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Route 66: The Mother Road Part I
Taking on the "Mother Road" is the ultimate American rite of passage. Since we're sticking to a comfortable pace over 5 days, we’re going to focus on the historic eastern half—stretching from the neon signs of Chicago through the rolling hills of Missouri and into the rugged heart of Oklahoma. This isn't just a drive; it's a time capsule of diners, drive-ins, and kitschy roadside Americana.
5days
20stops
DAY01
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign → Pontiac
Overnight in Pontiac
- 09:00Historic Route 66 Begin Sign· start
- 11:30Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
- 14:30Gemini Giant
- 16:30Pontiac· overnight
DAY02
Cozy Dog Drive In → Chain of Rocks Bridge
Overnight in Chain of Rocks Bridge
- 09:00Cozy Dog Drive In· start
- 11:00Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- 14:00Pink Elephant Antique Mall
- 16:30Chain of Rocks Bridge· overnight
DAY03
Gateway Arch → Cuba
Overnight in Cuba
- 09:00Gateway Arch· start
- 12:00Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
- 14:30Meramec Caverns
- 17:00Cuba· overnight
Accommodation
Cuba
DAY04
Gary's Gay Parita → Tulsa
Overnight in Tulsa
- 10:00Gary's Gay Parita· start
- 13:00Cars on the Route
- 15:30Blue Whale of Catoosa
- 17:30Tulsa· overnight
DAY05
Rock Cafe → Lucille's Service Station
- 09:00Rock Cafe· start
- 12:00POPS 66 Soda Ranch
- 14:00Oklahoma City National Memorial
- 16:30Lucille's Service Station
Heads Up
- Day 1: 14h 4m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 4: 5h 4m driving — plan rest stops
- Download the "Route 66 Navigation" app or buy a physical EZ-66 Guide. The historic road often diverges from the modern I-55 and I-44, and it's easy to accidentally end up on the boring interstate!