You can’t road trip on Main Street of America without stopping at at least one of the many informative and fun Route 66 museums along the way.
In all eight states of The Mother Road you will find museums devoted to Route 66 itself, with exhibits, displays, artifacts, and mementos that celebrate the road while providing historical context and insights. But the extent of what you’ll find doesn’t stop there. There are local museums devoted to the town or region they reside in. There are quirky museums that highlight everything from rattlesnakes to barbed wire. to McDonald’s. There are museums that feature vintage cars and motorcycles, like the ones that might have driven the famous road in its heyday. You can even find small collections to view at some of the many visitors centers along your way.
Looking for the best Route 66 museums to add to your road trip itinerary? Use the filters below to search our museums directory by location or keyword to fill your travel plan. Whether you’re visiting just one of the eight states on The Mother Road (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California) or driving the entire journey from Chicago to Los Angeles (or vice versa), there are plenty of fun places to stop awaiting you.
Find something you like? Tap “Save to My Trip” to create your own customized Route 66 itinerary!
Search Route 66 Museums
Found 58 Results
Page 2 of 6
Must SeePrecious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri
Take a detour on your Missouri road trip to visit the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri—a unique attraction that blends artistry and faith in a way that’s hard to forget. Illustrator Samuel J. Butcher created the Precious Moments figurine empire in 1978. These cherubic, bulb-headed characters, often with a religious twist, became iconic for their tender, heartfelt designs.
Must SeeHistory Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
The History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri, is a multi-level museum dedicated to the city’s history. Its exhibits cover topics ranging from Native American heritage and the Civil War to transportation and the Wild West. A major highlight for Route 66 travelers is the Birthplace of Route 66 gallery, which explores the history and cultural impact of the highway.
Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri
The Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri, is a privately owned collection of more than 75 vehicles spanning the early 1900s through the 1990s. Open since 2016, the museum features a mix of classic cars, sports cars, and movie vehicles, including rare and award-winning models.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield, Missouri
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield, Missouri, is the original and largest location of the outdoor retail chain, drawing millions of visitors each year. What began in 1971 as a small fishing tackle setup has grown into a massive complex featuring indoor aquariums, wildlife displays, museums, and extensive shopping for outdoor gear.
Must SeeAmerican Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois
The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois pays tribute to Muffler Men and other oversized fiberglass creations that once were a mainstay of American advertising. Muffler Men roadside attractions are fiberglass giants who stand anywhere from 14 to 25 feet tall. Each has a similar build and was built between 1963 and 1972 by International Fiberglass.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield, Illinois
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield, Illinois is a gathering place for lovers of The Mother Road, car culture, and a good time. Stop in to grab a delicious bite to eat from their curated menu of American favorites, drink an ice-cold drink from the bar, listen to live music, or explore a treasure trove of Americana memorabilia.
Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, Oklahoma
Step inside the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, Oklahoma to explore a collection of Route 66 exhibits, photographs, and memorabilia from the 1920s through the present. As you journey through the collections, the story of Route 66 is told through a series of video presentations that highlight the exhibits.
Davenport Welcome Center in Davenport, Oklahoma
The Davenport Welcome Center in Davenport, Oklahoma, is a restored 1933 Texaco station with vintage features and Route 66 travel information.
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California
On the far edge of the Mojave Desert, just off old Route 66, the small community of Goffs keeps its history alive through one very special landmark: the Goffs Schoolhouse. Built in 1914, this Mission-style, one-room school served local ranching, mining, and railroad families until 1937.
Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum in Kingman, Arizona
In 2014 the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum opened inside the Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona. The 3,600-square-foot space displays a variety of vehicles on loan from the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation, whose purpose is to preserve the history of and examples of electric vehicles from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century.
