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.
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DECOPOLIS Discovitorium in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Decopolis Discovitorium and TulsaRama Town Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a quirky stop that blends history, fantasy, and a bit of local flair into one unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of Tulsa, it’s a spot where you can browse for unique gifts while wandering through lively dioramas and themed rooms.
Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona
The Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona is housed in a historic building that was constructed in two phases between 1907 and 1911. Known as the Desert Power & Water Company Electric Power Plant, it powered Kingman and the surrounding mines from July 1909 until 1938.
Must SeeConoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock, Texas
The Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock, Texas, was built in 1936 at the intersection of U.S. Route 66 and Highway 83. Often called the “Taj Mahal of Texas,” the art deco building is constructed from concrete, stucco, glazed brick, and green and gold terra-cotta tiles.
Gallup Cultural Center (George Galanis Multicultural Center) in Gallup, New Mexico
Housed in the historic Santa Fe Depot, the Gallup Cultural Center in Gallup, New Mexico offers programming, exhibits, and arts that celebrate Gallup's history and the neighboring Native American cultures. The Gallup Cultural Center is housed in a two-story, stucco building that originally served as the local headquarters for the Santa Fe Railway.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico is a world-class museum and cultural center that is dedicated to preserving and displaying Pueblo history and culture. The non-profit institution opened in August 1976 with the mission “to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture and to advance understanding by presenting with dignity and respect.
Needles Regional Museum in Needles, California
The Needles Regional Museum, also known as the Anul Cuwal Santa Isabel Needles Regional Museum, sits inside a former 1948 J.C. Penney store. The museum stands along the pre-1930 alignment of U.S. Route 66 across the street from the historic El Garces Harvey House.
Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Located in Old Town, Albuquerque, the Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop celebrates all things serpentes. The Albuquerque museum’s mission is to correct common reptilian misconceptions and, with around 34 different varieties of live rattlesnakes, it is home to the world’s largest collection of different species.
Bristow Historical Museum & Train Depot in Bristow, Oklahoma
The historic Bristow Historical Museum & Train Depot in Bristow, Oklahoma is housed in a 1923 FRISCO Train Depot. This museum and visitor’s center gives patrons a glimpse into the town’s history. The Bristow Historical Museum & Train Depot is located in the historic Bristow train depot (previously known as the Frisco Train Depot), constructed in 1923.
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma features vintage cars, a Model T driving experience, and the towering world’s tallest gas pump.
Must SeeArizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona
The Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona opened inside the Powerhouse Visitor Center in September 2001. Through a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits it “depicts the historical evolution of travel along the 35th parallel that became Route 66.” Find vintage artifacts, dioramas, murals, photographs, and more that take you on a journey.
