Any road trip enthusiast who travels this country is drawn to a historic route. They want a route winding from Chicago to Santa Monica, even if only for a few of the 2000 miles.
United States Route 66, the Mother Road, is one of the most famous roadways in pop culture. Navigating through eight midwestern and western states, drivers and riders experience a nostalgic look at Main Street USA, small tourist attractions, and a reminder of a golden age of Americana. Route 66 has long since been decommissioned by the Federal government and replaced by the Interstate Highway system, most notably interstates 55, 44, and 40. However, many states have come to pick up the maintenance of this road, and recent signage allows the driver to know they are along what used to be this well known highway.
When driving between Oklahoma City and the northeastern border of the state, Route 66 remains a great way to avoid the tolls of the Will Rogers Turnpike. Most of the Mother Road in the state has been designated today as State Highway 66. Make a stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, situated along the highway just outside of Tulsa. First built by Hugh Davis and completed in 1972, the whale served as a small water park for travelers throughout his life. Although closed in the 90's after the owner died, this attraction has since been re-opened and is now maintained by the city of Catoosa. As you travel further northeast, there are many indications of the "Historic Route 66" breaking from the state highway. Some of these instances are for what is known as "sidewalk highways", barely wide enough for one lane and wouldn't conform to today's US highway standards. However, it may also be to bypass a populated city center, which might not want to be missed. As an example, consider taking the turn in Miami, passing under The Gateway on Main Street through the heart of the city.
Those who know the popular song about Route 66 may wonder why eight states was mentioned here, as opposed to the seven referenced either directly or by city name in the song. Many forget that the Mother Road passes through approximately ten miles in Kansas, especially since today's interstate highway alternative doesn't even touch this state. Today, the majority of this road has been reduced to a byway, but still has its classic route designation on the road itself, along with historic markers to help find the way. Hopping off Alternate US 69 allows the driver and riders to experience the Field of Dreams in Baxter Springs, and if traveling southwest, cross the Rainbow Bridge across the Brush Creek. This bridge has been reduced to one way travel with a two-lane alternative to the side, but remains on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a sight to see. Once back to the main highway, the state has designated highway 66 to take the traveler through Galena before reaching Missouri and the city of Joplin.
The next time your Internal Compass sends you west, get your kicks and follow it along the Mother Road of Route 66.
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