14-Day Route 66 Road Trip with the Railsplitter Covered Wagon in Lincoln

Late Lunch

Start with deep dish at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in River North, ideally around 1:30–2:00 p.m. Order the classic Lou Malnati’s style with its buttery crust, but remember that deep dish usually takes 30–45 minutes to bake—perfect for a relaxed first meal rather than a quick stop. Allow about $15–30 per person, and check the restaurant’s same-day hours before heading over. From there, it’s an easy walk south toward the river.

Afternoon Along the River

Spend the next hour on the Chicago Riverwalk, following the water west or east for skyline views and a good sense of the city’s architecture. The walkway is free and open during the day; benches, stairs, and riverfront cafés make it easy to linger. From River North, walk south across the DuSable Bridge or take a short rideshare to Millennium Park—roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. In Millennium Park, see Cloud Gate and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, then wander through Maggie Daley Park if you want a little more open space before museums.

Early Evening at the Art Institute

Continue south into The Loop for roughly two hours at the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s one of the city’s essential first-day stops, especially for American and Impressionist works; reserve timed admission in advance if possible. General admission is typically around $32 for adults, with hours varying by day and late openings on select evenings, so verify the September 2026 schedule before you go. The museum is directly across from Millennium Park, making this a much smoother transition than trying to drive between sights.

Evening Check-In

After the museum, walk or take a quick rideshare south to The Congress Plaza Hotel on South Michigan Avenue, a historic 1893 property beside Grant Park. Check in, drop your bags, and take a short evening stroll along the park or toward the lakefront if you still have energy. Downtown parking is expensive—often $40–70 overnight—so avoid moving a car around today; rideshares and walking are easier, and you can collect the rental car tomorrow morning for the Route 66 departure.

Morning

After picking up your rental car in Chicago, allow roughly 45 minutes to reach Joliet Area Historical Museum in downtown Joliet; arriving around 8:30–9:00 a.m. gives you a comfortable start. The museum typically opens in the morning, but check the current schedule before leaving, as hours can vary by weekday. Spend about an hour with the exhibits on Joliet’s canal, industrial past, and Route 66 connections. Downtown parking is generally straightforward, and this is a good place to stretch your legs before continuing south on I-55 and the older Route 66 alignments.

Continue about 50 minutes to Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, where an hour is enough for the memorabilia, vintage signs, and road-trip artifacts. The museum is usually open late morning through the afternoon, with modest admission generally in the $5–10 range; verify hours before setting out, especially for a Wednesday visit. Pontiac’s compact downtown makes this an easy stop, and you can take a quick look at the murals and restored storefronts nearby before getting back on the road toward Springfield.

Lunch and Afternoon

From Pontiac, plan on roughly 75–90 minutes to Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, arriving around 1:00 p.m. This Route 66 institution is the place to try the original corn-dog-style specialty, with lunch usually running about $10–20 per person. It is casual and counter-service, so allow about an hour; the small gift shop and roadside memorabilia are part of the fun. After lunch, drive into Springfield’s historic district and allow time to park near Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The neighborhood is free to explore, while ranger-led house tours generally require a timed ticket; reserve ahead if possible. Set aside about 90 minutes for the preserved home and surrounding streets, and wear comfortable shoes since the experience is largely outdoors.

Evening

Finish in Lincoln, about 30 minutes north of Springfield, with a short stop at the Railsplitter Covered Wagon. The giant wagon is the visual centerpiece of the Railsplitter Hotel and makes an excellent late-day photo, especially in the softer evening light. You do not need much more than 30 minutes here, but confirm access and hotel check-in arrangements if you are staying on-site. Afterward, settle in for the night rather than adding another major stop—the day already gives you three distinct Route 66-era communities and plenty of driving.

