7 Great Reasons We Should Still Visit All The Sites on Route 66
Route 66 isn’t just a highway—it’s a living, breathing slice of American history. Though newer interstates have taken over much of the traffic, the spirit of the “Mother Road” is very much alive. From quirky roadside attractions to ghost towns that whisper stories of the past, Route 66 still offers adventure for those willing to leave the fast lane. Here are seven reasons you should still check out what Route 66 has to offer.
1. Experience a Piece of American History
Route 66 played a crucial role during some of America’s most defining moments, from the Dust Bowl migration to the post-war boom. Traveling its historic path allows you to step back in time and experience what generations before you once knew as the road to opportunity. Museums, markers, and preserved landmarks along the way offer deep insight into this rich history. Every mile tells a story, and seeing it firsthand brings history books to life in a way no classroom ever could. Visiting these sites helps preserve the road’s legacy for future generations.
2. Support Small-Town America
One of the best reasons to tour Route 66 today is to support the charming small towns that depend on tourism to survive. Many local diners, motels, and quirky attractions are family-owned and operate purely on visitors’ goodwill. When you spend your dollars in these places, you help keep a vital piece of Americana alive. It’s not just about economics—it’s about keeping the soul of the highway intact. Every burger bought and every overnight stay helps small towns continue to tell their stories to travelers from around the world.
3. Discover One-of-a-Kind Attractions
Where else can you find a giant blue whale, a Cadillac graveyard buried nose-first into the dirt, or a ghost town frozen in time? Route 66 is packed with offbeat, unforgettable stops you won’t find anywhere else. These attractions aren’t polished or corporate—they’re handmade, heartfelt, and totally unique. Taking the time to explore them adds a sense of wonder and surprise to your trip that modern tourist destinations often lack. Route 66 reminds us that sometimes, the weirdest sights make for the best memories.
4. Savor Authentic Regional Food
If you’re a food lover, Route 66 is a culinary dream waiting to be devoured. From juicy green chile burgers in New Mexico to homemade pies in Oklahoma, every stretch of the road offers authentic local flavors. Forget chain restaurants—this is where you find mom-and-pop diners serving meals just like they did 50 years ago. Each bite tells a story about the region’s culture, history, and heart. Road trips aren’t just about what you see—they’re also about what you taste, and Route 66 delivers in every delicious way.
5. Capture Stunning Photo Opportunities
Route 66 is a photographer’s paradise, offering everything from abandoned gas stations to colorful vintage signs and wide-open desert landscapes. The iconic scenery is practically begging to be captured, whether you’re using a fancy DSLR or just your phone. Golden sunsets, classic cars, and neon-lit diners create a nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere that’s impossible to fake. Sharing your journey through photos helps keep the spirit of the highway alive for others, too. There’s a certain magic on Route 66 that you can’t replicate anywhere else—and it’s best preserved through your own lens.
6. Find Adventure Off the Beaten Path
Unlike the monotonous blur of modern highways, Route 66 offers endless opportunities for spontaneous adventure. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a forgotten ghost town, meet a local artist restoring an old diner, or discover an antique shop filled with treasures from decades past. The detours and side roads are often where the most memorable experiences happen. Route 66 encourages travelers to slow down, stay curious, and see where the road takes them. Every twist and turn adds an unscripted, genuine thrill to the journey.
7. Feel the Spirit of Freedom
At its core, Route 66 embodies the American ideal of freedom—freedom to roam, to dream, and to explore. Driving its historic miles connects you with the countless adventurers who came before, seeking something better on the open road. There’s a timeless, soul-stirring beauty to cruising down a nearly empty stretch with nothing but the horizon ahead. In today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced world, Route 66 offers a rare chance to slow down and reconnect with the simple joy of the journey. Sometimes, the best destination is the road itself.
Route 66 Isn’t Just a Road—It’s an Experience Worth Preserving
While shiny new highways may promise speed, they can’t match the character, heart, and history found on Route 66. Each diner, mural, and mile marker offers a chance to connect with America’s past and rediscover a slower, more meaningful way of traveling. The road may not be perfect, but that’s part of its charm—it’s real, it’s rugged, and it’s waiting for those willing to embrace the adventure. So next time wanderlust strikes, remember: Route 66 isn’t just a destination. It’s a living story, and you’re invited to be part of it.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.