The most famous road in America is full of offbeat attractions, weird photo opportunities, and cheesy tourist traps. Here’s another 10 places to “get your kicks on Route 66″. In no particular order:
In 1898, William Odor and his family built an architectural wonder. To achieve the barn’s unique round shape, green lumber was soaked in water and molded to fit the exact curve of the roof. The lower level was used for animals, and the loft was host to dances and social events. In 1988, the barn was donated to the local historical society, who restored it. Today it is a visitor’s center.
By far, one of the most recognizable structures on the route. In the 1930′s, the owners of the lot were approached by some investors and offered a custom designed building in order to cash in on the coming flood of travelers. The owner of the land grabbed a stick and drew in the dirt his idea for the building, and the U-Drop Inn was born! The U-Drop Inn functioned as a gas station and cafe and is currently being restored.
The birthplace of the corndog- the original hot dog on a stick. The Cozy Dog Drive In was founded by Ed Wildmire, father of eccentric artist Bob Wildmire, who is best known for his map murals depicting Route 66. According to their website, if you can’t make it to the Cozy Dog, for $20 they will ship you 5 pounds of Cozy Dog flour, instructions, and sticks to make delicious Cozy Dogs at home!
The long-legged cowboy has beckoned travelers off Route 66 since 1960. If you can eat all 72 ounces of a top-sirloin steak, as well as a baked potato, salad, roll, and shrimp cocktail in one hour- it’s free! According to the Big Texan’s website, 60,000 people have attempted the feat and about 8,500 have succeeded. The youngest to do it was an 11 year old boy, and the oldest was a 69 year old grandmother!
At one time, there were seven Wigwam Villages, but only three survive. For a while, the one in Rialto, San Bernardino was very run down and rented by the hour. They even had a sign that read “Do it in a Tepee”. After an extensive restoration, it is family-friendly once again. The other Wigwam Village is in Cave City, Kentucky. I have stayed there, and it was a blast from the past!
Just past Winslow, Arizona, you’ll find Meteor City- population: 2! It’s not really a city, its a souvenir stop next to a big meteor crater. The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago, resulting in the formation which is about 4,000 feet wide and 570 feet deep. The tourist stand is home to the world’s largest dream catcher, as well as the largest map of Route 66, drawn by the aforementioned Bob Wildmire.
In 1937, The El Rancho Hotel was built by the brother of movie executive, D.W. Griffith. Many movies were filmed in the area, and the El Rancho was a home away from home during shooting for stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Errol Flynn, and Kirk Douglas.
The most famous Stop-n-Go convenience store in the world! For many miles before you get close to Joseph City, the highway is dotted by iconic billboards with nothing more than the silhouette of a jackrabbit. In front of the store was another billboard with “HERE IT IS” written on it as well as a large fiberglass jackrabbit.
When I visited Chicago a few years ago, it was February and freezing cold. The line to get in to Lou’s stretched down the block. To make the wait bearable, the staff passed out donut holes and coffee to the customers. It was SO worth it! The omelets were huge and delicious, the service was friendly and at the end of the meal, the ladies get a box of Milk Duds. Sweet!
Ralph Britten constructed this water tower to lean in order to catch the eyes of the tourists who would stop and ask questions. While they were there, they’d spend money at the truck stop and restaurant nearby. Unfortunately, the restaurant burned a few years ago, but the tower remains as a great photo opportunity. As for why the tower says “Britten” instead of “Groom”, the Brittens are a large family that has lived in the area for a long time.
Contributor: Nicosia
Today I am going to make the first comment – just to remind people to be nice! If we put some of the comments from the site in the book, it will only be nice ones – so if you wanna be famous – keep things friendly
Hi
Pitstopped guns on the list, g – Depeche Mode would be high-fivin’ banana-jivin’ yo
haven’t been there before, but i’m looking forward to it
Yay 3rd! Unless someonenbeats me to it! Cool list but I dnt think u can call that jack rabbit place famous when I’ve never even heard of it but nehoo… Good list
Aww crap they did
i’m from chicagoland and spent a year living in chicago proper, but i’ve never heard of Lou Mitchell’s. am i the only one? i just googled it, is it more of a tourist thing?
How about the end of Route 66 in Claremont, CA? Surely that’s a little it notable?
I had no idea Jackrabbit was such a famous place. My family lives in Joe Town!! (Joseph city). Every year when we go to visit we all take pictures of us riding the giant jackrabbit. The Wigwam is a pretty cool place too. The rooms are tiny, but that is to be expected.
i wanna try visit them all..like a road trip or something..if Jfrat would send me to USA..hehe
I love these roads that extend for across the entire US, they’re so fun.
Thanks for a great list. Have been inspired for a pending Gap Year!
One of my goals (hopefully this summer) is to take a road trip to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ
It’s almost embarasing, yet a “badge of honor”: over the course of my 55 years and travels, I have seen or visited most of the spots on this and the previous “Route 66″ list! How amazing it is to see how the American spirit improvised in those earlier years before mass-media to attract consumers and carve a commercial niche that worked! Great stuff! I urge the uninitiated to make the pilgrimage and see how consumerist society in this country has progressed!