Morning

Spend the morning in Springfield before leaving town, starting at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. Tours typically begin in the morning and last about 1½ hours; reservations are wise because access is generally by guided tour, and admission is usually modest or free depending on the program. Frank Lloyd Wright’s original furnishings and intricate woodwork make this one of the most rewarding stops on the Illinois stretch of Route 66. A short drive brings you to the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, where allow about an hour for the restored chambers and the stories of Abraham Lincoln’s Illinois political career. Both sites are close to central Springfield, so parking and the transition between them are easy.

Before getting on I-55, make the quick roadside photo stop at the Route 66 Drive-In Theater. It is more of a brief nostalgia stop than a full attraction, so 30 minutes is plenty. Then leave Springfield around 12:30–1:00 p.m. for St. Louis via I-55, allowing roughly 1½ hours plus traffic near the city. Once in St. Louis, expect downtown parking to be easier in a garage than on the street; leave the car parked for the afternoon if possible.

Afternoon and Evening

Begin your St. Louis exploring at the Missouri Botanical Garden in Tower Grove South, ideally arriving by mid-afternoon for about two hours. The Victorian Climatron greenhouse is the signature stop, but leave time for the Japanese Garden and the shaded paths around the historic estate. Check the day’s closing time before setting out—hours vary seasonally—and budget roughly $16–20 for adult admission. From the garden, drive about 10 minutes west along Chippewa Street to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Order a concrete, the thick St. Louis specialty served upside down, and plan on $5–10 per person; it is casual, busy, and best treated as an early dinner snack rather than a sit-down meal.

Finish downtown at The Gateway Arch, allowing about two hours for the museum, grounds, and riverfront views. The tram ride to the top is ticketed separately, timed, and can sell out, so reserve an evening slot in advance if you want to go up; otherwise, the grounds and Gateway Arch National Park are still worthwhile at sunset. Park in a downtown garage and walk rather than moving the car again. Afterward, head toward Washington Avenue or Soulard for dinner—both are convenient, lively areas with plenty of options—before turning in for the night.

Morning

Leave St. Louis after breakfast and aim to depart by about 10:30 a.m.; the drive to Cuba takes roughly 75–90 minutes on I-44. Before leaving the city, spend around two hours at the City Museum, a wonderfully chaotic architectural playground inside a former shoe factory. It is best approached with sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure—there are tunnels, ladders, slides, and tight spaces throughout. Admission is typically around $20–30, and parking near the museum is generally available in paid lots or garages. Once on the road, allow extra time for construction and for the slower Route 66 sections near Cuba.

Lunch and Route 66

In Cuba, stop first for the Cuba Murals, a collection of large outdoor paintings scattered along the historic highway through town. Give yourself about 45 minutes to walk or drive between the main panels; the visitor center can provide a map if it is open. For lunch, Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que is a convenient local choice for ribs, pulled pork, and hearty sides, usually about $15–25 per person. Afterward, make the short drive to the Wagon Wheel Motel, one of the most photogenic surviving Route 66 motor courts. You can usually see the restored cabins and vintage neon from the exterior; be respectful of guests and allow about 30 minutes for photographs.

Afternoon Exploring

Continue west for roughly 20 minutes to Meramec Caverns near Stanton. The guided cave tour generally takes about 90 minutes to two hours, with cool, damp conditions underground even in September, so bring a light layer and wear shoes with good grip. Tickets are commonly in the $25–35 range, and checking the final tour time before leaving Cuba is important because late-afternoon departures can be limited. From there, drive about 45 minutes to The Fugitive Beach in Rolla. If it is still operating and weather permits, plan on about 1½ hours for swimming and relaxing in the former quarry; admission is typically around $15–20, and the facility may close or reduce hours late in the season, so verify its September schedule before setting out.

Evening

Finish the drive to Springfield, roughly 35–45 minutes from The Fugitive Beach, and settle in before dinner. At The Order in downtown Springfield, expect creative modern American cooking, a relaxed atmosphere, and a bill of approximately $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. Reservations are useful on a Friday evening, though early seating may be easier. After dinner, take a short stroll around Park Central Square if you still have energy; it is a pleasant way to end a long Route 66 day without adding another formal attraction.

