Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, and everybody is talking about it. I wanted to experience it for myself, so I begged my best friend Karen to go with me, and we began the road trip of a lifetime. Join us as we travel along the Mother Road to see what all the hype is about. We plan to do it all—the crazy roadside attractions, the classic cars, the neon lights, and all the old-fashioned diners we can find. We’ll share what we loved, what we’d skip next time, and some surprises we found along the way. Plus, we’ll share road condition reports and tips for staying on the “old road” as much as possible.
Follow Our Route
We’re traveling Route 66 one section at a time, through all eight states. Click a stop below to follow along as we journey from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
Illinois
From the starting point in Chicago to the Mississippi River, Illinois offers up 301 miles of the Old Mother Road. From roadside picnic tables to giant statues, there is so much to see and do along the Illinois Route 66 corridor. Follow along to experience the sights, the food, and the surprises we encountered along the way.
Missouri
Since 1926, travelers have been enjoying the freedom Route 66 offers as it crosses the beautiful state of Missouri. State parks, classic car museums, historical libraries, and picturesque motels remind us of a time when travel was leisurely and people took the time to experience the journey-not just rush to the next destination.