15 of the Best Route 66 Roadside Attractions

The Gemini Giant near Wilmington, Illinois (Photo Credit: formulanone / Flickr)

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Sat May 13, 2023

The Gemini Giant

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Only about an hour outside of Chicago stands Route 66’s first must-stop: The Gemini Giant. This 30-foot tall behemoth sports a lime green space suit and helmet and was originally designed to pay homage to the Gemini space program. Now, he proudly perches beside the Mother Road as a beacon for those who crave a photo opportunity and as an advertisement for the Launching Pad Drive-In located next door.

Cozy Dog Drive-In

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There are plenty of old-school drive-ins still operating on Route 66, but they can’t all make the list and you certainly can’t stop for a bite and a shake at every single one, right? (Right?) What makes Cozy-Dog Drive In different is the fact that this place lays claim to being the spot where the corn dog was invented. Yes, they proudly boast that they are the home of the "original" hot dog on a stick, dipped in batter and deep fried. Here, it's called a Cozy Dog and sinking your teeth into one—beside walls full of Route 66 memorabilia and merch'—will be an early highlight of your trip.

The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

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If you forgot to spread a condiment on your corndog in Springfield, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered down in Collinsville, Illinois (located on the outskirts of St. Louis) because this is where the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle calls home. For over 70 years, this advertisement for local brand Brooks Old Original Rich & Tangy Catsup, and everyday folks stop there to stare up at this saucy slice of roadside America.

The Route 66 Rocker

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Okay, sure, it may have been knocked off its perch as the Guinness-certified “World’s Largest Rocking Chair” a few years back, but this colossal seat still deserves a stop on your cross-country road trip. Located near Cuba, Missouri, The Route 66 Rocker stands tall as a testament to a new generation of novelty roadside attractions and is the perfect pit stop after visiting St. Louis and its iconic Gateway Arch, which still holds the title of the tallest arch in the world.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa

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The brainchild of a first ballot Hall of Fame Grandpa, this friendly whale was originally built to be a family’s pondside recreation spot (note the slide), but its fame grew so big that it has now become one of the most beloved attractions on the entire route. Stop for a picnic at this historic landmark and take some photos inside the whale or perhaps even do a little fishing.

Arcadia Round Barn

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What’s big and red and has them traveling from all over to see it? This roadside attraction on the outskirts of Oklahoma City. Built around 1900, this peculiar barn quickly became a beloved local landmark, hosting barn dances and concerts before falling into disrepair. Luckily, it’s been refurbished, so road trippers can visit once again and learn all about this unique structure—just don’t forget to pop next door to Pop’s Soda Ranch afterward to pick up an ice cold bottle of pop.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

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Home to one of the original food challenges that helped launch a thousand imitators, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is still giving away a free 72oz steak to anyone who can polish one off alongside a salad, shrimp cocktail, baked potato and a roll with butter. Regardless if you take the challenge or just opt for one of their civilian-sized steaks grilled up to perfection, this joint is about as All-Texan as you can get and having a dinner here will be a memory you’ll savor.

The Cadillac Ranch

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Also located in Amarillo, this collection of upside-down Caddies has turned into one of the most famous stops on all of Route 66. The Cadillac Ranch started out in the 1970s as an art installation designed to make people think but its gained more fame for the fact that passers-by are more than encouraged to pack a can of spray paint and do their best Banksy impression on the cars. And if you need one more reason to stop: rest assured, those colorful Cadillacs pop on social media.

New Mexico Route 66 Museum & Sculpture

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Located not too far over the state line from Texas, Tucumcari is a small town big on Route 66 heritage. This museum is home to the largest collection of Route 66 photographs anywhere in the world, vintage gas pumps, signs and a jukebox—and next door, you’ll find a striking sculpture dedicated to the Mother Road. Tucumcari is also home to the legendary Blue Swallow Motel, a true throwback to the golden days of the route which is famed for its nostalgic decor and historic neon sign.

Standin' on the Corner Park

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Yep, it’s that Winslow, Arizona, the one that gets name-dropped in the classic Eagles song “Take it Easy” and these days the town has turned its shoutout in the song into a cool little park downtown. Here, you will find an ultra-realistic mural that depicts a scene mentioned in the ditty in addition to a permanently parked flatbed Ford and a statue of a troubadour. Stop by to step into a bit of rock-n-roll history.

Delgadillo's Snow Cap

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The current Guinness World Record holder for “largest display of milkshake varieties,” this classic drive-in in Seligman, Arizona has been delighting drivers since the 1950s. Stop by for some tasty drive-in food and for a hit of the Delgadillo family's unique sense of humor, which extends to their collection of knick-knacks and Route 66 curios.

The Wild Burros of Oatman

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Tucked inside the Black Mountains of northwest Arizona, Oatman positively overflows with Old West character and has more resident burros than people. The burros are the descendants of ones that were used by miners and today they wander the streets, nudging visitors with their noses for a treat or squeezing into selfies. No, there’s nothing else like Oatman on Route 66 and you’re sure to leave with some happy memories and more than a few souvenirs.

Roy's Motel and Cafe

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This historic gas station hasn't been in every movie, it just feels that way. Roy's dramatic backdrop has proved popular for films and commercial productions alike and this beacon in the Mojave Desert still pulls in rave reviews. The historic gas station and its sign are shining examples of mid-century roadside architecture and while things are a little quieter these days compared to its heyday when drivers kept the place perpetually buzzing, Roy’s still provides a true Route 66 thrill to all who park the car and head inside.

Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch

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What do you get when you affix thousands of colorful glass bottles to “trees” made of metal pipes? Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. This unique attraction in Oro Grande near Barstow will amuse and amaze and it's likely to be one of your last pit stops on the Mother Road before you reach the end of the line in Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Pier

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This is it, and luckily Route 66 saves one of the best roadside attractions for last. The legendary road officially ends at Santa Monica Pier (look for the sign that says "Route 66: End of the Trail"), but there's no need to be sad because the amusements and pier here will have you smiling from ear to ear.

Call it the "Mother Road," call it "Main Street of America" or simply just call it "66," Route 66 is still kicking and with word that the Federal Government has recently awarded multiple grants for its improvement, its future is looking brighter than ever.

Route 66 has undergone many transformations in the decades since its decommissioning—and today part of any Route 66 road trip will take place on Interstate—but large swaths of the original alignments are being crisscrossed by drivers with a sense of adventure every single day. And most are on a mission to see as many roadside attractions as they can.

Yes, we all know that getting there is half the fun but on Route 66 it just might be all of the fun as the road is loaded with interesting and quirky roadside attractions that help make the trip so memorable. Click on this slideshow to see 15 of the best, listed geographically from East to West.