American History

Famous Route 66 Landmarks Get New Protection to Help Save American History

Darren - June 12, 2025

Route 66, often called the Mother Road, stands as a testament to American adventure, innovation, and resilience. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it has inspired generations of travelers, artists, and dreamers. Today, a growing movement is sweeping the nation to safeguard the road’s most iconic landmarks. Recent preservation initiatives are shining a spotlight on the urgent need to protect these treasures. By saving Route 66’s legendary sites, we honor our shared history and ensure future generations can experience the magic that shaped America’s identity.

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1. The Cadillac Ranch

In Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch stands as a quirky monument to American ingenuity. Ten vintage Cadillacs, half-buried nose-first in the earth, invite visitors to leave their mark with spray paint—making the site a living, ever-evolving artwork. Recent preservation efforts, as highlighted by Smithsonian Magazine, focus on balancing this interactive spirit with new protective measures. These safeguards help maintain the installation’s accessibility while ensuring its colorful legacy endures for years to come.

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2. The Wigwam Motel

The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, is a striking piece of 1930s roadside Americana. Its teepee-shaped rooms capture the playful spirit of early car travel. Preservation grants, such as those supported by the National Park Service, help maintain these rare structures. Through ongoing restoration and care, the motel continues to welcome visitors, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the heyday of Route 66.

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3. The Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma is a beloved Route 66 landmark, instantly recognizable for its giant, smiling blue exterior and whimsical charm. Since its creation in the 1970s, it has been a favorite stop for families and road-trippers alike. New local and federal protections are now supporting ongoing restoration and maintenance, ensuring the whale remains safe and accessible for all. As Atlas Obscura notes, these efforts keep the playful spirit of Route 66 alive and thriving.

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4. The Santa Monica Pier Sign

At California’s Santa Monica Pier, the Route 66 ‘End of the Trail’ sign is a must-see for travelers reaching the journey’s end. Preservation groups and city officials are working together to maintain this legendary photo spot. As noted by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, these efforts safeguard the sign’s historic significance, ensuring it continues to welcome visitors from around the world.

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5. The Gemini Giant

The Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois, stands as a classic example of Route 66’s mid-century roadside kitsch. This towering muffler man, clad in a space helmet, has become a symbol of both local pride and American pop culture. As noted by Roadside America, current preservation initiatives are vital for its maintenance. These efforts ensure the statue remains a beacon for travelers, even as the surrounding business landscape continues to change and evolve.

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6. The U-Drop Inn

In Shamrock, Texas, the U-Drop Inn dazzles with its Art Deco design and glowing neon lights. Originally a gas station and café, it now serves as a community hub and visitor center. Thanks to grants and inclusion on historic registers, its unique facade and architectural details are being carefully preserved. The Texas Historical Commission highlights its role as both a landmark and a gathering place for Route 66 travelers.

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7. The Route 66 Museum

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton offers visitors an immersive journey through the history and culture of America’s most iconic highway. Its interactive exhibits and vintage artifacts bring the spirit of Route 66 to life. Recent funding boosts are helping the museum expand its educational programs and protect its valuable collections. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, these resources ensure that the legacy of the “Mother Road” is preserved for both present and future generations.

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8. The Chain of Rocks Bridge

Near St. Louis, Missouri, the Chain of Rocks Bridge is famous for its unique 22-degree bend over the Mississippi River. Once an essential crossing for Route 66 travelers, it now serves as a scenic pedestrian and cycling trail. Thanks to structural reinforcements and official heritage designations, as highlighted by the Historic Route 66 Association of Missouri, this historic bridge is preserved for safe public enjoyment.

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9. The Route 66 Drive-In Theatre

The Route 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, Missouri, is a cherished piece of Americana and one of the last operating drive-ins along the historic route. Preservation groups, with support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, have worked tirelessly to keep this unique tradition alive. Their efforts ensure that generations of travelers can still enjoy classic films under the stars.

