Route 66, the iconic highway stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, continues to captivate travelers despite being officially decommissioned in 1985. Although it no longer appears as a continuous route on modern maps, the road and its storied landmarks have endured through a mix of preservation efforts and passionate individuals.
To mark the centennial of Route 66, a journey tracing the original path revealed a landscape where old and new coexist. The road’s history—from its beginnings as largely unpaved stretches to its heyday lined with motels, diners, and unique roadside attractions—is visible amid ongoing efforts to maintain its legacy. While some segments have fallen into disrepair, many portions are renewed through grassroots interest and federal, state, and nonprofit grants aimed at supporting businesses and historic sites along the route.
Travelers along Route 66 often encounter a range of folk art and nostalgic roadside curiosities. Among the most recognizable are the “Muffler Men,” large fiberglass statues originally used for advertising during the 1960s and 1970s. One notable figure, the Gemini Giant, was relocated from its longtime perch outside the Launching Pad diner in Wilmington, Illinois, to a nearby park, symbolizing the roadside culture that flourished along the highway.
The route also offers encounters with other enthusiasts and independent travelers. For instance, John Power from Ireland began his own westward journey on Route 66 shortly after arriving in Chicago, exemplifying the continuing international appeal of the road. European travelers Karin and Ewa, encountered multiple times during their trek, joined in on portions of the route, reflecting a shared experience among those drawn to Route 66’s unique charm.
Historic structures such as the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, despite being too narrow for modern vehicular traffic. Small, quirky details add to the road’s character, including a set of century-old turkey tracks painted onto concrete west of Nilwood, Illinois, said to capture a moment of whimsy from the road’s early days.
Efforts to maintain and revive the road’s attractions extend to businesses as well. The city of Lebanon, Missouri, worked with new owners of the Munger Moss Motel to preserve its historic sign in anticipation of the centennial celebrations. In Sapulpa, Oklahoma, the Tee Pee Drive-In continues to welcome patrons, while in Carthage, Missouri, the Pancake Hut diner features a restored animatronic jukebox, known as a “band box,” highlighting the enduring appeal of these roadside relics.
Route 66’s persistence is due largely to a patchwork of individual initiatives and local pride rather than a coordinated preservation strategy. The highway endures, not just as a historic transportation corridor, but as a living cultural landscape where both travelers and residents remain invested in its continuing story.