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Guide to Exploring Iconic Route 66 Attractions and Landmarks

What is Route 66?

Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America is a historic highway in the US that runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. It spans approximately 2,449 miles and is one of the original highways within the US Highway system and is known as the Mother Road. 

It was the first road that helped connect people and goods from the Midwest all the way to the West Coast and was popular in the 30s and 40s. People were able to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of America. Along the Route, you would find many attractions and landmarks that included diners, motels, gas stations, and roadside attractions. 

Route 66 is famous for its role in American culture and history, as it is the subject of countless songs, books, movies, and TV shows. Many portions of the Route still exist and have become beloved symbols of American nostalgia.

Route 66 in Amarillo

Things to See on Route 66 in Texas 

Route 66 Texas Attractions

Amarillo is the largest city on the 178-mile portion of Route 66 that goes from Oklahoma to Texas and into New Mexico. Even though Amarillo takes the cake for being the largest city, there are things to see and do in both directions on the Mother Road.

Now located along I-40 in Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steak Ranch and Microbrewery are two famous Route 66 attractions that were uprooted from their original Route 66 locations in order to attract more visitors. Another notable Route 66 - related attraction that is in Amarillo but not on Route 66 is Bill's Backyard Classics. There you will find Bill Pratt's classic car collection of more than 100 cars and trucks of all of makes and models from 1920 to 2012. 

West of Amarillo, you will find the famous Midpoint Cafe - located at the midpoint of Route 66. East of Amarillo, you will find the iconic Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe in Shamrock, TX. Built in 1936, the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe are now one of Route 66's most recognizable historic buildings. 

To help you make the most of your journey, we've compiled a list of the top ten must-see spots along this legendary route. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable experience! And for those looking for a well-planned itinerary, be sure to check out our suggested Route 66 in Texas itinerary below to make the most of your trip. Without further ado, here’s a quick roundup of some of the top ten spots to visit on Route 66 in Texas.

We’ve also curated an interactive map featuring all the iconic Texas Route 66 stops—perfect for planning your route and exploring hidden gems along the way!

  1. Cadillac Ranch
  2. Pioneer West Museum
  3. U-Drop Inn Cafe
  4. Leaning Tower of Texas
  5. Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  6. Slug Bug Ranch
  7. The Big Texan Steak Ranch
  8. Phillips 66 Gas Station
  9. Devil's Rope Museum

 

Route 66 Turns 100!

Texas Route 66 Festival | June 4–13, 2026

Guy Bell at the TX 66 Festival Finale

Route 66, the road that shaped America, is turning 100 years old in 2026! The annual Texas Route 66 Festival will kick off years of celebrations starting in 2023 leading up to the centennial of Historic Route 66. The next festival will be held June 4-13, 2026. 

The ten days are packed with events along the Texas route including classic car shows, Texas Route 66 bus tours, cattle drives, parades, music festivals, and a grand finale festival on Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District. 

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Collect the Texas Route 66 Coins: The Route 66 Passport 

Map of texas route 66 with stops for unique coins along the route

Imagine holding a large, flat circular object, about the size of a dinner plate. This is a vinyl record, which is traditionally used to play music on a turntable. The record is classic black with grooves on its surface, and there are shiny, coin-sized slots on it where small, metallic tokens can be placed. Now, picture small, coin-shaped objects, each one embossed with intricate designs that you can feel with the tips of your fingers. These coins represent various towns and notable stops along Texas Route 66, a famous highway. Each coin can be collected during travels and fits neatly into the designated slots on the vinyl, creating a tangible memory of the journey. Behind this record is a vividly colored piece of art. You'll feel the texture of the canvas if you run your hands over it. The artwork features a large illustration of a woman's side profile. She has full, red lips, and you can sense the outline of her wavy hair cascading down. Below this image, there are miniature 3D models of classic cars and iconic American roadside attractions like gas stations, diners, and motels. These are small enough to hold in your hand and are intricately detailed, providing a physical representation of a nostalgic American road trip on the historic Route 66.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through legendary Route 66 with the Texas Route 66 Coin Passport. Unveil the magic of Texas as you traverse the iconic East and West stretches of the highway, collecting nine uniquely crafted coins along the way. Explore hidden gems, embrace the spirit of adventure, and unlock the stories of each coin, making this experience an unforgettable ode to the spirit of the open road.

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in Texas Starts Here Route 66

 

Amarillo's Route 66 Historic District 

The official Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo is located on 6th Ave. between Georgia & Western Streets. In the district, visitors will find over one mile of art galleries, antique shops, collectible stores, craft and specialty shops, restaurants and bars. Not only was Route 66 the Mother Road of America, but this district was one of the first residential and business districts in Amarillo. 

Top Route 66 Attractions:  Where to Get Your Kicks in Amarillo's Historic Route 66 District

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Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau

1000 S. Polk,
Amarillo, Texas 79101

1 (800) 692-1338

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