There’s never been a better time to answer the call of the open road than now—100 years after the legendary Route 66 first stitched together the heart of America. From the electric energy of Navy Pier in Chicago to the sun-soaked shores of Santa Monica Pier, this iconic journey isn’t just a drive—it’s a living story packed with quirky roadside attractions, nostalgic diners, and breathtaking stretches of Americana. But before you put the keys in the ignition, there’s more to know than just your playlist and pit stops. Traveling the “Mother Road” during its centennial celebration means navigating a mix of historic charm, modern detours, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—and knowing what to expect can turn a good trip into an unforgettable adventure.
I would be remiss if I didn’t offer a wee bit of advice to help you navigate the unexpected”hiccups” and “bumps in the road” you may encounter along Route 66. The best solution for such “problems” -laughter! A sense of humor is one of the most essential items to “pack” as you prepare for this amazing trip!
Honestly, here are some tips that I hope will help those who travel any or all of Route 66!
Tip #1. Be ambitious, but realistic. There are dozens and dozens of small towns and cities along Route 66. We realized early in the drive that we did not have the time, nor the energy, to make each location an actual stop. Some were designated as “Drive Bys.”
Tip #2. Don’t be afraid to veer off course. We drove much of Route 66. However, there were some places we wanted to visit that were not on the “official” path. So, we turned the wheel towards the road that seemed to have something “extra” to offer.
Sedona, Arizona, was an amazing side trip off Route 66. Highly recommend it for its unusual rock formations and immense beauty.
Tip #3. Expect the unexpected. Sadly, not all that was online was accurate!! Thus, we would end up at the doorsteps of a museum or visitor center only to discover it had closed early, was a random “day off”, or an unexpected holiday. This was very frustrating, especially after a long journey, as we stood there, staring at the locked doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of what lay inside. Conversely, there were times when we stumbled upon a hidden gem, finding a place open that was deemed closed online, often leading us to serendipitous discoveries that enhanced our adventures. This unpredictability taught us to maintain a flexible itinerary and embrace spontaneity! Being open to these surprises not only made our travels more enriching but also reminded us that sometimes the best memories come from unplanned moments. And, of course, we kept our sense of humor!
We drove for quite some time off of Route 66 to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home. My friend is a huge fan of the author of the Little House on the Prairie series and had checked ahead that it was open on the day we were to arrive. Sadly, it was not. Closed all up! As rain fell on us, we decided to take a moment to just take in the beautiful outdoor vistas. And the drive through the Mark Twain National Park to get there was worth the time.
Tip #4. Bring good guidebooks and maps as a backup to online apps. Yes, there were MANY times that cell service was not available, but, luckily, we packed the “good-old-fashioned way” – with paper maps, too!
This 8 map set was very helpful
Tip #5. Be respectful. I learned that many who live along Route 66 are fiercely proud of the community spirit dedicated to guiding travelers through their town on their part of the “Mother Road”. What may seem unusual or somewhat “kitsch” to a visitor may prove to have historical or sentimental value to the locals. Thus, when you see GIANTS lining the towns, big, bold, and bright neon signs, or upside-down Cadillac cars covered in spray paint – know that they are often beloved!
TIP 6. Don’t expect good accessibility along Route 66. If I were to assign a school grade to Route 66 based on its accessibility, I would give it a “C.” While certain outdoor venues provide decent sidewalks and informative signage, indoor attractions frequently fall short, lacking crucial features such as elevators, braille materials, and captioned videos. One notable exception is the Capitol of Illinois in Springfield, which thoughtfully accommodates the needs of individuals with unique challenges without any excessive fanfare. Kudos to Illinois!
Braille signage found at the Illinois State Capitol building garden art display.
There will be several more articles about Route 66 – my insights, reviews, and a few more tips. Of course, lots of photos! Stay tuned!
Good to know you haven’t disappeared off the map!