Morning

Start at the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, ideally when it opens—often around 9 a.m.; verify the September schedule before setting out. Allow about 90 minutes for the thoughtfully arranged collection of classic cars, neon, and Route 66 memorabilia. From there, drive roughly 25 minutes southwest along the old highway to Gay Parita Sinclair Station in Ash Grove. This colorful, lovingly maintained stop is small and informal, so plan on about 45 minutes; the owner or caretaker may be around to share stories, but hours can be limited and seasonal.

Lunch and Afternoon

Head back toward Springfield for lunch at the World’s Largest Gift Store at Fantastic Caverns, about a 30-minute drive from Ash Grove. The café is convenient rather than destination dining, with simple meals generally costing $10–20 per person, and the enormous souvenir shop is part of the fun. Keep this stop to about an hour, then continue west on Route 66/I-44 toward Catoosa, roughly 2½ hours including normal traffic and the Tulsa approach. Stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa for 30 minutes to photograph the bright blue roadside landmark beside the small lake; it is outdoors and free, with limited shade, so carry water.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Continue about 35 minutes into Tulsa and go straight to the Philbrook Museum of Art, a former Italianate villa surrounded by landscaped gardens. Give yourself around two hours; museum hours commonly run into the early evening, but check the calendar because some days have shorter hours. Admission is typically in the $15–20 range, with parking on-site or nearby. Afterward, drive about 10 minutes to Expo Square to see The Golden Driller, best photographed as the evening light softens. The statue stands outdoors and is free to visit, while the surrounding fairground area can be busy during events—if parking is crowded, use a nearby public lot and walk over.

Morning

Begin at the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District, allowing about 90 minutes for the exhibits, manuscripts, artwork, and listening stations devoted to Oklahoma’s great folk troubadour. It generally opens in the morning, with admission typically around $12–15; check the September schedule before setting out. From there, walk or drive a few blocks into downtown for the Deco District, where a slow loop along South Boston Avenue, East 5th Street, and South Main Street reveals some of Tulsa’s finest Art Deco façades. Give yourself about an hour—this is best enjoyed at street level rather than rushed as a formal tour.

Lunch

Drive south for roughly 10 minutes to Mother Road Market on South Peoria Avenue, Tulsa’s lively food hall and a natural Route 66 stop. Plan on $15–30 per person for lunch, with everything from Oklahoma comfort food to tacos, sandwiches, and local sweets; the rotating vendors mean there is usually something for everyone. Parking is generally easy in the surrounding lots, though the market can fill up around noon, so arriving just before the busiest lunch period makes the experience more relaxed.

Afternoon Exploring

After lunch, get on I-44 west toward Chandler, about an hour from Tulsa depending on traffic, and visit the Route 66 Interpretive Center. Its projected films, memorabilia, and interactive displays make this a particularly approachable introduction to Oklahoma’s roadside history; allow about an hour and expect modest admission, usually under $10. Continue west on I-44 for approximately 70 minutes to Elk City and the National Route 66 Museum, part of a larger complex that explores the road’s communities, businesses, and changing culture. Set aside 90 minutes, and try to arrive before late-afternoon closing—hours can shorten outside peak season. This is a long afternoon of driving, so keep water in the car and treat the museum as the day’s final major stop rather than trying to add more roadside detours.

Evening

Return east toward Oklahoma City on I-40, roughly 90 minutes from Elk City, and finish at a Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store in the Oklahoma City area. It is an easy, unfussy stop for a sundae, shake, burger, or light meal, generally $5–15 per person. Choose the branch closest to your hotel rather than crossing town; after a full Route 66 day, the local dairy-store ritual is more appealing than another elaborate dinner. Expect to reach Oklahoma City in the evening, with time afterward only for checking in and resting.

Morning

Begin at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, allowing roughly two hours for the deeply moving exhibits about the 1995 bombing and its aftermath. The museum usually opens at 9 a.m.; admission is generally around $15–20, and timed tickets are worth booking in advance. Give yourself a few quiet minutes outside at the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, particularly around the reflecting pool and the field of empty chairs. Afterward, leave Oklahoma City around 10:30 a.m. via I-40 west, with the Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia about 30 minutes away. The enormous illuminated soda bottle is the landmark, but the fun is browsing hundreds of bottled flavors—plan about 45 minutes and check its current hours before departing.

Lunch

Continue west on old Route 66 toward Lucille’s Service Station and Roadhouse in Hydro, roughly an hour and 15 minutes from Pops 66. This lovingly preserved former service station is one of the road’s most atmospheric stops, with a casual menu typically costing $15–30 per person. Allow about an hour, and keep an eye on the clock: smaller Route 66 businesses can have limited weekday hours. From Lucille’s, it is approximately 30 minutes west to Clinton.

Afternoon

Spend about 90 minutes at the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum, where cars, signs, maps, and memorabilia explain how the highway shaped American travel. It is generally open weekday afternoons, with admission often around $7–10; verify the September schedule before setting out. Then follow I-40 west for roughly 75 minutes to Shamrock, Texas, stopping at the U-Drop Inn Hotel and Conoco Station. The striking Art Deco building is one of the best-preserved Route 66 landmarks, and a 45-minute visit is enough to see the restored interiors, take photographs, and stretch your legs. From Shamrock, allow about 90 minutes to reach Amarillo; the final approach is especially good near sunset when the Panhandle light turns the roadside landscape coppery.

Evening

End at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, where the oversized signs, Western décor, and famous 72-ounce steak challenge make dinner deliberately theatrical. Expect roughly $25–60 per person depending on your order; arrive early if you want to avoid the busiest dinner period, and use the restaurant’s large parking lot rather than trying to park along the frontage road. It is just off I-40 on the east side of Amarillo, making it convenient after the long drive. After dinner, check into your Amarillo motel or hotel and save any additional sightseeing for the next morning.

Morning

Leave Amarillo around 7:00 a.m. for Cadillac Ranch, just west of town off Interstate 40. The ten-minute visit from the highway is enough for most people, though allow about an hour if you want to wander among the half-buried cars and add your own layer of spray paint. Bring a can—there is usually a small roadside stand nearby, but supplies can be unreliable—and wear shoes you do not mind getting dusty. Continue west on US-60/Route 66 for roughly 45 minutes to Midpoint Café in Adrian, the traditional halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles. This is a good place for coffee, a burger, or the famous pie; budget $10–20 per person and check the September opening schedule before setting out, since small Route 66 businesses sometimes keep seasonal hours.

Midday and Afternoon

From Adrian, allow about 45 minutes to reach Tucumcari’s Route 66 Historic District. Take your time along East Route 66 Boulevard, where weathered neon, classic motels, and roadside signs make the town feel like an open-air Route 66 museum. A short drive brings you to the Blue Swallow Motel, one of the finest surviving motor courts on the route. Even if you are not staying overnight, pause for around 30 minutes to admire the restored office, garage units, and period details; be respectful of guests and ask before photographing private areas. Then continue roughly 40 minutes to Santa Rosa Blue Hole, where the perfectly round, exceptionally clear spring is a refreshing contrast to the high-desert drive. Admission is generally modest, and you can swim if time and energy allow, but bring a towel and expect cool water.

Evening

Finish the final hour or so to Santa Fe, arriving in time for dinner at The Shed near the Santa Fe Plaza. Expect about $20–40 per person for classic New Mexican dishes—enchiladas, chile stew, and blue-corn specialties—and reserve ahead if possible, as the dining room fills quickly. After dinner, take a brief walk around the adobe buildings and galleries surrounding the plaza before checking in; parking is easier at a hotel garage or public lot than on the narrow downtown streets.

