These Images Reveal the Untold Story of Route 66

Route 66 embodies what photographer Rachael Wright refers to as “the lasting mythos of the American dream.” Originally from England, she relocated to the U.S. about 15 years ago, yet the highway's expansive and diverse landscapes, stretching 2,448 miles across eight states—especially the neon and mid-century modern icons celebrated in popular culture—have captivated her since childhood.

As she grew older, Wright developed an interest in the road’s intricate past. Established in 1926, as the U.S. initiated its first federal highway system, officials connected various local, state, and national roads to form Route 66. During the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s, writer John Steinbeck dubbed it the “Mother Road,” as impoverished Americans traveled westward seeking employment. Since then, it has served numerous roles: a military route in World War II and, by the 1950s, a favored path for leisure travelers heading east and west.

Wright's inaugural journey along Route 66 took place in 2016, where she drove from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border. During a transitional phase in her career, she found herself feeling adrift; this road trip instilled a sense of direction, even if her plans were vague. “Sitting in the driver’s seat symbolizes choice,” she reflects. “You’re determining your destination and what you’ll experience along the way.”

The following year, Wright traveled the California-to-Arizona segment with her mother, who shares her passion for classic cars and vintage signage. She observed that many roadside attractions she admired on her previous trip (such as an old laundromat and a color TV hotel sign) had either fallen into neglect or vanished entirely. “I felt compelled to explore more of [Route 66] before it disappears,” says Wright, whose photography often addresses themes of transience.

In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned and gradually replaced by five multilane interstate highways. Today, while you can still traverse significant portions of the Mother Road, it no longer exists as a single continuous path. However, dedicated preservationists at the Road Ahead, a coalition of organizations advocating for the highway's revival, are committed to preserving and enhancing its structures, landscapes, and communities.

“I often reflect on the individuals who have journeyed this route before me and their motivations,” shares Wright, who is contemplating making the trip in 2026—the centennial of its establishment. “Route 66 represents far more than just a road,” she emphasizes. “It embodies a quintessential American narrative.”

Tips for planning your Route 66 road trip

The historic Route 66 spans eight states and a variety of climates. Travelers attempting to drive the almost full length of the route today will journey through bustling cities, quaint towns, arid deserts, rugged mountains, and lush grasslands from Illinois to California. According to photographer Rachael Wright, the ideal months for this adventure are May and June, thanks to the milder weather and extended daylight. Anticipate a surge of interest in the route leading up to its centennial celebration in 2026. Here are some essential stops along the way.

Where to Stay

Wright notes that establishments like the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, and the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, may not be around forever. She also loves La Posada, a beautifully restored railroad hotel in Winslow, Arizona, along with the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, located just half an hour to the east. For those seeking a more luxurious stay, consider booking at one of the upscale or boutique hotels along the route, including Peninsula Chicago, Barfield Hotel in Amarillo, Texas, Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico (part of the Auberge Resorts Collection), and L’Auberge de Sedona in Arizona.

Where to Visit

Must-see roadside attractions include the Blue Whale, a quirky structure next to a pond in Catoosa, Oklahoma; Giganticus Headicus, a towering 14-foot sculpture inspired by the statues of Rapa Nui in Kingman, Arizona; and Cadillac Ranch, a public art piece featuring ten graffiti-covered cars buried nose-down in a wheat field in the Texas Panhandle. Wright also enjoys the classic 66 Drive-In movie theater in Carthage, Missouri, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, which looks particularly striking at night. After an hour’s drive west from Clinton to Erick, Oklahoma, you might encounter one of the most colorful characters along the Mother Road: Harley Russell, who operates the Sandhills Curiosity Shop, a memorabilia-packed store where nothing is for sale. Be prepared for Russell to strum his guitar or offer a tour of what he calls his “redneck castle and sanitarium.”

Where to Take a Detour

Not all notable stops are directly along Route 66. Among Wright's favorite side trips are Petrified Forest National Park, the stunning Painted Desert in northeastern Arizona, and the ancient Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona, which is about 50,000 years old. Additional highlights include the beautifully maintained gardens at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is part of the Smithsonian network; and, of course, the majestic Grand Canyon.

Where to Dine

Wright has a special fondness for the iconic Tower Station in Shamrock, Texas, which was constructed in 1936 and features a unique metal tulip on top. Within the Tower Station complex, the meticulously restored U-Drop Inn Café offers a delicious root beer float. She also praises the steaks at Crush Wine Bar and Grill in Amarillo, Texas. If you’re in need of a refreshment, don’t miss Pops 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, which combines a restaurant and gas station with an international soda supermarket boasting over 700 varieties of fizzy beverages.