On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we continue our celebration of 100 years of Route 66 with one of our favorite interviews ever. We’re joined by Jim Hinckley, a true legend in the Route 66 world, to take us on a virtual road trip from Chicago to California. Along the way, Jim shares iconic stops, hidden gems, RV-friendly destinations, and incredible stories that bring the Mother Road to life.
Jim’s new book is called Route 66: 100 Years and it is available wherever books are sold!
photo provided by Jim Hinckley
This episode is part history lesson, part travel guide, and part inspiration for planning your own Route 66 adventure. And best of all, Jim tailored his recommendations specifically for the RV Atlas audience—with campground tips, Harvest Hosts stops, and even vintage RV history woven throughout.
If you’ve ever dreamed about driving Route 66, this is the episode that will get you moving.
To listen to our complete one hour interview with Jim please click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!
To listen to our interview with Linda Ly about her book The Route 66 Cookbook please click here.
Why Route 66 Still Matters 100 Years Later
Route 66 may have been officially decommissioned in 1985, but its legacy is stronger than ever.
This isn’t just a road—it’s the ultimate symbol of the American road trip. It tells the story of:
- Migration and opportunity
- Small businesses and entrepreneurship
- Cultural exchange and immigration
- The evolution of travel itself
As Jim explains, Route 66 is “the American story made manifest.” And that story continues to evolve—with international travelers, new attractions, and even modern innovations like EV museums popping up along the route.
100 Years of Route 66 in Illinois: Where the Journey Begins
Pontiac, Illinois
Pontiac is a perfect example of how Route 66 has helped revitalize small-town America. Once struggling economically, the town leaned into its Route 66 identity and transformed itself into a vibrant destination.
Highlights include:
- The Route 66 Museum (featuring Bob Waldmire’s iconic bus)
- The Pontiac Oakland Museum
- Walking tours through a beautifully preserved historic district
This is a place where past and present blend seamlessly—and where Route 66 feels very much alive.
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield offers a rich mix of Route 66 nostalgia and American history.
Key stops include:
- Abraham Lincoln’s home and neighborhood
- The Route 66 Experience, an immersive walking exhibit with recreated neon signs
- A brand-new Route 66 boat tour launching this year
It’s a great early stop that combines education, storytelling, and classic road trip vibes.
100 Years of Route 66 in Missouri: History, Food, and Roadside Legends
photo by Jim Hinckley
Meramec Caverns
A classic Route 66 attraction, Meramec Caverns blends natural beauty with storytelling—including a long-standing connection to Jesse James.
There’s also an on-site campground, making it an easy and memorable RV stop.
Cuba, Missouri
Often called “Missouri’s Route 66 Mural City,” Cuba is packed with charm:
- Historic motels like the Wagon Wheel
- Beautiful murals throughout town
- Local restaurants and museums
It’s a quintessential small-town Route 66 experience.
National Museum of Transportation (St. Louis area)
This massive museum covers planes, trains, and automobiles—and even includes vintage RV exhibits.
You could easily spend an entire day here exploring the evolution of transportation in America.
100 Years of Route 66 in Kansas: A Short Stretch Packed with History
Though Route 66 only runs about 13 miles through Kansas, it’s packed with fascinating stops.
Highlights include:
- The historic Riverton General Store
- The Brush Creek Marsh Arch Bridge
- Baxter Springs and its Civil War history
It’s a quick drive—but one worth savoring.
100 Years of Route 66 in Oklahoma: A Route 66 Powerhouse
Oklahoma is one of the most dynamic states along Route 66, with a strong preservation culture and tons to see.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton)
An immersive experience that lets you “travel through time” along Route 66.
National Route 66 Museum (Elk City)
Part of a larger complex that includes farm, ranch, and rodeo exhibits—making it a full destination stop.
AAA Route 66 Road Fest (Tulsa)
An annual indoor event featuring:
- Classic cars
- Vintage RV displays
- Interactive exhibits
A great option for RVers looking to experience Route 66 culture in one place.
100 Years of Route 66 in Texas: Big History in a Small Stretch
Route 66’s Texas section is short—but packed with memorable stops.
U-Drop Inn (Shamrock)
A beautifully restored Art Deco gas station featured in Cars, now serving as a visitor center with EV charging and a café.
Devil’s Rope Museum (McLean)
A surprisingly fascinating museum dedicated to barbed wire and Route 66 history.
Midpoint Café (Adrian)
The official midpoint of Route 66—and home to famous “ugly crust pie.”
100 Years of Route 66 in New Mexico: Culture, Landscapes, and RV History
Pecos National Historical Park
A stunning site that showcases Native American history, Spanish missions, and early trade networks.
Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post
One of the most RV-friendly stops on Route 66:
- Vintage Airstream display
- On-site RV camping
- Trading post and museum
This is a must-stop for RV enthusiasts.
Richardson Trading Company (Gallup)
An authentic Native American trading post that has been operating for over a century.
100 Years of Route 66 in Arizona: Classic Route 66 Nostalgia
photo by Jim Hinckley
Jack Rabbit Trading Post
Famous for its iconic roadside signs and vintage charm, this stop embodies classic Route 66 marketing and nostalgia.
Painted Desert & Petrified Forest National Park
The only national park directly intersected by Route 66—and one of the most visually stunning sections of the entire journey.
Kingman’s “Tin Can Alley”
A creative redevelopment project featuring:
- Restored vintage buildings
- Repurposed Airstream trailers
- Airbnb accommodations
It’s a glimpse of Route 66’s future.
100 Years of Route 66 in California: Desert Landscapes and Hidden History
Mojave Desert Heritage Center
A Harvest Hosts location and museum that offers a perfect basecamp for exploring the desert.
Daggett
A near-ghost town filled with fascinating history, including connections to Wyatt Earp and early railroads.
Ludlow Café
A classic roadside stop known for its pie—and a reminder of the many towns that once thrived along Route 66.
Planning a Route 66 RV Trip
Route 66 is not a single continuous road anymore—it’s a network of historic alignments, detours, and evolving routes.
Jim’s advice:
- Do some planning, but don’t over-plan
- Use trusted tools like the EZ66 Guide or Route 66 navigation apps
- Be flexible and open to discovery
For RVers, the journey can be even more rewarding, with access to:
- Campgrounds
- Harvest Hosts locations
- Unique overnight stays
Final Thoughts
Route 66 isn’t just a road—it’s an experience that captures the spirit of American travel like nothing else.
From small-town diners and neon-lit motels to historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, every mile tells a story.
And in this 100th anniversary year, there’s never been a better time to start planning your own journey down the Mother Road.
We’ll see you at the campground.
