Have you ever dreamed of cruising down a legendary highway, soaking in Americana and experiencing a slice of classic Americana? Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," holds a special place in American culture and imagination. It represents freedom, adventure, and a bygone era of road trips. But before you pack your bags and hit the asphalt, one crucial question arises: through which states does this iconic highway actually travel?
Understanding the route of Route 66 is essential for anyone planning a trip, whether it's a day trip or a cross-country adventure. Knowing the states Route 66 traverses allows you to plan your itinerary, research attractions, and appreciate the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences along the way. From the plains of the Midwest to the deserts of the Southwest, each state offers a unique glimpse into the history and charm of this historic road.
What States Does Route 66 Go Through?
Which states are included in the path of Route 66?
Route 66, the iconic "Mother Road," traversed eight states during its official lifespan: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
While the precise alignment of Route 66 shifted slightly over the years due to rerouting and improvements, these eight states consistently formed the corridor through which it passed. The journey began in Chicago, Illinois, and wound its way southwestward, eventually terminating on the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California. The route became a vital artery for commerce and travel, connecting rural communities with major urban centers and contributing significantly to the economies of the regions it served. Each state along Route 66 contributed its own unique character and landmarks to the overall experience. From the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, to the vast landscapes of the Arizona desert and the final stretch along the California coast, the highway offered a diverse and captivating glimpse into the American landscape and culture. Though officially decommissioned in 1985, its legacy endures, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts eager to experience a tangible piece of American history.In what specific order does Route 66 pass through the states?
Route 66, famously known as the "Mother Road," traverses eight states in a specific sequence, starting in Illinois and ending in California. The chronological order is: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, California.
Route 66's path was meticulously planned to connect rural communities and urban centers, fostering economic growth and facilitating travel across the United States. The route's passage through these states reflects a historical journey through diverse landscapes, cultures, and American experiences. Each state along the route offers unique attractions, landmarks, and historical sites that embody the spirit of Route 66. Understanding the order of the states is crucial for planning a comprehensive road trip along Route 66. Whether starting in Chicago or Los Angeles, knowing the sequence allows travelers to navigate the route efficiently and experience the unique character of each state in its proper context. From the prairies of Illinois to the deserts of Arizona, the journey along Route 66 is a testament to American ingenuity and the enduring allure of the open road.Are there any alternative routes of Route 66 that go through different states?
No, there are no official, historically recognized alternative routes of Route 66 that traverse states not included in the original alignment. While sections of the original route have been bypassed or realigned over time due to road improvements and the construction of the Interstate system, these deviations remain within the same eight states.
While the main alignment of Route 66 is fixed in terms of which states it passes through, it's important to remember that the "Mother Road" underwent several realignments during its official lifetime (1926-1985). These realignments were usually attempts to shorten the route or improve road conditions. So, while the overall route through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California remained constant, specific towns and landscapes along the way shifted slightly. These aren't considered "alternative routes" in the sense of exploring completely different states, but rather variations within the established corridor. The allure of Route 66 is deeply connected to the specific states it passes through, each offering a unique cultural and geographical experience. A hypothetical "alternative route" passing through, say, Colorado or Nevada, would lose the historical and cultural significance associated with the original road. The associated towns, landmarks, and stories are all deeply rooted in the existing eight states, contributing to the unique identity of the Route 66 experience. Therefore, deviations, when they occurred, aimed to improve the journey *within* those established states.Which state contains the longest stretch of original Route 66?
The state with the longest stretch of original Route 66 is Illinois, boasting over 300 miles of the historic highway within its borders.
While Route 66 spanned a total of eight states, the length varied considerably in each. Illinois, being the starting point of the route in Chicago, naturally had a significant portion. Following Illinois, other states along the route include Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, California. Each of these states played a crucial role in the history and culture of Route 66, contributing to its iconic status. The exact mileage of Route 66 within each state has shifted over time due to realignments and bypasses implemented during its operational years. However, Illinois consistently maintains its position as having the longest drivable segment of the original road. This fact makes Illinois a prime destination for Route 66 enthusiasts looking to experience a significant portion of the historic highway.Has the number of states Route 66 goes through changed over time?
Yes, the number of states that Route 66 traversed remained constant at eight throughout its official lifespan. While the precise alignment of the road shifted in certain areas over the years, impacting specific towns and local road conditions, the overall number of states it passed through did not change.
Route 66, officially established in 1926, connected Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, passing through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona along the way. This eight-state configuration was a defining characteristic of the highway and contributed to its cultural significance, representing a vital artery connecting the Midwest to the West Coast. Different alignments of the route came into being with improvements to the road, however, the route always was within these same states.
Although Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, its legacy endures, and travelers can still follow many original sections of the road. The fact that it ran through eight distinct states contributed to the diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences encountered along the journey, making it an iconic symbol of American travel and exploration. The historic signage and attractions still present in these states serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the "Mother Road."
Besides the main states, does Route 66 briefly enter any others?
No, Route 66 does not briefly enter any states beyond the eight it's primarily known for: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The highway was carefully planned and routed to connect key communities across these specific states, forming a contiguous path from Chicago to Los Angeles.
While Route 66 is entirely contained within those eight states, there's a common misconception that it might touch Colorado, given its proximity to the Oklahoma panhandle and New Mexico. However, the route was intentionally designed to avoid Colorado, primarily because of the challenging terrain and established road networks that already served the state. The decision was based on factors such as population density, economic viability, and logistical considerations for building and maintaining the highway. The route's path within each state was also subject to changes and realignments over time, often driven by factors like road improvements, the growth of towns, and the construction of dams and lakes. Even with these alterations, the iconic "Mother Road" remained firmly within the boundaries of the original eight states that defined its historical and cultural significance. It is worth noting that the 1936 realignment, for instance, eliminated the original, shorter Kansas segment from 13 to only 8 miles.What's the best way to plan a trip touching all Route 66 states?
The best way to plan a Route 66 road trip that encompasses all eight states is to allocate at least two weeks, prioritize key attractions within each state based on your interests, and break down the drive into manageable daily segments, accounting for both driving time and sightseeing.
Planning a complete Route 66 journey requires careful consideration of several factors. Given the sheer distance (nearly 2,500 miles), attempting to see absolutely everything along the Mother Road is unrealistic within a typical vacation timeframe. Therefore, research the highlights of each state – Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California – and select the attractions that resonate most with you. These might include historical landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, scenic vistas, or charming Route 66 towns. Once you've identified your "must-see" stops, map out a route that connects them, paying attention to the condition of the road, as portions of the original Route 66 have been bypassed by Interstate highways. Furthermore, pre-booking accommodations, especially during peak season (summer and holidays), is highly recommended. Route 66 motels and hotels offer a unique and nostalgic experience, but availability can be limited. Budgeting is also crucial; factor in fuel costs, accommodation expenses, meals, entrance fees to attractions, and contingency funds for unexpected repairs or detours. Finally, remember that the journey itself is a significant part of the experience. Embrace the slow pace, allow for spontaneous stops, and be open to discovering hidden gems along the way. To maximize enjoyment, consider themed segments. For example, focus on historical sites in Illinois and Missouri, Native American culture in Oklahoma and New Mexico, or desert landscapes in Arizona and California. This approach can make the trip more focused and engaging. Don't forget to research local events or festivals happening during your trip, as these can provide unique cultural experiences and photo opportunities. Ultimately, the best Route 66 itinerary is one that is tailored to your personal interests, travel style, and available time.So there you have it! Route 66 winds its way through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Hopefully, this has helped you plan your own Mother Road adventure, or at least satisfied your curiosity! Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you'll come back soon for more interesting facts and travel inspiration.