Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66: A journey through time in your RV rental
Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66: A journey through time in your RV rental
Route 66 will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026! In honor of the milestone approaching, let's explore the transformation of this iconic highway, compare what a road trip in 1926 looked like versus today, and share some of the best ways to celebrate Route 66's century-long journey.
RV rentals are an ideal way to experience the Mother Road, giving you flexibility to travel at your own pace and enjoy the comforts of home on the road. Traveling this Route in an RV gives you access to all the amenities you need especially nearer the end where towns become more sparce. With the comfort of having your own bed, kitchen, and bathroom on the road, it eliminates the hassle of booking hotels and dining out. This combination of convenience, adventure, and cost savings makes it the perfect way to experience the historic and nostalgic route.
Route 66 Then vs. Now: A Century of Change
A Road Trip in 1926: Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a Model T Ford, wind in your hair and dust on your face. The highway was often a rough and rugged path, with dirt roads that would turn to mud when it rained. Gas stations were scarce, and finding a place to sleep was hit-or-miss. Many travelers camped under the stars or stayed in local inns.
A Road Trip in 2026: Fast forward 100 years, and Route 66 is a national treasure. The road has been paved, preserved, and celebrated through museums, historic landmarks, and tourist-friendly attractions. Road trip in an RV and you’ll now cruise through iconic towns with the luxury of air conditioning, home cooked meals, Wi-Fi, and plenty of places to stop and explore.
Here’s our ideal RV itinerary to experience all Route 66 has to offer, keeping in mind places to camp and some essential stops.
Day 1: Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IL (286 miles – 4 hours and 50 mins)
Kick start this iconic road trip in Chicago and visit the Route 66 Begin Sign at the Art Institute of Chicago. Start off your food journey with an authentic Chicago-style hot dog at Portillos which serves up the real deal complete with all the classic toppings.
Make tracks for about an hour and stop by the Gemini Giant to stretch your legs and take a picture! This giant astronaut statue is an iconic landmark of this route.
Blast Route 66 by Nat King Cole as you buckle up and drive 3 and a half hours to your first overnight stay at Lake Monroe Village Recreational Park. Book a powered site and enjoy a walk through the park or dip in the pool.
Day 2: Bloomington, IL to St. Louis, MO (240 miles - 4 hours)
Gobble up some breakfast and hit the road heading to St Louis for a little over 3 and a half hours. Break up the journey 2 hours in, stopping for lunch in Casey IL – a small town known for its “big things”. Here you can visit the world’s largest rocking chair and largest pitchfork before continuing to the Gateway to the West.
Explore the city of St Louis heading to the museum, zoo, Cathedral Basilica of St Louis or forest park before checking in to Cahokia RV Parque for the night. If you’re looking for a sweet treat you can’t miss Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a route 66 favorite since 1929.
Day 3: St. Louis, MO to Cuba, MO (90 miles - 1 hour and 30 mins)
This day’s drive will be a lot shorter at only 1 and a half hours heading off towards Cuba Missouri. Depending on if you would rather explore St Louis, Cuba, or the road that connects them, the timing for this leg of this trip is up to you.
If you’re a thrill seeker and love theme parks then stop at Six Flages in St Louis but if you’d rather see what Cuba has to offer then discover Cuba’s art, history and vineyards. Cuba is known for its outdoor murals which span the city making you feel like you’re in a live painting.
Stay the night at Meramec valley Campground & RV park with a beautiful fishing lake that catches the best sunsets and enjoy a RV cooked meal before a longer drive tomorrow.
“ The stops between cities become a little more sparce from this point making RVs ideal to travel for amenities whenever you need. ”
Day 4: Cuba, MO to Tulsa, OK (309 miles – 4 hours and 30 mins)
With a longer drive ahead, head off a little earlier towards Tulsa Oklahoma. Stop for lunch halfway in Springfield where you can visit the Route 66 car museum, explore caverns or even pop into the local museum or zoo.
Continue your journey for two and a half hours where you’ll reach Tula Oklahoma. Book a spot at Mingo RV park with great amenities and a good location for access to Tula’s attractions like the famous aquarium or botanical gardens or stay on theme heading to the Mother Road Market for gourmet tacos and craft coffee.
