What Route 66 is and why it matters as a National Historic Trail

Route 66 is a 2,448-mile highway that ran from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. It was established in 1926 and officially decommissioned in 1985, but sections of the original road still exist and are now protected as a National Historic Trail. The trail follows the actual pavement and landmarks that travelers used during the highway's active years, making it a physical path through American history rather than a modern interstate.

The highway connected major cities and small towns across eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. During its 59 years of operation, Route 66 became the primary corridor for westward migration, particularly during the Great Depression and the decades after World War II. Families, workers, and adventurers drove it seeking opportunity or straightforward a change of scenery.

Today, Route 66 is significant because it preserves the story of American mobility, commerce, and culture during a specific era. The trail includes the actual roads, the buildings that lined them (diners, motels, gas stations, trading posts), and the towns that depended on the traffic. Walking or driving the route now means encountering the physical remains of that history.

Key Takeaways

  • Route 66 ran 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica and operated from 1926 until it was decommissioned in 1985.
  • The National Historic Trail designation protects sections of the original road and the buildings and landmarks along it across eight states.
  • Much of the original pavement still exists and is drivable, though some sections are closed or have been replaced by modern highways.
  • The trail passes through or near hundreds of small towns and includes thousands of historic structures from the highway's active years.
  • The National Park Service maintains information about the trail, but most of the land and buildings are privately owned or managed by state and local authorities.

How Route 66 was built and why it was decommissioned

Route 66 was chartered by the American Association of State Highway Officials in 1926 as part of the new federal highway numbering system. It was not built all at once; instead, it connected existing roads that states and counties had already constructed. The route was chosen because it linked Chicago—a major industrial and transportation hub—to Los Angeles, which was growing rapidly as a destination for agriculture, oil, and entertainment.

The highway became increasingly important during the 1930s and 1940s. During the Dust Bowl, it was the primary escape route for families leaving Oklahoma, Texas, and the Texas Panhandle. After World War II, it became a symbol of American freedom and leisure travel, celebrated in songs, films, and literature. Businesses built along the route specifically to serve travelers: motor courts (early motels), diners, gas stations, and roadside attractions.

Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 after the Interstate Highway System was completed. Interstate 40 and other interstates offered faster, more direct routes and made the older highway obsolete for through-traffic. Many towns that had thrived on Route 66 traffic declined as travelers bypassed them on the interstate. However, the road itself was not destroyed; sections remain drivable, and in 1999 Congress established the Route 66 National Historic Trail to preserve and interpret the corridor.

Which sections of the original road still exist and are drivable

Approximately 85 percent of the original Route 66 alignment can still be driven, though not all of it is the original pavement. In some places, the original asphalt remains intact and is maintained by county or state authorities. In others, the road has been resurfaced but follows the same path. In still others, the original route has been abandoned entirely and is now a dirt road, a private driveway, or has disappeared under development.

The most continuous and well-preserved sections are in New Mexico and Arizona. New Mexico has designated a large portion of the original route as a state historic trail, and many miles of the original pavement are still in use as county roads. Arizona similarly preserves long stretches, particularly in the northern part of the state. California has significant drivable sections, especially in the Mojave Desert and near San Bernardino.

Illinois and Missouri have shorter continuous sections because much of the original route has been absorbed into modern highways or has deteriorated beyond safe driving. Kansas and Oklahoma have scattered drivable segments. Texas has the shortest preserved section because Interstate 40 replaced most of the original alignment early on. The National Park Service website and various Route 66 preservation organizations publish detailed maps showing which segments are drivable, which are closed, and which require high-clearance vehicles.

What you will see along the trail: towns, buildings, and landmarks

The Route 66 National Historic Trail passes through or near hundreds of towns, many of which still have buildings from the highway's active years. These include motor courts and motels with their original neon signs, diners with period architecture, gas stations (some still operating, some now museums or antique shops), and trading posts. Many towns have also created Route 66 museums or visitor centers that document local history.

Specific landmarks include the Blue Dome in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas (a public art installation from 1974 that has become iconic); Seligman, Arizona, which preserves a 1950s-era town center; and the Santa Monica Pier in California, the official western terminus. Smaller towns like Williams, Arizona; Amboy, California; and Sarcoxie, Missouri have become destinations for people retracing the route because they retain much of their original character.

Many buildings are still in private use—as homes, small businesses, or rental properties. Others have been converted to museums, shops, or restaurants. Some are abandoned or deteriorating. The National Historic Trail designation does not automatically restore or maintain these buildings; that responsibility falls to owners, local governments, and preservation organizations. Visiting the trail means encountering a mix of well-preserved landmarks, working historic buildings, and ruins.

