Route 66 Monument
Iconic Route 66 monuments offer a nostalgic glimpse into America's classic road trip era, with historic sites and vibrant roadside attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Route 66 Monument
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Route 66 monuments offer a nostalgic glimpse into America's classic road trip era, with historic sites and vibrant roadside attractions.
"It was cool to finally check off a small part of a boyhood dream; to drive the historic Route 66."
📸 Snap from Your Car
Easily capture the monument from your car window while driving east on Route 66. Plenty of parking available if you want to get out!
🚗 Drive the Original Road
Prioritize driving on original Route 66 segments to truly experience the Mother Road's historic charm.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 313 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Route 66 Monument
Various locations along Route 66
A must-see landmark for any Route 66 traveler, offering a perfect photo opportunity with the classic '66' signage.
Threatt Filling Station
Arizona
Historic African American-owned station, a vital stop for travelers during segregation, now a monument to resilience.
Tucumcari's Neon & Murals
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Immerse yourself in classic Route 66 nostalgia with vibrant neon signs, historic motels, and captivating murals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Route 66 Monument Visit
Accessing Route 66 Monument Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap from Your Car
Easily capture the monument from your car window while driving east on Route 66. Plenty of parking available if you want to get out!
🚗 Drive the Original Road
Prioritize driving on original Route 66 segments to truly experience the Mother Road's historic charm.
Need tips from Route 66 veterans
I unfortunately do not have unlimited time to do the full route 66 as close to the original as possible. I need to be on the highway as much as I can to make up some time. However I still do not want to miss out on gems on the route. Do you all have a recommendation of you…
💡 Seek Out Historic Gems
Don't miss unique spots like the Threatt Filling Station, a significant historical landmark on Route 66.
✨ Embrace Neon Nights
Tucumcari is a prime spot for classic Route 66 neon signs and vibrant murals, especially beautiful at night.
Driving route 66 in Sept-Oct 2025
Hi everyone, I’ll probably be driving Route 66 next summer/autumn. I’m figuring out in which cities I’ll stop to spend the nights. Does anyone have some recommendations on top of the places I’m currently considering? Also if there’s a place that’s not worth it, let me know!…
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap from Your Car
Easily capture the monument from your car window while driving east on Route 66. Plenty of parking available if you want to get out!
🚗 Drive the Original Road
Prioritize driving on original Route 66 segments to truly experience the Mother Road's historic charm.
💡 Seek Out Historic Gems
Don't miss unique spots like the Threatt Filling Station, a significant historical landmark on Route 66.
✨ Embrace Neon Nights
Tucumcari is a prime spot for classic Route 66 neon signs and vibrant murals, especially beautiful at night.
🗺️ Plan Your Route Wisely
If time is limited, research key original segments and attractions to maximize your Route 66 experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Route 66 Monument a fulfilling stop for fulfilling a lifelong dream of driving the historic highway. The easy access and photo opportunities are frequently praised, with many appreciating the chance to capture memorable shots from their car or by parking nearby. The surrounding areas, like Tucumcari, are highlighted for their abundance of Route 66 memorabilia and vibrant atmosphere.
"It was cool to finally check off a small part of a boyhood dream; to drive the historic Route 66."
Phillip Skye
"Easy to find, plenty of parking if you want to get out of the car, or easy to get pictures traveling east on 66 from the car window. I walked to it to get this night picture with the moon behind in clouds."
Daniel Weatherly
"Easy access off route 66. Huge monument with 66 sits on top. Can be seen off the mother road or parking lot to get out and take pictures. There is a plaque near by, New Mexico honoring women as an historic marker."
Michelle M Tucker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Route 66 Monument is conveniently located directly next to old Route 66. Many monuments are easily visible from the road, with parking available nearby for closer inspection.
Driving on Route 66 can be a mix of original alignments and modern highways. For the most authentic experience, research specific segments and use GPS or maps that highlight historic routes.
Tucumcari, New Mexico, is highly recommended for its abundance of Route 66 memorabilia, neon signs, and murals. Other notable towns include Oatman, Arizona, and various stops in Illinois and Oklahoma.
Driving the entire Route 66 is a significant undertaking, often taking two weeks or more. Many travelers opt to drive specific, well-preserved sections to experience its essence.
Yes, several apps and online guides are available to help you navigate historic Route 66, highlighting original alignments and points of interest. Searching for 'Route 66 GPS' or 'historic Route 66 app' will yield results.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most Route 66 monuments are public landmarks and do not require tickets for viewing or photography. Access is generally free.
While monuments are accessible anytime, museums and historic sites like the Threatt Filling Station may have specific operating hours. It's best to check in advance.
The Threatt Filling Station is a historic site and monument. While access to the grounds is generally free, any associated museum or tours might have a fee.
Yes, many Route 66 monuments, especially those with prominent signage, can be viewed and photographed at night. The neon lights in towns like Tucumcari are particularly striking after dark.
Occasionally, Route 66 monuments host dedication ceremonies or community events. For instance, the Route 66 Centennial Monument was celebrated with a dedication ceremony.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
You can easily get great shots from your car window while driving east on Route 66, or park nearby to get closer. Consider the moon for a unique night shot!
Tucumcari is a photographer's dream with its classic motels, neon signs, and vibrant murals. Weekday visits in the non-peak season offer a more relaxed photographic experience.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide softer, more flattering light for photographing Route 66 landmarks and landscapes.
Photography policies may vary for any museum or interior exhibits at the Threatt Filling Station. It's advisable to check on-site or their official channels for guidelines.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide landscapes and detailed roadside attractions. A tripod can be useful for night shots of neon signs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit