Hit the road this summer and follow in the tire tracks of history as you traverse America’s most legendary highway—the one and only Route 66. From its Dust Bowl origins through neon-drenched diners to the Pacific shoreline, this RV-based journey blends nostalgia, scenery, and roadside wonders.

History and Purpose of Route 66

• Birth of the “Mother Road”: Designated on November 11, 1926, U.S. Highway 66 originally ran 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.
• Dust Bowl Lifeline: In the 1930s, thousands of displaced families (“Okies” and others) followed 66 westward seeking work and relief from dust-storm devastation.
• Economic Engine: Small towns, mom-and-pop motels, service stations, and diners sprang up to serve travelers—sparking roadside culture.
• Decommissioning & Revival: As interstates (I-55, I-40, I-44) replaced it, Route 66 was officially removed from the U.S. system in 1985. A preservation movement rallied to keep its spirit alive, designating many segments as “Historic Route 66.”

 

Planning Your RV Adventure

1. Timing & Duration
• Best months: Late May (Memorial Day kickoff) through early September.
• Suggested length: 10–14 days for a relaxed pace with side detours.
2. Mapping & Navigation
• Use dedicated Route 66 guides or apps (e.g., “Historic 66 Navigator”) alongside your RV’s GPS.
• Alternate between original alignments for nostalgia and interstate segments for speed.
3. RV Prep
• Maintenance: Check tires, brakes, generator, and roof seals before departure.
• Supplies: Stock up on nonperishables, spare fluids, basic tools, and first-aid gear—some stretches can be remote.
4. Campsites & Hookups
• Book in advance near major stops (St. Louis, Tulsa, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Barstow).
• For off-grid fun, scout Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas in Arizona’s desert or New Mexico’s high desert.

 

State Highlights & RV-Friendly Attractions

• Illinois    
  Start in Chicago: selfie at the Route 66 Begin sign & visit the Hall of Fame in Pontiac.• Springfield: Lincoln Home National Historic Site and cozy RV park nearby.
  
  
• Missouri  
  St. Louis: Gateway Arch overlook, Riverfront RV campground. • Cuba: Mural City walking tour and classic neon Wedel’s Café sign.
  
  
• Kansas
  Galena: Cars-inspired Main Street and cozy roadside park. • Riverton: “Eisler Brothers” restored diner & campground.
  
  
• Oklahoma
  Tulsa: Blue Dome District, Route 66 Village RV park. • Oklahoma City: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
  
  
• Texas
  Shamrock: U-Drop Inn café in art-deco style, on-site RV hookups. • Amarillo: Cadillac Ranch (park, snap photos, spray-paint Cadillacs!).
  
  
• New Mexico 
  Tucumcari: Route 66 neon signs at Mesalands RV Resort. • Santa Fe detour: adobe plaza, world-class cuisine (book campsite north of town).
  
  
• Arizona
  Holbrook: Wigwam Motel—sleep in a concrete teepee! • Petrified Forest NP: petrified logs, Painted Desert vistas, nearby RV campgrounds.
  
  
• California
  Needles & Barstow: Mojave Desert dunes (BLM camping). • Santa Monica: Celebrate at the iconic End of the Trail sign on the pier.

 

Fun RV-Based Activities

• Diner-Hopping Brunches: Try Route 66 classics—milkshakes at vintage diners, giant cinnamon rolls at mom-and-pop cafes.
• Roadside Bingo: Bingo cards featuring telephone booths, retro billboards, kitschy souvenir shops, and historic gas pumps.
• Drive-In Movie Night: Park your RV at a drive-in or rig up a projector under the stars.
• DIY Souvenir Crafting: Gather postcards, neon marquee letters, and old maps to create a scrapbook at each campsite.
• Sunset & S’mores: Desert evenings beg for front-patio campfires—toast marshmallows against painted-sky backdrops.

 

Tips for the Ultimate Route 66 RV Trip

• Fuel Planning: Some stretches (especially western NM/AZ) have 100+ miles without stations—top off early.
• Flex Days: Build in “no-drive” days to explore local museums, hikes, and festivals (e.g., Oklahoma’s Totem Pole Park).
• Local Eats: Ask RV park hosts for hidden-gem diners and shrimp tacos in Springerville or green-chili cheeseburgers in Albuquerque.
• Photo Ops: Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for neon signs, desert landscapes, and roadside art.
• Digital Detox: Embrace unplanned detours—sometimes the best stops are the ones you stumble upon.

 

Ready to roll? Pack your camera, charts, and sense of adventure—Route 66 awaits, RV-style. From Chicago’s urban pulse to Santa Monica’s salty breeze, every mile is a memory in the making.