How the National Historic Trail is managed and protected

The Route 66 National Historic Trail is managed by the National Park Service, but the actual land, roads, and buildings along the trail are owned by a patchwork of private individuals, businesses, local governments, and state agencies. The Park Service does not own most of the trail corridor. Instead, it maintains a database of historic resources, publishes maps and information, and works with local partners to document and interpret the trail.

Protection of the trail comes through several mechanisms. Historic buildings can be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which provides some tax incentives for preservation but does not prevent demolition or alteration. Some towns and counties have created local historic districts that regulate changes to buildings. State governments in New Mexico, Arizona, and California have designated portions of the route as state historic trails or scenic byways, which can include funding for maintenance and signage.

The Route 66 Alliance, a nonprofit organization, works with communities along the trail to support preservation and tourism. Local Route 66 associations in individual states and towns also advocate for protection and maintenance. However, there is no single authority that owns or controls the entire trail, and protection varies significantly from one section to another. A building in one town may be carefully preserved while an identical structure in the next town deteriorates or is demolished.

How to visit and travel the Route 66 National Historic Trail

You can visit Route 66 by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot. The most common way is to drive the original route or sections of it, using maps published by the National Park Service or by Route 66 preservation organizations. These maps show which segments are drivable, which are closed, and which require detours on modern highways. Many people drive the entire 2,448 miles over one to three weeks, stopping at towns and landmarks along the way.

There is no entrance fee or permit required to drive or walk the trail. The road is public (where it still exists as a public road), and most landmarks and towns are open to visitors during normal business hours. Some museums and attractions charge admission. Lodging ranges from historic motor courts and small-town hotels to modern chain hotels in larger cities. Food and gas are available in most towns, though services are sparse in some desert sections.

Planning a Route 66 trip requires a good map because GPS and online directions often route you onto Interstate 40 instead of the historic road. The National Park Service website provides a downloadable guide and links to state-by-state resources. Many guidebooks and websites dedicated to Route 66 offer detailed information about specific towns, buildings, and attractions. Some visitors hire guides or join organized Route 66 tours, while others travel independently.

What has changed since Route 66 was decommissioned

Since 1985, many towns along Route 66 have experienced economic decline as through-traffic moved to the interstate. Businesses that depended on passing travelers closed, and populations in small towns decreased. However, since the 1990s, Route 66 has experienced a revival as a heritage tourism destination. People now travel the route specifically to see historic buildings and experience the landscape, rather than straightforward passing through on the way to somewhere else.

This shift has led to the restoration of some buildings, the opening of new museums and restaurants focused on Route 66 history, and increased investment in some towns. Seligman, Arizona; Williams, Arizona; and Amboy, California are examples of towns that have leveraged their Route 66 heritage to attract visitors and support local economies. However, not all towns have benefited equally. Some remain economically struggling, and historic buildings continue to deteriorate in places where there is no funding or local support for preservation.

The physical condition of the road itself has also changed. Where the original pavement remains, it often shows significant wear. Some sections have been repaired or resurfaced. Other sections have been abandoned as counties and states have redirected traffic to modern highways. Climate, traffic, and lack of maintenance have taken a toll on the oldest sections, particularly in the desert regions where temperature extremes cause asphalt to crack and buckle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entire original Route 66 still drivable?

No. About 85 percent of the original alignment can be driven, but not all of it is the original pavement. Some sections are closed, some are private property, and some have been replaced by modern highways. Maps from the National Park Service and Route 66 organizations show which segments are drivable and which require detours.

Do I need a permit or reservation to drive Route 66?

No. The road is public where it still exists as a public road, and there is no entrance fee or permit required. However, some museums, attractions, and lodging facilities along the route do charge fees. Plan ahead for lodging and gas, especially in remote desert sections.

How long does it take to drive the entire Route 66?

The route is 2,448 miles long. Driving time depends on your pace and how many stops you make. Driving straight through without stops would take about 36 to 40 hours. Most people take one to three weeks, stopping in towns and at landmarks along the way.

Are the historic buildings along Route 66 open to the public?

Many are, but not all. Some are private homes or businesses that are not open for tours. Others have been converted to museums, restaurants, or shops. Some are abandoned or deteriorating. Check local visitor centers or Route 66 websites for information about which buildings are open and what hours they keep.

What is the best time of year to visit Route 66?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild temperatures and are popular times to visit. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in the desert sections of Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Winter is mild in the southern sections but can be cold and snowy in the northern sections of Illinois and Missouri.