Morning

Begin at Santa Fe Plaza, where the city’s adobe core is especially pleasant before the galleries and shops get busy. Give yourself about an hour to wander the portal-lined buildings, browse the Santa Fe Artists Market if it is operating, and notice how the plaza shifts from Spanish colonial to Mexican and Indigenous influences. A short walk along Palace Avenue brings you to the Palace of the Governors; allow roughly 90 minutes for its exhibits on Pueblo, Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. history. Admission is usually around $12–15, with reduced or free entry on select New Mexico resident days, and the museum is generally open Tuesday through Sunday from late morning into the afternoon—check the 2026 schedule before leaving.

Midday and Afternoon

Drive about 20 minutes southwest on I-25 and NM-599 to El Rancho de las Golondrinas in La Cienega. This living-history museum is spread across a rural property, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water; two hours is enough for the historic buildings, acequias, gardens, and demonstrations. Admission is commonly around $12–20, and its seasonal hours can be limited, so confirm that it is open on Wednesday, September 16. Afterward, follow NM-14 south for roughly 45 minutes to Tinkertown Museum in Sandia Park. The wonderfully odd collection of miniature scenes, folk art, carved figures, and Americana is intimate but absorbing; allow 90 minutes, and expect admission of about $8–10. Continue approximately 25 minutes toward Sandia Peak Tramway, arriving with enough time for the late-afternoon ride. Round-trip tickets are often around $35–40, parking is free, and the tram ride and summit walks take about two hours; reserve a timed ticket if available, since sunset departures can fill and operations are weather-dependent.

Evening

Return to Albuquerque via Tramway Boulevard and I-40, allowing 25–35 minutes depending on traffic, then head to the University area for Frontier Restaurant on Central Avenue. It is counter-service, inexpensive, and ideal after a driving-heavy day: plan on $10–20 per person for chile-topped New Mexican plates, burritos, or the famous sweet rolls. The restaurant is usually open late, but evening lines can be long; parking is typically available in nearby lots or on surrounding streets, though read signs carefully around the university.

Morning

Start in Old Town Albuquerque before the streets warm up and the galleries open fully. Give yourself about 90 minutes to wander the adobe buildings, Old Town Plaza, and San Felipe de Neri Church; the area is free to explore, though individual museums and shops open at different times, usually around 10 a.m. Park in one of the paid lots around Rio Grande Boulevard or use the public lot near Central Avenue. From Old Town, it’s a short drive—about 10 minutes—to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in the Sawmill District. Plan on two hours for the museum’s excellent Pueblo history and art galleries, and check the performance schedule before arriving; admission is generally around $12–20, with cultural dances often scheduled during the day.

Lunch

Head east along Central Avenue to Nob Hill for lunch at 66 Diner, one of Albuquerque’s most enjoyable Route 66 stops. The chrome-and-neon interior, counter stools, jukebox atmosphere, and generous diner plates make it worth the small detour. Allow about an hour and budget $15–25 per person; parking is usually easiest on nearby side streets or behind the Central Avenue storefronts. Nob Hill is also a good place for a quick stretch of the legs before the afternoon drive.

Afternoon Exploring

Drive roughly 15 minutes southeast to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, near Kirtland Air Force Base. It normally keeps daytime hours, often around 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; admission is commonly about $15–20, and two hours is enough for the aircraft, Cold War displays, and accessible explanations of the atomic age. Leave by about 3:30 p.m. for El Malpais National Monument, reached via I-40 toward Grants in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. You won’t have time for a long hike, so focus on the El Malpais Visitor Center and a short viewpoint or lava-field walk; bring water, sturdy shoes, and a little flexibility because some overlooks and trails require extra driving. There is no entrance fee, but the visitor center’s hours can be seasonal—check conditions before leaving Albuquerque.

Evening

After exploring the volcanic landscape for about 90 minutes, continue west on I-40 to Gallup, roughly another 45 minutes to an hour depending on your chosen monument access road. Check into your hotel, then have dinner at Earl’s Family Restaurant on East Historic Route 66. This long-running local favorite is casual, inexpensive, and open late enough to suit an evening arrival; expect about $15–25 per person. It’s a particularly good first taste of Gallup’s Native and Southwestern character, with a busy, welcoming dining room rather than a polished tourist setup.

