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2026 is a big year for the USA. Not only will Americans be celebrating the United States , this year also marks 100 years since the legendary Route 66 was established. Although it took 12 years to complete (finally being entirely paved in 1938), it was officially commissioned in November 1926 as a way of linking Chicago to LA and combined existing country roads into one dedicated route. Road signs were placed along the road in 1927, and the road became a national symbol of freedom, subsequently playing a huge part in American literature, music, film and of course, American road-trip culture.

Although the road was decommissioned in 1985 as a result of the construction of , its popularity and historical significance endure, with hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting annually.

To celebrate the 100^th birthday of Route 66, we wanted to explore a few of the quirkier places to see along the 2,448-mile stretch, so strap yourself in and come along for the ride!

Bottle Tree Ranch, Totem Poles and the Muffler Men

Perhaps amongst the strangest things you’ll see along Route 66 is . Located in the Mojave Desert and about 65 miles from the official end of Route 66 (Santa Monica Pier, LA), this unique roadside attraction was started by Elmer Long back in 2000 and covers 2 acres of desert.

As a child, Long’s father would take him camping in the Mojave Desert, where they would keep any objects they found, and after his father’s death, Long inherited the many colourful bottles his dad had collected. He wanted to create something with these bottles and tied some to a wooden post. The morning sunlight caught in the first bottle tree inspired him to make 200 more of the trees.

, located in Oklahoma, was created by the visionary folk artist . It’s said to be home to the world’s largest concrete totem pole, and houses eleven sculptures across 14 acres. Galloway began the project in 1937 and his work on the park continued until his death in 1962. It wasn’t until 1999 that it became accepted onto the .

If you divert to the park just 3.5 miles off Route 66, you’ll find the vernacular craftsman residence Galloway built and used as his workshop, the main totem pole which is an impressive 90ft tall, four sets of gate totems, ‘Birdbath Totem’, ‘Arrowhead Totem’ and ‘Tree Totem’. You can also visit Fiddle House, which is a museum with eleven sides and houses Galloway’s violins and other artworks.

Many travellers along the Mother Road are seeking a trip drenched in nostalgia, mid-century charm and retro attractions. The muffler men, fibreglass giants hailing from the 60s, are an easy win when searching for quirky roadside kitsch. Seen as the height of advertising between the 1960s and 1970s, they were used by muffler shops (hence the name, as they were often seen cradling oversized car mufflers), gas stations, diners and other businesses to attract potential customers.

There is no official count of how many of these muffler men stood along Route 66, but it’s estimated that at their peak there were around 25 of the 18ft – 25ft tall figures, around 16 of which can still be found today.

So popular are the muffler men that they even have their own museum in Illinois. The currently has 4 muffler men standing outside; however to coincide with Route 66’s centennial, they are aiming to have a total of 6 by the end of this year, which would make this spot the largest gathering of muffler men to be found along Route 66.

Historic Motels

Even those navigating Route 66 in a camper van will likely want to stop off in some of the vintage motels found along the way. Famed for representing the golden age of the American road trip, they often feature quirky signs, iconic neon lights, or offer memorable experiences besides being just rest stops. Much like the muffler men, many were designed to grab the attention of weary passing travellers. One of the quirkiest motels has to be the in Arizona and California.

These were built during the 1930s and 1940s by Frank A. Redford and, originally, he had seven different locations for his Wigwam motel chain. Three locations still exist today, in Arizona, California and Kentucky. The rooms were in fact built to look like Tepees but mistakenly referred to as wigwams.

Another historical pitstop travellers are sure to want to visit is the , Tucumcari, New Mexico. This celebrated motel is the oldest continuously operating motel along Route 66; constructed in 1939. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and those in search of authentically preserved mid-century surroundings should make a beeline for this establishment. There you can find each room furnished accurately to the period and even music from the 1940s and 1950s playing in the outside courtyard. Its famous neon sign is said to be the most photographed sign along the route, and it even inspired parts of Pixar’s film (2006).

Inspired by his older brother who had already built Boots Cottage Court motel in Eldon, Missouri, Arthur Boots decided to open his own motel. He built Boots Court with his wife Ilda at the ‘crossroads of America’ where Route 66 and Route 71 intersected at Carthage, Missouri and it opened in 1939. It was built in the distinctive style popular at that time, similar to Art Deco, and boasted a ‘radio in every room’. Rooms at this time could be rented out at the princely sum of $2.50 per night. After sadly falling into a state of disrepair, the motel was purchased in 2011 and lovingly restored by two preservationist sisters and is now fully functioning once again. The establishment is an important example of the ‘golden age’ of motor courts and boasts famous guests such as Clark Gable.

Retro Diners

Icons of American culture, diners are undoubtedly one of the main attractions along Route 66. With their often-extensive menus catering for all tastes, they offer a quintessential American experience, whether you’re after nostalgic experiences or not. Their position as community hubs makes weary travellers feel at home while on the road, providing sustenance and comfort to all; from holidaying families to night-shift truckers.

Parched motorists can find over 700 bottles of pop to quench their thirst at , and it’s certainly hard to miss with its 66ft tall LED-lit soda bottle! Arranged pleasingly in colour order, the collection includes many rare sodas. Open since 2007, it’s the youngest establishment we’ve included, but it’s still certainly worth a visit.

Continuing our historical journey along Route 66, tourists can find themselves back in the 1930s at the architecturally significant U-Drop Inn, located in Shamrock, Texas. Built in 1936, this renowned stop is one of the finest examples of 1930s Art Deco architecture along the road. Unsurprisingly, it’s another location included on the National Register of Historic Places, and it features ceramic tiled walls, distinctive flared towers and, of course, neon lighting. It was given its whimsical name by a local schoolboy who won a naming contest, and in its heyday, was considered one of the swankiest service stations between Amarillo and Oklahoma City.

The Ariston Café is one of the oldest restaurants along Route 66. It was founded in 1924 and was originally located on Route 4, before it moved to Route 66 in 1935. With the exception of a few alterations, the building has maintained its historical features from the era in which it was built. Originally the café had two fuel pumps outside and although its façade is described as non-stylistic (being built in a utilitarian style), it’s an important example of the typical architecture found along Route 66 in that era.

Vintage Gas Stations

Over 500 cottage-style gas stations could be found lining Route 66 at its peak. Luckily for tourists, almost 100 of these historic sites still survive, although now you can only fill up at a small handful. Fascinating time capsules, these preserved gas stations have been lovingly restored, and nothing else captures the essence of the Mother Road quite like them. Some serve as museums, and many house American road trip memorabilia.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick trip to just a few of the many fascinating places along Route 66. If you’ve travelled the Mother Road and have ·´²îϵÁÐ documenting your trip, don’t forget to upload them this year as we celebrate 100 years of this iconic road. If you’re planning a Route 66 road trip, or just a trip to the States, be inspired by our Motels and Diners lightbox here.

Interested in American culture and history? Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog on the country’s Semiquincentennial, and in the meantime check out our Americana blog below.