Day 5: Tulsa, OK to Amarillo, TX (370 miles - 6 hours)
This will be a longer day on the road so it’s best to get started early on the road to Texas. 2 hours in you can stretch your legs in Oklahoma city at scissortail park with everything from parks, playgrounds, farmers markets and concerts in the heart of the city.
The stops between cities become a little more sparce from this point making RVs ideal to travel for amenities whenever you need. Continue for 3 and a half hours to reach Amarillo Texas with plenty of RV campground options including the big Texan RV Ranch for your full cowboy experience. Get a good night's sleep for a long drive tomorrow!
Day 6: Amarillo, TX to Flagstaff, AZ (607 miles – 8 hours and 50 mins)
This is where you hit the real desert roads with the longest day of driving at 9 hours. Set off early and go steadily – this is when your RV becomes the perfect way to travel Route 66 so you can take breaks and enjoy the comforts of home.
You can either smash out the drive or make lots of stops along the way, we suggest taking a break at least at every 2 hour point to stretch your legs and freshen up. The main towns you can stop at are Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Church Rock and Holbrook.
Arrive at flagstaff and check into Koa Holiday camp grounds along with other RV enthusiasts. If you’re up for it, drive an extra 45 mins for a spectacular sunset at San Francisco peaks. Some travelers will make a detour to visit the Grand Canyon which is about an hour and a half from Flagstaff. You can give yourself an extra day to include this in your journey and enjoy the national park. Most national parks in the US are also RV camping spots so you can spend an extra night at the Grand Canyon and it enjoy it at your leisure.
Day 7: Flagstaff, AZ to Barstow, CA (353 miles - 5 hours)
Enjoy the open road on day 7 crossing the border from Arizona to California. This drive will be just over 5 hours so you can take a few stops along the way. Seligman is a must stop town if you’re a Disney Car’s fan which the set of Radiator springs is based off. Make sure you play “life is a highway” by Rascal Flats as you drive through Springfield for the full experience. You can also stop at Kingman which has a great Route 66 sign you can snap a picture at. Enjoy lunch by the river in Needles and set off on your final leg for the day to Barstow.
Stay the night at KOA Holiday campgrounds and wander around Barstow, visiting the Route 66 Mother Road Museum before the final day on the road. Give the kitchen a rest for the day and grab some take out at the Barstow Station a classic Route 66 stop, famous for its delicious sandwiches and quick bites.
Day 8: Barstow, CA to Santa Monica, CA (130 miles – 2 hours and 30 mins)
We’re allowed the final day on the road to be a much shorter drive, so you have time to enjoy all Santa Monica has to offer. Wake up a little later after the previous long days of driving and go at your pace towards Santa Monica.
Drive up to the shore and take a picture at the "Route 66 End Sign” on Santa Monica Pier and celebrate the end of your adventure. There’s a lot to do in Santa Monica but by this point you might be all adventured out! Take time to explore the pier, soak in the ocean views, and reflect on the unforgettable journey.
Reward yourself with dinner at The Lobster - seafood lover’s paradise, offering delicious fresh lobster, seafood platters, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean right on the Santa Monica Pier. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a celebratory meal after completing your Route 66 journey!
Summary of Driving Times for 8 Days:
Day 1: Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IL (286 miles – 4 hours, 50 mins)
Day 2: Bloomington, IL to St. Louis, MO (240 miles - 4 hours)
Day 3: St. Louis, MO to Cuba, MO (90 miles - 1.5 hours)
Day 4: Cuba, MO to Tulsa, OK (309 miles – 4.5 hours)
Day 5: Tulsa, OK to Amarillo, TX (370 miles - 6 hours)
Day 6: Amarillo, TX to Flagstaff, AZ (607 miles – 8 hours and 50 mins )
Day 7: Flagstaff, AZ to Barstow, CA (353 miles - 5 hours)
Day 8: Barstow, CA to Santa Monica, CA (130 miles - 2.5 hours)
Conclusion: Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 in Style
As we celebrate 100 years of Route 66, there’s no better time to hit the road and explore all that this historic route has to offer. Whether you’re interested in the nostalgia of its past, the food along the way, or the many iconic attractions, Route 66 remains a testament to America’s adventurous spirit. And with the convenience and comfort of a RV rental, your journey along the Mother Road will be as memorable as the history behind it.
Book your RV for 2026 and get ready to celebrate 100 years of adventure, freedom, and the open road!
