has gained an international reputation as an icon of Route 66, making this a must stop for Route 66 fans.
18:43 - 8.5 miles / 17 minutes - 19:00
The Cozy Drive In is the home of the one and only Cozy Dog, the original hot dog on a stick. Lunch at the classic Route 66 stop has become an entry on the to-do list of many Route 66 travelers. The tasty treat, invented by Ed Waldmire in 1946, is served in an authentic Route-66-style diner by members of the Waldmire Family. His son Bob is an internationally recognized artist whose work focuses on the history of Route 66. His artwork is displayed throughout the Drive In.
19:30 - 110.5 miles / 3 heures 41 minutes - 12:11
Built in the 1940s as a gas station, grocery store, and curio shop, this famous Route 66 roadside attraction still attracts visitors with its quirky bric-a-brac.
12:31 - 5.1 miles / 10 minutes - 12:41
The town of Gallup is home to several tribes of Pueblo people and is known for its unique art and a blend of contemporary and ancient cultures that are sure to create a unique experience of the Southwest.
12:41 - 14.0 miles / 27 minutes - 13:09
Known as Miami’s crown jewel, the Coleman Theatre is a Spanish Mission revival style structure built in 1929 by George L. Coleman, Sr. as a vaudeville and movie theater. In 1989, the theater, suffering from years of neglect, was given to the city of Miami by the Coleman family and has since undergone extensive renovation. This structure draws tourists from a national audience due to its significant history and notable architectural style and provides a glimpse of life along Route 66.
14:09 - 78.1 miles / 2 heures 36 minutes - 16:45
One of the most recognizable icons of Route 66, the Blue Whale in Catoosa was built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift to his wife Zelda, who collected whale figurines. For family use, it didn’t take the Davis family long to realize that everyone around would want to enjoy the pond, diving boards, and slides that the Blue Whale had to offer. The park includes great photo ops, small picnic tables, a few boats, public restrooms, and a concession stand.
17:45 - 111.9 miles / 3 heures 43 minutes - 10:29
Located on Route 66 in Arcadia, the Round Barn is one of our nation’s unique landmarks. Built in 1898 by resident William F. Odor, complete restoration of the barn began in 1989 following the collapse of the roof. Led by retired master carpenter Luke Robison, then in his seventies, the slumping structure was righted and then returned to its original condition by Robison and a group called the “Over the Hill” Gang”. It is one of the most publicized and visited icons anywhere.
11:14 - 1.1 miles / 2 minutes - 11:16
In Arcadia, and just recently built in 2007, this is a convenience store, gas station, and restaurant all in one. Visitors can’t miss the giant pop bottle (neon at night) that stands as the entrance and everyone will want to go inside to sample one of the 440 plus types of soda pop in the store. Hungry travelers and visitors come from all over the country to discover the experience of POP’s. This is Oklahoma’s newest recreational attraction and is a modern icon for Route 66.
12:16 - 21.0 miles / 42 minutes - 12:58
Gold Dome and Milk Bottle Building
The Gold Dome and Milk Bottle Building are famous for their architecture along Route 66. The Gold Dome building is a geodesic dome in Oklahoma City located along Route 66. The fifth geodesic dome constructed in the world, the design was patented by the famous architect Buckminster Fuller and was constructed of 625 panels, weighing 60 to 70 lbs each over a 27,000-square-foot interior.
13:58 - 56.4 miles / une heure 52 minutes - 15:51
When Route 66 was first built, this spot in Bridgeport was the western end of two safe water crossings over the Canadian River. The Pony Bridge at the Canadian River is 3,944.33 feet long and contains 38 pony trusses. It was completed July 1, 1933. An interesting fact about this historic steel truss bridge is that it is featured in the 1939 classic film “The Grapes of Wrath” starring Henry Fonda. The bridge was only 6 years old when the movie was filmed.
16:21 - 19.9 miles / 39 minutes - 17:01
Lucille's Roadhouse and Old Lucille's Station
Lucille’s Roadhouse is unique in that the traveler can see and experience an original roadhouse and diner as it was in the heyday of diners along Route 66. Visitors can also travel 1 mile down Route 66 and eat at the new Lucille’s Roadhouse built in 2006. It has the same old-style as the great diners of yesterday. The inside of
Lucille’s is Route 66 themed from the tables to tapestry.19:01 - 48.6 miles / une heure 37 minutes - 9:38
National Route 66 Museum and Old Town Museum Complex
Take a step back in time at the National Route 66 Museum and Old Town Museum Complex located in the heart of Elk City. The museum focuses on the people who lived, worked and traveled the Mother Road and offers visitors a road pattern to travel not just through Oklahoma, but all eight states that Route 66 traverses. This recreational stop educates the byway traveler and provides a holistic picture of the road. The museum is filled with historic elements related to Route 66.
11:38 - 15.6 miles / 31 minutes - 12:09
Sayre (Beckham County) Courthouse
The Beckham County Courthouse is one of the most identifiable structures along all of Route 66 in Oklahoma.
Outside the courthouse is a statue of a sharply-dressed bison entitled “Spirit of the West” that was added as a modern day attraction in 2007. The buffalo, old town square and courthouse are intertwined with Route 66’s theme of America’s Main Street and is America as it was during the height of Route 66. The courthouse was also featured in the movie, "The Grapes of Wrath."12:54 - 15.3 miles / 30 minutes - 13:25
Sand Hills Curiosity Shop is an unbelievably surreal experience in the heart of Erick, Oklahoma. Harley and Annabelle (the “mediocre music makers”) will show visitors around their Route 66 shop in the self-professed Redneck Capitol of the World. This shop combines the music of Route 66 along with the history of the route. Live music
performances and Route 66 memorabilia are a part of the recreational fun.14:25 - 106.3 miles / 3 heures 32 minutes - 17:57
Seligman offers the authentic Route 66 experience with eateries, motor courts, gift shops and people with Route 66 passion, including the father of Route 66, Angel Delgadillo. In his barbershop there are binders of media coverage, and letters from all over the world from travelers that have repeatedly made a trip just to visit Seligman.
19:57 - 357.6 miles / 11 heures 55 minutes - 9:53
Road attractions popped up all along Rt 66 during the '50s and '60s, but many vanished when Route 66 was bypassed. Ortega’s Indian Trading Post is a wonderful example of the diversity of these attractions, and it is also a perfect way to be introduced to the Navajo Indian culture in Mother Nature’s most beautiful setting. The Trading Post has considerable memorabilia from over the years, as well as great prices on Native American arts and crafts made by local Navajo craftsmen.
10:53 - 10.4 miles / 20 minutes - 11:13
Home to the famous song by the Eagles, Winslow has a monument on the corner bearing testament to that claim to fame. This big little town delivers on the Route 66 experience and more. Diners, motor courts, and shops are within walking distance in the downtown area on Route 66, and the Standing on the Corner Park has been so successful that they created an annual festival around it. There’s also a rich railroad history to uncover starting with the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel with its grand entrance that faces the tracks, and lively tours given by the Harvey House Girl’s Association.
12:13 - 186.0 miles / 6 heures 11 minutes - 18:25