Morning

Leave Gallup around 7:00 a.m. and head east on I-40 before turning north toward Window Rock; with the planned stops, this is a full sightseeing day rather than a simple three-hour drive. Begin at the Gallup Cultural Center in downtown Gallup, allowing about an hour for its railroad, Indigenous, and Route 66 exhibits. Then take a quick look inside the El Rancho Hotel, also downtown, whose grand wood-and-stone lobby recalls the Hollywood stars who stayed here while filming in the Southwest. Check current opening hours before setting out, since small museums can keep seasonal schedules.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue east toward Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park in Window Rock, roughly an hour from Gallup. Allow about 90 minutes to see its regionally focused wildlife and cultural interpretation; admission is usually modest, but bring cash in case card service is limited. Afterward, drive about 35 minutes to Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site in Ganado. Give yourself around 1½ hours to tour the preserved trading post, browse traditional Navajo weavings, and appreciate how the site still feels like a working crossroads rather than a staged attraction. The trading post generally operates daytime hours, and the surrounding Navajo Nation is remote—fuel up in Window Rock or Ganado and keep water in the car.

Continue west on US-191 and I-40 to the north entrance of Petrified Forest National Park, timing your arrival for the softer late-afternoon light. Three hours is enough for a scenic introduction, including the Painted Desert overlooks and short walks among the colorful fossilized wood; pay the park entrance fee by card or use an America the Beautiful pass. The park is large, and mobile service can be patchy, so download maps beforehand and confirm the September closing time before leaving Gallup.

Evening

Exit near Holbrook and have dinner at Joe & Aggie’s Café, a local Mexican-American favorite where enchiladas, chile dishes, and other comfort food run about $15–25 per person. It is a fitting, unfussy finish after a long day on the road; aim to arrive around 7:00–8:00 p.m. and check closing hours that morning. Park in downtown Holbrook, then keep the evening easy—after the park and several remote stretches, this is a night for dinner and an early rest rather than another attraction.

Morning

After breakfast, spend about 30 minutes at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, one of the most recognizable Route 66 sights in Arizona. The concrete teepee rooms are primarily viewed from outside, and the small display of Route 66 memorabilia adds context; be respectful of overnight guests. Aim to leave around 8:30 a.m. and drive west on I-40 for roughly 35 minutes to Meteor Crater Natural Landmark. The visitor center typically opens around 8 a.m.; admission is usually about $25–30 per adult. Allow 1½ hours for the exhibits, rim viewpoints, and short paved walks—the crater is privately managed, so the entrance fee is worthwhile for the excellent interpretation and viewing platforms.

Lunch in Winslow

Continue about 25 minutes east to Standin’ on the Corner Park in downtown Winslow, where the famous “Take It Easy” corner is marked with murals, a bronze statue, and plenty of photo opportunities. Spend around 45 minutes here and grab lunch nearby for approximately $10–25 per person. The Turquoise Room is best saved for dinner, so for a quicker midday meal look around downtown for a casual café or sandwich counter; check hours before relying on a particular spot, since Winslow’s smaller businesses can keep limited schedules. From the corner, plan about 35 minutes west to Walnut Canyon National Monument, just east of Flagstaff.

Afternoon and Evening

At Walnut Canyon National Monument, allow about 1½ hours for the Island Trail, a steep but rewarding loop past cliff dwellings, and the easier Rim Trail if you prefer a gentler walk. The monument generally closes in the early evening, and the entrance fee is typically around $15–25 per vehicle; bring water, especially on the exposed steps. Afterward, drive roughly 15 minutes into Flagstaff and check in before heading uphill to Lowell Observatory. Reserve evening admission or a program in advance—nightly offerings and telescope access vary—and allow about two hours for the exhibits, guided astronomy talks, and stargazing. Finish with dinner at The Turquoise Room in downtown Flagstaff, where Southwestern dishes and regional ingredients make a relaxed end to the day; expect about $25–50 per person and check the current dinner hours before setting out.

