The historic Route 66 was one of the first and longest U.S. highways, running for 2,448 miles, and beckoned people to drive west from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.
The "Mother Road" opened in 1926 and quickly become famous, as people traveled for work, migrated, visited family, took vacations or headed off to war. Hundreds of small businesses sprang up along the highway to offer meals, groceries, accommodation, fuel, souvenirs and guided tours to the thousands of travelers who passed through their towns.
By the 1950s and 1960s, large interstate roads began to replace smaller highways, bypassing many towns, which fell into decline. Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 but has once again become a popular tourist route. Exactly what should you see along the famous route? These are some of the best Route 66 attractions you won't want to miss.
Before we get to the list, we wanted to note that, since Route 66 is officially decommissioned, the highway won't show up on modern GPS systems. You'll have to use an old-fashioned map or a guidebook, such as EZ66.
If you're traveling Route 66, allow at least two to three weeks to drive the entire length - even longer if you plan to make side trips or stay in some of the small historic towns you pass through. You can drive your own car, hire a one-way rental car or join a bus tour.
Our list of Route 66 attractions takes you on a road trip that starts east in Illinois and takes you west all the way to California, stopping through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona along the way.
Location: 400 S. West Street, Odell, Illinois
Price: Free
Best time of year to visit: April to May, September to October
Why you should stop: In 1932, Patrick O'Donnell built a Standard Oil gas station in Odell to serve travelers. He used a "house with canopy" design to make customers feel at home. In the 1940s, O'Donnell added a two-bay garage and offered repair services to stay competitive with the nine other gas stations in the Illinois town.
The station and auto repair shop closed in the 1970s but were saved and restored by the townspeople. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now open daily for tours and serves as a local visitor's center.
Location: Downtown, Pontiac, Illinois
Price: Free
Best time of year to visit: April to May, September to October
Why you should stop: The city of Pontiac is home to 43 murals, inspired by local history and businesses. The largest one is a Route 66 signpost, painted on the back wall of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. The others are dotted around Pontiac's downtown area.
Free walking maps are available from the museum or City Hall, or you can simply follow the trail of red footprints painted on the sidewalks. Each mural has a QR code that you can scan with a mobile device to learn more about its design and history.