Tom- I covered the end of Route 66 at the Santa Monica Pier in my first Route 66 list.
jajdude- are you talking about Two Guns, Arizona?
Jamie should devote a whole chapter of the book to Jajdudes comments
Nicosia – hopefully it would come with translation.
This list will hopefully prove to be SO helpful! Me and two of my uni friends will be making the ‘pilgrimage’ from Bristol, UK to the US of A next year to ‘do’ route 66…. So thanks! I’m especially excited about Lou Mitchell’s… Thank you once again listverse
#16 Nicosia. I’ll totally second that!
Really interesting list. There are so many cool little attractions and pit stops I bet it would make for an awesome holiday photo montage! There are so many places I want to visit but I really hope I make the Route 66 dream a reality some day.
Cazzamazaaaaaz- Oh, honey! You’ll have a blast! My best friend and I met a sweet British guy in a convertable at a curio stand in Rolla. I loved his accent. Bristol? I love Derren Brown
Now this is an awesome list! Anyone else think that the Big Texan looks like Dustin Hoffman?
P.S., let me be the first to extend a hearty “***** you!” to bluto.
book, scmook…my comments are honest, opinionated, and, like myself, ‘the real deal’. i have been known to have my opinions wavered, even changed, by the intelligent banter i find here on LV. but to keep it nice just to be in a an awesome book? no can do, JFray! (however, feel free to use my name,likeness, and any of my comments over the years as you please…)
ringtailroxy
p.s. if i see just one more of these “Route 66″ lists, i swear i’m going to pack up the car, packup the dog, and go cross-country just to see how long it will take me to go from Ft. Lauderdale to California!
During the time I lived in SoCal, I used to drive by the Wigwam Village in Rialto daily on my way to work. I always thought the look was rather interesting and unique, but my bf at the time who was 1/4 Native American thought that it was “offensive”.
But I don’t want to be famous…
I think I’ve been to the Wigwam Village in Rialto when I was little. I think it was only for a short stop on my way from Riverside to somewhere else.
Good List!
I drove from California to Maryland in November and tried real hard to see some of Route 66. A lot of it’s abandoned, or in a state of disrepair. Pretty amazed that I actually saw 2 of the things on here, maybe more but I got some pictures of the Britten USA water tower (shot at 80 mph on the highway here: http://picasaweb.google.com/gtr.tone/1stTour#5269849506949211042
There are also pictures of the meteor crater in this folder, but not of the village, I just drove by that. There is also a picture of a car on Route 66 that caught my attention in the folder. Great list, thanks!!!
61-bluto
I go to that other site as well, but I don’t consider it the same as this one. This site is somewhat educational, the other is pure entertainment. I love both sites, and waste way too much time on both!
“the oldest to do it was a 69 year old grandmother!”
Hahaha.
I’ve seen a lot of Rte 66, having grown up in the Hollywood area through which Rte 66 runs, so I know that part of it, but I’ve also traveled extensively and seen many of the Western-most Rte 66 sites.
I have to say, I don’t care if they are “tourist traps” or not, they are well worth stopping at, even well worth dropping a few bucks at.
I’ve seen, from this list, the meteor crater, stayed at one of the Wigwam Villages (I was very young, so which one is lost in the mists of time), I’ve also stayed at the El Mirage.
From other lists, and probably forthcoming lists, I’ve had some wonderful times. I collect Rte 66 postcards and memorabilia (well, I collect postcards anyway and have a special section for Rte 66).
Now, I live just two blocks off Rte 1, another famous road.
Great. Now I wanna go on a road trip.
JFrater- in an effort to get published:
This list reminded me of a wonderful windy walk through a park on a sunny day. It just makes me giggle like a schoolgirl who just held hands with her beau for the first time. I’m just so full of wonderful feelings and rainbows and warm fuzzies, and I want to shout to everyone I’m happy!! I love life and I love people! I love the author of this list and I love everyone who commented! Life is wonderful!
I think I just peed.
I always find it odd when people refer to them as doughnut holes… Guess not everyone is lucky enough to have a Tim Hortons around for Timbits and Double Doubles.
Im actually in Chicago right now and might stop by Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, ill let you know how it is.
Sadly, I’ve lived in Amarillo, Tx my whole life and not once have I been to the Big Texan.
This list sixty-sucks
#s 9, 8, 6, 3 and possibly #1 were inspirations for similar things in the Pixar movie “Cars”. According to publicity, that movie has helped (in a small way) rekindle interest in Route 66.
Lists like these help, too.
Bunbunbunbun- don’t rub it in! Tim Horton’s is, in fact, the greatest place on earth. I almost went to college in Brockport for the sheer amenity of having a tim’s across the street.
Anyway, great list! Maybe you could make a series of lists about “road trips stops”, highlighting places of interest for different trips (New England, Midwest, Mexico, etc.)
BTW, I went to the El Rancho hotel website, and its rates are quite reasonable. My brother is a HUGE fan of Reagan, so I might buy him a reservation for his birthday.
