Planning to cruise historic Route 66 this summer? If so, here are some must see car related attractions that you need to see along the way. This guide runs from east to west and lists the attractions along with location, contact, and admission. As a bonus, here is an invaluable list of even more Route 66 attractions.
Illinois – Country Classic Cars
What began as a Midwest farmer’s weekend hobby has turned into a lucrative business for him and a cool roadside attraction for many along Route 66. The result in a Classic Car garage and service area, an impressive showroom with some great classic trucks and cars, and a historic gift shop. If you are looking for a little classic car eye candy, this is the place.
2149 E. Frontage Rd.
Staunton, IL 62088
618-635-7056
Admission: FREE
Missouri – Museum of Transportation
There are several attractions within this museum, each one with a specific theme. Creation Station with its hand cars and miniature train is a hit with younger children (5 and under). Come early though, there is limited space and it fills up fast! School age children love the Owney the Dog Scavenger Hunt which allows them to explore the museum. While there, you have to see the Silver Spoon Dining Car, the Union Pacific “Big Boy,” and the H.T. Pott. The museum is massive so plan to make a day of it. It is also both indoor and outdoor, and it requires lots of walking so be prepared.
2933 Barrett Station Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-965-6212
Admission: $8 Adults – $5 Children – $5 Ride Wristband – $2 Creation Station
Kansas – Cars on the Route Restaurant
Stop for a bite and a photo op with a cool vehicle like the Tow Mater from the movie Cars (Disney/Pixar 2006). The staff is fun and knowledgeable, with tons of interesting facts about Route 66 and recommendations for other attractions. There are some very cool antique and novelty cars and displays. In fact, this diner is so much fun, the food seems to be secondary – but word is you’ll love it too.
119 N. Main St.
Galena, KS
620-783-1366
Oklahoma – Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum
This is a newer museum, opened in May 2006. It on Main Street in Miami, Oklahoma which also happens to be the longest main street on Route 66. It is open all year, as is the gift shop. It contains several impressive vintage motorcycle exhibits including an Indian Motorcycle Room. In 2011 the museum made it into the Guinness Book of World Records when it sold the Steve McQueen Collection at the Bonham and Butterfields auction for $144,000.
Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum
128 S. Main St.
Miami, OK 74354
Admission: FREE
Texas – Cadillac Ranch
This world famous roadside attraction has been featured in movies, referenced in books, and known and loved by Route 66 travelers everywhere. Located just outside of Amarillo, the Cadillac Ranch was created in 1974, the brain child of a group of San Francisco art hippies who referred to themselves as The Ant Farm. Their intention was to create a piece of public art that would leave people scratching their heads. The result was this iconic piece of Americana that features 10 Caddies half buried nose down. And those glorious fins facing the Texas sky.
I-40, Amarillo, TX
Exit 60, west of the Amarillo city line. On the frontage road (old Route 66), head south, turn left and drive east one mile. Cadillac Ranch is on the south (right) side. Park on the shoulder and walk through the unlocked gate to enter.
Admission: FREE
New Mexico – Route 66 Auto Museum
Cruising Route 66 takes you to some small, obscure attractions, but, face it, they are pretty cool. This auto museum is no different. It has a very nice collection that includes more than 30 classic cars like Mustangs, Thunderbirds, and some great old Chevys. You can also check out their non-car exhibits including several old V8 engines and old fuel pumps. Also, if you want some awesome Route 66 memorabilia at a great price, hit their gift shop.
2866 Will Rogers Ave
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
575-472-1966
Admission: $5
Arizona – Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum
Located in the Arizona (Powerhouse) Route 66 Museum, the Electric Vehicle Museum is the first museum of its kind with 3,600 square feet of museum space. The Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation has loaned more than a dozen vehicles for display which take visitors through the history of electric vehicles. It starts with an Elwell-Parker baggage tug from 1909 with the latest addition, a current model Tesla Model S. This is a don’t miss on your Route 66 adventure.
Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum
120 W. Andy Devine Ave.
Kingman, AZ 86401
928-753-9889
Admission: $4 Adults – $3 Seniors – 12 years and under FREE