Morning

Spend the morning at Museum of Northern Arizona, just north of Flagstaff on North Fort Valley Road. Allow about two hours for its excellent geology, Indigenous cultures, and Colorado Plateau collections; it is a particularly good stop before crossing the desert because it gives context to the landscapes ahead. The museum generally opens around 9 a.m., with admission commonly in the $15–20 range—check the September 2026 schedule before leaving. Depart Flagstaff around 11:30 a.m.; the drive west to Kingman takes roughly 2¼ hours via I-40, with fuel and water worth topping up before the long desert stretches.

Lunch and Afternoon Exploring

Once in Kingman, go straight to Arizona Route 66 Museum in the Powerhouse Visitor Center downtown, where about 90 minutes is enough for the highway history, classic vehicles, and richly nostalgic displays. It typically keeps daytime hours and costs around $10–15; parking is easy nearby. Walk or make the short drive to Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner for lunch—burgers, fries, and thick shakes in a cheerful 1950s setting usually run $10–25 per person. Afterward, follow old Route 66 west for about 30 minutes to Hackberry General Store. Give yourself 45 minutes to explore the memorabilia-packed property and photograph the old cars and signs; it is exactly the kind of unpolished roadside stop that makes this stretch memorable. Check its hours before setting out, since roadside businesses can close early.

Late Afternoon and Evening

From Hackberry General Store, allow roughly 1½ hours to reach Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, including the approach on AZ-93 and the access road. Plan at least 2½ hours for shuttle transfers, canyon viewpoints, and the glass Skywalk itself; admission is expensive—often $70 or more before add-ons—and outside food, drinks, and loose items are restricted on the walkway. Aim to arrive by about 4 p.m., when the light begins to soften, but confirm the final September closing time because the site is far from town. Return to Kingman in the evening and have a casual second meal at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner; if you already ate lightly at lunch, the diner’s shakes or a simple sandwich make this an easy finish. Keep the tank comfortably above half-full for tomorrow’s desert drive, and remember that Grand Canyon West is not inside Grand Canyon National Park, so park passes are not interchangeable.

Morning

Leave Kingman around 7:00 a.m. with a full tank and plenty of water; today’s old-highway routing is long, remote, and much slower than Interstate 40. Follow Arizona State Route 66 through the Black Mountains toward Cool Springs Station, a restored desert gas station roughly an hour from Oatman. Allow about 30 minutes for photographs and a look around, then continue carefully into Oatman Historic District. Park in the central area and spend about 1½ hours wandering the wooden storefronts, watching the scheduled Old West gunfight if one is taking place, and meeting the famously free-roaming burros. Do not feed them anything except approved treats, and keep bags and food secured; they are charming but persistent.

Lunch

Drive west through the stark Mojave Desert toward Roy’s Motel and Café in Amboy, allowing roughly 1½–2 hours depending on stops and road conditions. This is one of the day’s most atmospheric stretches of old Route 66, so resist the temptation to rush: services are scarce, and mobile coverage can be patchy. At Roy’s Motel and Café, plan about 45 minutes for the giant roadside sign, mid-century buildings, and photographs. Refreshments are casual and limited, usually around $10–20 per person; carry a backup picnic and extra drinks in case the café’s hours or offerings change.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue west toward Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, a whimsical collection of metal trees hung with colorful glass bottles beside the old highway. Allow 45 minutes, but check current access before setting out—this is a private folk-art installation and opening arrangements can vary. From there, drive about 25 minutes to The Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, where an hour is enough to see the early restaurant memorabilia and understand how the chain developed from its first location. Admission is generally free, though hours can be limited, so verify before relying on the stop. Afterward, follow Foothill Boulevard west and join Sunset Boulevard toward The Biltmore Los Angeles; with afternoon traffic, the final run can take two to three hours. Allow extra time for downtown parking and the one-way rental drop-off—confirm the exact agency location before leaving San Bernardino.