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10. The El Rancho Hotel

The El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, holds a glamorous place on Route 66, once welcoming Hollywood legends like John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn. Its grand lobby and rustic Southwest style evoke the golden age of road travel. Restoration initiatives, as featured in New Mexico Magazine, are preserving its unique character and remarkable guest book. These efforts ensure the hotel’s rich history remains vivid for visitors today.

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11. Roy’s Motel and Café

Set against the stark Mojave Desert, Roy’s Motel and Café in Amboy, California, is an enduring symbol of mid-century roadside culture. Its striking Googie architecture and neon sign have drawn travelers for decades. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, ongoing restoration efforts are revitalizing Roy’s iconic features, ensuring that this Route 66 landmark continues to inspire and welcome new generations of road trippers.

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12. The Arcadia Round Barn

The Arcadia Round Barn in Oklahoma, built in 1898, is a marvel of early American engineering and a distinctive Route 66 stop. Thanks to dedicated local volunteers and preservationists, as highlighted by Atlas Obscura, the barn remains open for visitors. Their ongoing care preserves its unique round architecture and history, making it a treasured landmark for all who travel the Mother Road.

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13. The Hackberry General Store

The Hackberry General Store in Arizona is a nostalgic gem, brimming with Route 66 memorabilia, classic signs, and vintage gas pumps. It’s a popular photo stop for travelers seeking the authentic spirit of the historic highway. As recognized by the National Park Service, official preservation status protects its quirky displays and ensures the store’s collection and ambiance will continue to delight visitors for years to come.

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14. The Cozy Dog Drive In

The Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, Illinois, is a beloved Route 66 icon known for introducing the corn dog to American diners. Its retro atmosphere and original recipes draw food lovers and nostalgia seekers alike. According to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, new protections will help sustain the diner’s mid-century charm, ensuring this culinary tradition remains part of Route 66’s living history.

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15. The Meramec Caverns

Located in Stanton, Missouri, Meramec Caverns is a legendary Route 66 attraction renowned for its colorful billboards and spectacular show cave tours. For decades, it has drawn travelers eager to explore its underground wonders. Today, conservation efforts—highlighted by the National Caves Association—are focused on balancing tourism with the careful preservation of the caverns’ natural beauty and historical significance. These measures help protect both the cave’s delicate ecosystem and its place in roadside history.

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16. The La Posada Hotel

The La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, stands as a beautifully restored Harvey House, seamlessly blending the lore of the railroad with Route 66 heritage. Its unique architecture and lush gardens offer guests an immersive historic experience. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, new funding is fueling further renovations and expanded public programming, ensuring La Posada’s legacy remains vibrant for current and future travelers.

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17. The Old Chain of Rocks Road

The Old Chain of Rocks Road in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the earliest surviving segments of original Route 66 pavement. Its worn surface and vintage roadside features offer a direct link to the highway’s beginnings. Thanks to historical status and advocacy by the Route 66 Association of Missouri, this stretch is carefully protected, allowing visitors to experience authentic Route 66 history firsthand.

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18. The Totem Pole Park

Totem Pole Park in Foyil, Oklahoma, is renowned for housing the world’s largest concrete totem pole—an extraordinary example of American folk art. Preservationists and local organizations are dedicated to maintaining the vibrant sculptures and enhancing visitor amenities. According to Atlas Obscura, these ongoing efforts ensure that the park’s unique artistic and cultural value continues to inspire travelers along Route 66.

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19. The Tucumcari Murals

The Tucumcari Murals in New Mexico transform the town into a vibrant outdoor gallery, depicting scenes from Route 66’s storied past. These colorful artworks celebrate local legends, classic cars, and the spirit of the open road. With support from public art programs and preservation grants, as featured by New Mexico True, Tucumcari’s murals continue to enliven and educate both residents and travelers.

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20. The Glenrio Ghost Town

Straddling the Texas and New Mexico border, Glenrio Ghost Town offers a haunting glimpse into Route 66’s golden era. Once a bustling stop for travelers, its empty buildings and faded signage now serve as a powerful time capsule. According to the Texas Historical Commission, federal and state initiatives are underway to stabilize remaining structures and provide interpretive resources, preserving Glenrio’s story for curious visitors and history enthusiasts alike.

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