6-Day Route 66 Itinerary: Best Ways from Chicago to Albuquerque

6-Day Route 66 Itinerary: Chicago to New Mexico

Routes: Chicago, Illinois - St. Louis, Missouri - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Amarillo, Texas - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Durations: 6 Days

Day 1 & Day 2: Chicago, Illinois - St. Louis, Missouri

Day 3 & Day 4: St. Louis, Missouri - Oklahoma City

Day 5: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Amarillo, Texas

Day 6 Amarillo, Texas - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Day 1 & Day 2: Chicago - St. Louis (4.5 hrs)

From Chicago you head southwest and through Springfield on the way to your first destination, St. Louis. The big "must-see" in this region is the Gateway Arch, while other important sites include the Museum of Westward Expansion, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Anheuser-Busch factory tour. The city offers plenty for the whole family. Children will enjoy the local zoo and the Magic House, while family members will also want to unwind at Forest Park, home to the World's Fair almost a century ago.

Top 1: The Gateway Arch 

Must-visit in St. Louis. Took the elevator up, then watched the film of the making. Film was very interesting, the arch is a marvel. Tickets sell out early and often - advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Top 2: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis 

Architectural and design marvel. It is known for its' beautiful interior mosaics, which took nearly 80 years to create using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The Cathedral is known for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere. It’s so beautiful that you can attend mass and never hear a word being said because you’re so caught up in the pictures and stories and beautiful artwork on the ceiling. 

Top 3: Missouri Botanical Garden 

It is a nice way to spend a day with nature. Great for families or individuals. Excellent resource for relaxation and informative for anyone who like to see something besides concrete in an urban setting.

Where to Stay?

Hotels and Places to Stay in Saint Louis from $39

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Day 3 & Day 4: St. Louis - Oklahoma City (7.5 hrs)

Between St Louis and Oklahoma City you can stay on I-44 all the way and while it may not be Route 66 in name it is the Mother Road in spirit. From downtown St Louis you need to head south-east taking I-44, the Interstate that has replaced Route 66. It will take you all the way to Oklahoma City in approximately 7.5 hours - if you keep driving. But there is so much to see and do along the way you should leave yourself at least a day, if not two, to explore all Historic Route 66 has to offer. Following I-44 through Missouri takes you through Cuba, Rolla and Springfield before you hit the border with Oklahoma.

Cuba is famous for its murals, stop and enjoy them; visit the Wagon Wheel Motel, a Historical Site. Leave the town along Historic Route 66, passing through Fanning, which has the World's Second Largest Rocking Chair. 

Rolla - take a left, southward, cross I-44 and follow Co. Rd .70 through Rolla (123 miles). Visit its "Stubby Stonehenge" monument. Continue along Kingshighway, cross U.S. 63 and at the roundabout east of I-44, take Martin Springs Dr. (it is MO-7100) west. It becomes Eisenhower St. through Doolittle (130 mi.).

Springfield's nickname is "Queen City of the Ozarks" and it is known as the "Birthplace of Route 66".  Top 3 attractions in Springfield: Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

Tulsa, OK-66 runs with a westerly course, crossing I-44 and US 169 and US 75 (109 miles), entering the center of the city of Tulsa via E 10th St. Tulsa has several historic sites on the National Register: The Circle Theater, Vickery Phillips 66 Station and 11th Street Arkansas River Bridge.

Oklahoma City, discover the sights and sounds of the Old West in Stockyards City, watch horse races at Remington Park, then have dinner and see a show in historic Bricktown. Designed to duplicate an 1800s frontier town, families will love the Frontier City Theme Park where visitors see an reenactment of the gun fight at the OK corral and ride thrilling roller coasters.

Hotels in Oklahoma City as low as $35

Day 5: Oklahoma City - Amarillo (4 hrs)

Amarillo is the perfect place to get a big taste of Texas even if you only have a small amount of time. From canyons to old Cadillacs and gigantic steaks to grand scenery, the city is an Old West enthusiast's dream. For those with interests that are more modern, the city boasts a great art museum and beautiful botanical gardens. If you're traveling with kids, don't miss the thrilling rides at Wonderland Park. The whole family will be in awe of the fantastic rock formations at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Top 1: Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West

Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West is a Western Heritage attraction located on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon, in Amarillo, Texas- near historic Route 66. It's the best way to view the spectacular Pali Duro Canyon. It is very interesting to see the canyon from the other side.

Top 2: Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum 

It's a camping history museum. Traveland RV Museum lets you look inside all kinds of RV's. 

Top 3: American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum 

Great visit for Quarter Horse Lover. Nice place to unwind and visit with the family. Adults, older kids, and even little kids have a place to learn about horses, cowboys, and history and have some fun.

Amarillo hotels low to $44

Day 6: Amarillo - Albuquerque (4 hrs)

Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches.

Top 1: Sandia Peak Tramway 

Ride to new heights on North America's longest aerial tram ride. Sandia Peak Tram takes visitors 2.7 miles or 10,378 ft up the Sandia Mountains. Breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles of New Mexico.

Top 2: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Presented by Canon 

Balloon Fiesta High Time for All. Every year the Balloon Fiesta kicks off on the first Saturday of October and continues for nine days.

Top 3: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was founded in 1976 and is jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Native American Cultural Center. Very informative, lots to see and nicely laid out. 

Albuquerque Hotels and Places to Stay: low to $45.

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