Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with 15 Must-See Roadside Attractions When Driving I-40 Coast-to-Coast

Road trips are woven into the fabric of America’s history and directly tied to the creation of roadside attractions from the unusual to the breathtaking. 

At 2,559 miles, I-40 is one of the longest and most popular interstates in the country and connects the East and West coasts. I-40's history is also connected to the legendary Route 66, the one time mecca of roadside attractions that turns 100 in 2026.

With centennial celebrations planned across the country (more on that below), its the perfect time to hit the road and appreciate Route 66's unique history. We traveled coast-to-coast on I-40 and compiled our 15 must-see roadside attractions and scenic sights for quirky entertainment, breathtaking beauty and a lifetime of memories. 

I-40/Route 66 And Roadside Attractions: A Little History

Before we get to the list, here’s a little background on why I-40 and the decommissioned Route 66 offer some of the country’s best roadside attractions.

Route 66, a.k.a, the “Mother Road,” was part of the country’s first federal highway system, which combined local, state and national roads into a single system, according to National Park Service (NPS) information.

Route 66 was the first completely paved highway in the country and the longest stretching over 2,400 miles, providing the fastest and most scenic drive from Chicago, Ill., to Santa Monica, Calif. 

Travelers along the hugely popular Route 66 needed places to eat and stay along their journey hence the birth of roadside attractions to lure customers into mom and pop businesses. Wacky and unique marketing ploys started popping up all along Route 66 and other well-travelled routes. Business boomed! And, trouble followed.

These busy, two-lane highways were unsafe and problematic. Eventually they were replaced by the multi-lane interstate system we enjoy today. The interstates were faster, safer and more direct. This is where the history of I-40 and Route 66 converge.

I-40 replaced Route 66 in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The work to replace Route 66 with I-40 and other interstates took place incrementally over several decades. I-40 bypassed the last section of Route 66 in 1985 in Williams, Ariz.

When driving through those five states today it’s common for I-40 to either run parallel to old sections of Route 66 or literally right on top of its former path. This is true for Route 66's entire Illinois-California path, which is still largely driveable.

Once the interstates bypassed small towns along the early highways, the businesses dried up. Buildings, restaurants and attractions that were once neon shining beacons for travelers sat dormant and deteriorated.

Thankfully, preservation-minded folks took action. Route 66 helped usher in a time of prosperity and adventure in America. For this reason, its legacy is important and endures. Now, there are designations to preserve this unique transportation history, such as the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program by the NPS. There is also the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, which works to promote and revitalize communities along the former road. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has a nice overview on the road's history and preservation efforts.

Not all roadside attractions were savable, but the ones that remain are kitschy, unexpected and even informative delights. Spectacular historic attractions and those courtesy of Mother Nature are also part of the amazing sites along the historic Mother Road.

15 Must-See Roadside Attractions Along (and Near) I-40 and the Former Route 66

1. Shell-Shaped Service Station, Winston-Salem, N.C.

In the 1930s, Quality Oil Company of Winston-Salem, N.C., built a total of eight gas stations across the city, all mimicking the Shell logo, according to information from the city. Only one of these stations still stands today. 

The patented design was made using concrete and is approximately 18’ feet high. The building was restored by Preservation North Carolina in the 1990s and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places for its significance to advertising and transportation history. Today, the station is privately owned. Visit here for more on the station's history.

2. Biltmore House, Asheville, NC

Nothing kitschy about this Gilded Age masterpiece, but definitely an attraction! Known as America’s Largest Home®, the Biltmore, is all about grandeur and luxury. Biltmore was the vision of the uber wealthy George Washington Vanderbilt, the grandson of industrialist Cornelius “The Commodore” Vanderbilt.

The 250-room home was designed in the French Renaissance style and took six years to build, finally opening as the family’s country retreat in 1895. Today, the magnificent Biltmore House is still privately-owned by family descents. It’s open for touring year-round.

Spread over 8,000 acres within the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore Estate includes the mansion, extensive gardens, a winery, shopping, exhibit spaces, a restaurant and an inn. Festivals and events are hosted at the estate throughout the year. The evening Christmas tours are especially beautiful and popular. 

3. Parthenon, Nashville, TN

When you think about ancient Greece, certainly Nashville, Tenn., comes to mind, right? No, but maybe it should because right in the middle of a lovely city park is the world’s only exact-size replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

Thanks to its many fine institutions of higher learning, Nashville once enjoyed the nickname “Athens of the South.” So, when the city was celebrating its 100th year of statehood in 1897, it decided to embrace the moniker and build a temporary structure dedicated to fine art and education that was identical to the ancient structure, even in size. 

The city loved its Parthenon and couldn’t bear the idea of tearing it down once the celebration was over, according to the destination's online information. A permanent structure followed and was finished in the 1930s.

