Route 66 100th Anniversary Adventure: The Ultimate Westbound

Get ready to hit the highway of American dreams as we celebrate 100 years of the iconic Route 66! This unforgettable 7-day journey will take you from the heart of Chicago to the rich heritage of Oklahoma City. Along the way, you'll indulge in classic comfort foods, explore quirky roadside attractions, dive into vibrant local history, and experience the true spirit of the open road. Whether you're a history buff, a road tripper at heart, or a lover of Americana, this centennial adventure promises laughter, nostalgia, and a lifetime of memories!

Book now and create memories to last a lifetime! ✨🏜️

Itinerary

Day 1: Revving Up in the Windy City! (Fri, Jul 10)

     ✈️ Touch down in Chicago at the Chicago Midway airport before 11:00 am CST and meet your fellow Route 66 explorers—let the journey of a lifetime begin! The bus will leave at noon.

     🍗 Dig into legendary fried chicken at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, a true Route 66 roadside classic since 1946.

     📸 Pose at the “Begin Route 66” sign in downtown Chicago—your official launchpad into nostalgia!

     🏨 Check into the luxurious Palmer House Hilton, where elegance meets old-school charm in the heart of the Windy City.

Day 2: Charming Towns & Maple Treats in Illinois (Sat, Jul 11)

     🍳 Fuel up at Lou Mitchell’s, a breakfast institution where Route 66 travelers have started their day for over a century.

     🖼️ Explore the Joliet Area Historical Museum, a vibrant blend of exhibits, memorabilia, and Route 66 pride.

     🥪 Savor a homestyle lunch in Dwight, where the Old Route 66 Family Restaurant brings hometown flavor to life.

     🏛️ Walk through Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame, featuring murals, classic cars, and heartfelt history.

     🍁 Indulge in hand-crafted maple sirup at Funks Grove—an authentic sweet treat from the trees of central Illinois.

     🏨 Settle in at the DoubleTree in Springfield, surrounded by stories of Abraham Lincoln and American legacy.

Day 3: Presidents, Neon, and Giant Ketchup (Sun, Jul 12)

     🏛️ Step into the world of Lincoln at his interactive Presidential Library & Museum—history comes alive here!

     💡 Discover retro glow at the Ace Sign and then visit Route 66 Museum, showcasing vintage neon, signs, and Americana flair.

     🍽️ Dine at the iconic Ariston Café, a Route 66 landmark serving up hearty fare and historic charm since 1924.

     📸 Snap pics at offbeat gems like Soulsby’s Gas Station and Henry’s Rabbit Ranch—quirky and photogenic!

     🍅 Marvel at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, a towering, tangy symbol of kitschy roadside wonder.

     🌉 Stroll across the Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a major Route 66 crossing and now a scenic photo paradise.

     🏙️ Tour St. Louis’s downtown delights, from the mighty Gateway Arch to The Hill’s Italian heritage.

     🍝 Feast on authentic Italian cuisine in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

     🏨 Stay steps from the Arch at the Drury Plaza Hotel —cozy, convenient, and classic.

Day 4: Caves, Classics & Route 66 Cruisin’ (Mon, Jul 13)

     ⛰️ Venture into Meramec Caverns, a subterranean wonder of shimmering stalactites and outlaw legends.

     🍖 Dig into smoky BBQ at Missouri Hick, where the meats are tender and the Route 66 vibes run deep.

     📸 Stop for photos at the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park, marking Springfield, MO’s proud legacy.

     🚗 Admire vintage rides at the Route 66 Car Museum, home to chrome beauties and timeless classics.

     🏨 Check into your Springfield hotel and relax after a day of natural beauty and automotive history.

Day 5: Totems, Whales & Whimsy in the Heartland (Tue, Jul 14)

     📸 Travel back in time at Spencer Station, a lovingly restored gas station straight out of the 1930s.

     ⛪ Tour the Precious Moments Chapel, a heartfelt tribute filled with murals, sculptures, and inspiration.

     📍 Stand beneath the Route 66 Marker in Galena, one of Kansas' most charming Route 66 stops.

     🛍️ Wander through Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, where you’ll find vintage goods and small-town warmth.

     ⚾ Drive past Mickey Mantle’s childhood home, a nostalgic nod to America’s favorite pastime.

     🥪 Enjoy a cozy lunch in Miami, OK, where friendly service meets down-home eats.

     🗿 Behold Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, a vibrant folk art marvel with the world’s largest concrete totem pole.

     🐳 Take a selfie with the famous Blue Whale of Catoosa, a whimsical Route 66 icon loved by travelers for decades.

Day 6: Western Legends & Roadside Wonders (Wed, Jul 15)

     🏙️ Walk through Black Wall Street, a powerful story of resilience and a vital chapter in African American history.

     🛤️ Explore the Route 66 Interpretive Center, an immersive dive into the soul of the Mother Road.

     📸 Visit the eccentric Round Barn in Arcadia, a picture-perfect stop with stories and charm to spare.

     🥤 Pop into Pops 66, a modern soda lover’s paradise with hundreds of flavors in glowing rainbow bottles.

     🤠 Tour the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, a grand tribute to pioneers, rodeos, and legends of the West.

     🏨 Arrive in Oklahoma City and check-in, closing your final full day with a toast to adventure!

     🍝 Join the group for a farewell dinner

Day 7: The End of the Road, But Not the Memories (Thu, Jul 16)

     ✈️ Depart for home with your Route 66 playlist still playing in your mind and your heart full of nostalgia.

     😊 Reflect on an epic adventure full of roadside fun, delicious meals, quirky sights, and new friendships.

    🌟 Depart with amazing memories and friends made on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!