On The Road: Iconic Stops On USA's Route 66

What's that one epic cultural phenomenon that unites the animated film franchise Cars, John Steinbeck's Great Depression novel The Grapes of Wrath, trailblazing folk musician Woody Guthrie, jazz legend Nat King Cole and the video game Grand Theft Auto, with the fascination of generations over a century? It's undoubtedly Route 66. And this list is just off the top of our head.

The iconic Route 66 passes through eight US states, giving the traveller a big, fat slice of the America one sees, sings and reads about. Deserted gas stations, highway diners with neon lights, and seedy motels all out of a David Fincher movie—the Mother Road is a veritable mother lode of road-trippin' inspiration, and we're here to spoil you folks with the best of the sights you'll ever witness on a trip like this. 

Bob's Gasoline Alley, Cuba, Missouri

Everybody likes to collect something. For businessman and Route 66 enthusiast Bob Mullen, it was the old-time outdoor advertising signs and gasoline brand labels he would often see on this road. His massive gas station and 50s memorabilia collection is now housed in Bob's Gasoline Alley in Cuba, Missouri. 

The Gemini Giant, Wilmington, Illinois

This more futuristic of the long line of 'muffler men' strewn all over the USA in the 60s, now can be found at the eastern entrance to Wilmington, Illinois, on Route 66. These advertising statues made of fibreglass were designed on the lines of lumberjacks found in North American folklore. This gentleman here, however, underwent a makeover a brief while ago, when he was given a retro green jumpsuit and matching silver shoes and space-style helmet. Unlike his former axe-toting self, Gemini Man has been handed a rocket that bears the name of the diner he's supposed to be advertising.

Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch

Located in Oro Grande off the National Trails Highway, this forest of 'trees' strung with glass bottles, guns, wheel frames, exhaust fans, typewriters and sundry objects is a must-stop for anyone journeying on Route 66. The creation is the result of inventive scrap artist Elmer Long's passion and hard work. The premises also house a wishing well, and the colour and vintage kitsch make it an Instagrammer heaven.

Oatman, Arizona

The Arizona ghost town of Oatman is right out of a western and is said to have yielded USD10 million worth of gold in 1915. Don't let the adorable jackasses casually strolling around like shapeshifting sheriffs, convince you otherwise. Also, the Oatman hotel and restaurant is the very property where, in 1939, Hollywood couple Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night.

Blue Whale, Catoosa, Oklahoma

This is a blue whale challenge one would never mind taking up. One of the most iconic and recognisable pitstops, the waterfront structure was built by Tulsa zoologist and nature enthusiast Hugh Davis in 1972 as an anniversary gift for his wife and also as a happy swimming accessory for the neighbourhood children. 

Pops, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Another increasingly recognisable modern-day attraction on Route 66 that is also 66 feet high, the giant neon sign of the nearby diner is a hit on social media. The diner specialises in soda pop bottles, which are a theme for the establishment and has a stylish cantilevered roof that extends for about 100 feet over the forecourt and the parking area.

The dynamic middle-of-the-road art installation that changes every time someone spray-paints their own thing on the Cadillacs half-buried in dusty Amarillo in Texas is the brainchild of eccentric artist Stanley Marsh 3. The iconic installation was intended as an open henge-style monument to the golden age of the American automobile. If you're going down Route 66 and don't mind a little fun, pack in a spray can. But as you leave after having left your impression on the Cadillacs, don't forget to clean up after yourself