I live on the other side of our planet – mayby one day when I win the lottery mmmm, I will be able to see these sites in the States.
Okay – I got what I deserved from my first post. I won’t do it again – promise
Very interesting. As a point of interest for those who don’t know, Wigwams are round structures often with thatched ‘wig’ roofs – hence the name. A lot like the pic of item 10. The cone shaped nomadic tent-like structures are the Tepees.
Lifeschool: thanks for that information – I didn’t realize the two were different.
This was a nice list, but I’m a little disapointed there wasn’t any mention of stops in Tulsa, Oklahoma because I’m from there
Lifeschool: Reminds me of the joke about the guy who goes to his therapist and says “I’m a wigwam, I’m a teepee, I’m a wigwam, I’m a teepee!” and the therapist says “You’re too tense!” (gotta say it out loud!)
i have been to the wigwam village in holbrook and the meteor crater having grown up in AZ. Wigwam village is a dump and the meteor crater is alright a little dull but one of those things that you “should” stop for if you happen to be driving by. All of the random places make for a fun road trip with friends though.
#40 JFRATER–Look, it aint rocket science, it’s just common sense. You may or may not have had something to do with yesterday’s total fiasco, but none the less, you owe the board an apology for it. Yes, things may have gotten out of hand, but it isn’t right to ask for comments, and then not like what you read.
I’ve done many of today’s Rt. 66, and I still get a rush just thinking of the wonderful times along The Mother Road.
impromptu decision-
taking a spring break. email sent to J. thread @ forums.
c u l8ter. have fun kids!
47. Cyn: Did someone close down the Political Families List? Did these infighting idiots force such a drastic move?
I’m stunned.
72 ounces of steak hey? After determining the metric equivalent I have to say that I’m suitably impressed. The only problem is that now I have an overwhelming desire to hop on a plane to the USA to make an attempt at being person 8501 to finish the meal. Just have to hope they know how to cook it properly!
the Wigwam Motel is a cool place. It’s amazing that the place is still around and still in shape. I found their website online http://www.wigwammotel.com
This is one of those things you should do before you die. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t got around to (yet).
Again you forgot Williams Arizona, gateway to the Grand Canyon and home of the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railroad (a real, operating, railroad running between Williams and the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon) and the Grand Canyon Railroad hotel.
ah darn it, Jaime stole the first comment lol
Yay my old city Rialto finally mentioned on the internet!
YouTube “Rialto City” for a music video. =D
I can’t believe that no-one’s said it, so I will -
This – List – Is – Too – American!
(Let’s see if anyone takes me seriously.)
Sad that the original western terminus of 7th and Broadway in Los Angeles did not make it. Nor the only vehicle tunnels (Figueroa Street Tunnels), first freeway portion (Arroyo Seco Parkway), or oldest still-in-use-bridge (Broadway Bridge / Buena Vista Viaduct).
Funny that I would find this on the same day that I led an 8.4 mile walking tour of 66 that included seeing all of those above locations!
True Americana of the Highway age
makes me think back, how it wasn’t that long ago
“dar is blood in that thar dirt.”
oil in dem dar hills
gold in dat dar stream
silicon in dar valley
with number 4, El Rancho Motel being a “getaway” for b/b+-list actors. dont you mean Geatway of Sin? I don’t know. something about the way you described it.
the thought of Ronnie and Monroe hooking up at El Rancho…wait a second…never mind, whats that silly movie where the make believe Marilyn and make believe Einstein, hook up at a motel one eventful night? I know it’s not at El Rancho, but my mind wanders.`
There musta been so many debaucheries ala-in the nature of Hollywood Babylon.
i dont really get what “Groom” pertains to in the number one water tower. Is it the town?
Jack Rabbit Jack Rabbit Jack RabbitJack Rabbit Jack Rabbit beef jerky?
I veered off into Meteor Crater (….saw the little cardboard cutout of the 6ft astronaut at the bottom), back in the 20th century , and have a vague recollection of the souvenir shop pictured.. My thought is how the geodesic dome(s) has made an adverse affect next to the concrete teepee(s)
I dont mean to pee in the garden, but maybe all it takes is a remedial course in achitectural and american history (at least in my course) to see the bothersome (and yet, geometrically awesome) conjoining operation at hand on the land. (between geodesic dome and teepee)
It really is rather amazing.
maybe the history of the american highway will be like the history of the native american one day.
astraya: I have “heard” you “say” that before and maybe it was more than twice or thrice. So, what’s up? Are you a commie or somethin? What gives? I know you teach english outside the U.S. but your american origin, no? what’s your gripe exactly, because if your just trying to be cute, the cute clique thang gets annoying.
Oh dear, that didn’t take long, did it?
I’m Australian, by the way.
oh, ok.
did you think you were “wispering” with
—–Let’s see if anyone takes me seriously.—–
with the
” ( ”
and the
” )”
it’s not invisible you know
diogenes- Yes, Groom is the name of the city in Texas where you would find the water tower. It should have been noted on the heading.