Vintage Postcard of Oatman's Route 66 (1940)Arizona Preservation Foundation
Route 66 is more than just an interstate
It’s nostalgia, famous for the neon signs, the trading posts, and the music. A trip on Route 66 is a trip fueled by the romance of a bygone era.
Journey down Arizona’s stretch of Route 66, and see sights like these, where glowing neon, vintage motels, and quirky roadside attractions capture the timeless spirit of America’s most iconic highway.
It's living history
Route 66 takes travelers through the stories of the Wild West, the migrations during the Great Depression, the rebuilding and the fabulous fifties, the boom towns, and the people who survived against all odds.
On Arizona’s Route 66, the story of America unfolds in desert landscapes, historic landmarks, and classic roadside stops that trace the state’s rich role in the nation’s past. The history of the highway here includes presidents, architects, and westward migrants.
Vintage Postcards (1944)Arizona Preservation Foundation
It's Americana personified
Touring Route 66 means cutting through the desert and taking it easy, seeing the best of the country with your wheels on the ground.
Arizona’s open roads, neon lights, and small-town charm embody the spirit of classic Americana and the golden age of the American road trip.
Human Erosion in California (Migrant Mother) (March 1936) by Dorothea LangeThe J. Paul Getty Museum
It’s the Migrant Road
During the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s, severe drought and economic hardship forced thousands of families to head west on Route 66 – from Illinois to California –in search of work, stability, and a new beginning.
Two men standing by side of road in snow--U.S. 66 between Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona (1955) by Robert FrankNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
The Mother Road
Route 66 earned the moniker "The Mother Road" after John Steinbeck used the term in "The Grapes of Wrath," describing the highway as a lifeline for Dust Bowl migrants. Route 66 came to symbolize nourishment, connection, and resilience, guiding generations through times of change.
Will Rogers Background, Oklahoma (1947-10) by Frank ScherschelLIFE Photo Collection
The Will Rogers Highway
In 1952, Route 66 was designated the "Will Rogers Highway," honoring the beloved American humorist, actor, and social commentator. Known for his wit and deep connection to the American people, Rogers embodied the spirit of the open road, making the dedication a tribute.
Winslow StreetsArizona Preservation Foundation
America's Main Street
Route 66 later became known as "America’s Main Street" because it connected small towns and big cities across eight states, weaving through the heart of the country. More than just a highway, it represented mobility, progress, and everyday American life during the 20th century.
Nat "King" Cole (1961) by Fred BakerSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
A place to get your kicks
The phrase first appeared in the King Cole Trio's 1946 hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." The catchy lyric captured the highway’s reputation as a lively, adventurous route full of quirky attractions, scenic landscapes, and the spirit of freedom.
Listen to a performance of the song here.
The miles of Arizona asphalt have witnessed it all, from Native American trails and Will Rogers’ travels to wartime convoys, Dust Bowl migrants, and the golden age of family road trips along Route 66.
Historic Route 66Arizona Preservation Foundation
It's iconic
This old highway is known internationally, and for good reason. Can you name any other road that symbolizes so much?
These postcards capture the spirit of Arizona’s Route 66: an icon of freedom, nostalgia, and discovery. A trip down this highway is a journey through history and the enduring heart of the American road.
Arizona Road Trips: Route 66 - Ep. 2Arizona Preservation Foundation
Route 66 is more than an interstate
It’s an idea, a symbol of the American spirit, a window to another time kept running by the people who refused to let it die. And there’s no state that encapsulates the essence of Route 66 more than Arizona.
Nowhere does Route 66 shine brighter than in Arizona, where desert skies meet timeless towns, neon memories linger in the dust, and every mile hums with the spirit of discovery and the promise of the open road. From the stargazing legacy of Lowell Observatory to Seligman’s nostalgic charm, this is where history, science, and Americana shine brightest.
This is the Grand Canyon State
Route 66 crosses Arizona’s stunning deserts and mountain towns, linking classic diners and neon motels with natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. Here you'll find rich history, vibrant culture, and endless Southwestern adventure. Explore the best of Arizona's Route 66 on our site.
Written by Reese Finnigan. Images sources by Brook Crowell and Reese Finnigan.
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