Today, the Parthenon is home to art galleries and arts-related programming. It’s also a centerpiece of Centennial Park. With 132 acres of green space, the park is a popular site for city events. It also features a walking path, a lake, gardens and monuments.

4. Graceland, Memphis, TN

See where and how the King of Rock n’ Roll lived! Elvis’ home, Graceland, is open for tours and part of a larger entertainment complex featuring museum-quality, curated exhibits. 

The entire experience not only sheds light into Elvis’ life, but also provides a snapshot into American pop culture during his lifetime. In fact, Graceland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 because it possessed "national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.”

From film and music to fashion and transportation, Graceland is a fun and fascinating time capsule. It's a few miles off of 1-40, but worth the detour.

5. Music Pathways & Highway, TN

The section of I-40 in Tennessee between Nashville and Memphis is designated the “Music Highway” with the intention of highlighting the significant contributions of these two music cities.

In addition to Graceland, Music Highway attractions include Beale Street and Sun Records in Memphis and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Also along I-40, and through all of state's 95 counties, are markers for the Tennessee Music Pathways program, which celebrates the state's music heritage by spotlighting influential and significant musicians, events and locations.

According to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, "more songs are written, recorded, and played live (in Tennessee) than anywhere else in the world." Plus, seven genres of music, including blues, R&B, country and pop, were born and refined in Tennessee.

For more information, including marker locations, visit here.

6. Charles B. Hall Airpark, Oklahoma City, OK

The Hall Airpark features a collection of planes tied to the history of Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Okla. Located just outside the base entrance, the park is free and open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Paved paths wind through the park, which includes informative historical markers and signage.

The park’s namesake was a highly decorated pilot and Tuskegee Airman. In addition to the planes, the park’s military history includes the development of the base, the Tuskegee Airman and the contribution of women during wartime. There is also a small POW/MIA memorial.

The park is rich in history and features a variety of planes such as a F-105D "Thunderchief" and a B-52 "Stratofortress"  It’s also an easy, quick stop (you can tour the whole thing in 20-30 minutes). Its location is convenient, too, right next to I-40 and near a nice commercial area with food and shopping options. Parking and restrooms on site. 

7. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

In an open, bare field near the interstate in Amarillo, Tx., is Cadillac Ranch. Truly one of the country’s most unusual public art installations, which has morphed into an interactive piece, as well.

The ranch features a line of 10 Cadillac sedans nose first in the ground at an angle. The display was created in 1974 by a group of artists called "The Ant Farm" under the support of Stanley Marsh III, a local eccentric millionaire and artist. 

Visitors to the ranch often come with spray paint in hand, so they can leave their mark on the cars, albeit temporary because of the ritual’s popularity. The resulting thick layers of colorful graffiti cover every inch of the sedans. Check out what's happening at the ranch on its Facebook page.

8. Tex Randall, Canyon, TX

Just 20 minutes south of I-40 in Canyon, Tx., is a real special guy, Tex Randall. Standing 47 feet tall, good ole’ Tex leans on his knee as if to say, “howdy,” to the drivers along another highway (Route 60). 

Tex, built in 1959 to promote Wheeler’s Western Store, is one of the most recognized landmarks in the Texas panhandle. The original steel, concrete and wire mesh structure took a beating in the weather and was also damaged by a truck, so the Canyon Main Street Program restored Tex in 2016. He now proudly maintains his post along the highway with his own little park.

Visit here to learn more about Tex Randall’s history.

9. Historic Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, N.M., is about an hour north of I-40, which is a little far to be in this list except for the fact Route 66 originally went through the city’s downtown on what was called the Santa Fe Trail. 

The city’s time on Route 66 predates the big roadside attraction boom, but Santa Fe's historic downtown is just too special to leave off the list considering its incredible architecture, outdoor markets, history and natural beauty. 

The downtown’s history stretches over 400 years and features beautiful Pueblo-Spanish architecture. Historic plazas and courtyards lined with art galleries, restaurants and retail shops featuring local makers and designers. 

Several must-sees include the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is home to the oldest statue of the Virgin Mary in the U.S. The neighboring historic La Fonda on The Plaza Hotel with its stunning main dinning room and collection of Native American art is also worthy of a visit. 

One of the more unusual attractions in downtown Santa Fe is found in a plaza along East Avenue. Its the former secret office where workers for the uber top secret Manhattan Project during WWII were required to check in before traveling on to Los Alamos.

This history is denoted by a marker. Step inside the Rainbow Man store next door and they can tell you even more about it since the store's back room was the former check-in office.

Art lovers will appreciate the abundance of galleries and museums in Santa Fe, particularly the one dedicated to Georgia O’Keeffe’s work.

Santa Fe is known for its beautiful sunsets, so pick among the downtown restaurants with a rooftop for enjoying the Mother Nature’s nightly show. Popular choices include the Bell Tower at the La Fonda, Coyote Cantina and Thunderbirds Bar & Grill.

10. Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Petrified Forest National Park is 200,000 acres filled with amazing natural beauty, including the muted-colored hills and valleys of eroding rock in the Painted Desert. 

The park’s north entrance is located right off I-40/Route 66 almost halfway between the Arizona towns of Chambers and Holbrook. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, the park is the perfect roadside attraction stop offering incredible scenic views and an abundance of history.

With a small fee, you can enter the park and drive a short loop (a couple of miles) through the Painted Desert. There are overlook areas with parking along the way. 

Another attraction on the loop is the Painted Desert Inn, which dates back to the 1920s with a restaurant and lodging for weary travelers. Today the historic inn is restored and open for exploring or buying a souvenir. Want to cool off? Enjoy an ice cream cone from the store on the lower level. 

Also along the loop is a small monument to Route 66 since this section of I-40 literally runs on top of the historic road.

Once you reach the end of the loop you can double back to resume on I-40 or continue on and explore some of the Petrified Forest. A short 10 minute drive away is Newspaper Rock.

This archeological site features over 600 rock carvings known as petroglyphs. The carvings were made by ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area between 650 and 2,000 years ago, according to the NPS.

Visit here for a helpful interactive map of the park.

Entrance into the park comes with a small fee, but it's free to stop and take a break at the Painted Desert Community Center. The center has restrooms, picnic areas, gift shop,a cafe, and gas station. Side note for fans of the midcentury movement, famed modernist architect Richard Neutra was part of the team behind the visitor center's design.

If your road trip will include several national parks or any of the more than 2,000 federal recreation areas in the U.S., its worth buying an "America the Beautiful" pass. Pricing for the pass varies depending on your age and military status. For more information on the program, visit here.

11. Meteor Crater, Winslow, AZ

The best preserved impact site in the world is located on the outskirts of Winslow, Ariz. The creator was created 50,000 years ago when a meteorite hit the Earth. Today, you can see and learn all about the impact site at Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum.

At a mile wide and as deep as the Washington Monument is tall, the crater is an amazing sight to behold. In addition to seeing the actual crater, the museum is filled with related exhibits, including an overview of how NASA used the site to train astronauts.

12. The Town of Williams, AZ

How about an entire town that’s a roadside attraction? Look no further than Williams, Ariz.!

Route 66 was literally the main street of downtown Williams and the town has fully embraced this past and the roadside attraction tradition.

When the sun sets, the neon comes on, transforming the town to its yesteryear glory. Get a burger and milkshake at Cruiser's Cafe 66, find a souvenir among the many shops, and watch a comedy cowboy show performed nightly in the main intersection. 

In the camp of unusual roadside experiences is the Poozeum in the heart of Williams. Yes, you read that right - a museum of poo. It’s not really what you think, though. This tiny attraction is actually dedicated to the very real study of fossilized dinosaur poop, called coprolites.

Coprolites are able to reveal facts about dinosaurs, such as diet, behavior and the environment. The museum, which is free, boasts the largest certified coprolite collection in the world, often loaning its exhibits to science museums.

In addition to its Route 66 history, Williams was also a railroad town. Located just an hour south of the Grand Canyon, this history is kept alive with train rides to and from this amazing natural wonder. 

13. Los Angeles, CA

Okay, so this is really a whole destination rather than a single attraction because Route 66 rolled through Los Angeles all the way to the Santa Monica. Along the way, it travelled through two communities known around the world - Beverly Hills and Hollywood.

The city of Beverly Hills in an effort to promote its own tourism placed historic Route 66 signage along its sections of the Mother Road, according to the city's official information. The signage mirrors the city's shield-shaped logo. Click here for historical background, to see the signage design and Route 66's path.

Other sections of Route 66 along Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard are denoted with beige historical markers.

The amount of attractions and sights near or along Route 66's historic path through LA are so numerous they warrant their own blog post. And, some are obvious choices, such as the Walk of Fame sidewalk that honors members of the entertainment industry. The Walk of Fame runs along numerous streets including Sunset Boulevard, which had a section on Route 66's path.

The equally famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre, known for movie premiers, events and a collection of celebrity foot and hand prints immortalized in concrete stands right on Route 66's path. Theater is now called the TCL Chinese Theatre.

In Beverly Hills, there is, of course, Rodeo Drive, lined with high end stores like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Stroll along the drive and check out the beautiful window displays and incredible luxury cars that cruise slowly by.

Be sure to a take a selfie next to famous orange horse statue constructed of prisms by artist Richard Orlinski. This area is busy, but parking is fairly easy - lots of garages.

In the tradition of Route 66's unusual roadside attractions is Hollywood Forever cemetery. Located on Route 66's orginial path through L.A., this cemetery is the final resting place of major stars from yesterday and today. Hollywood Forever is also frequently used for funernal scenes in television shows and movies.

The cemetery office will even give you a map to find celebrity graves. At first thought, this all seems creepy until you realize these famous folk knew exactly how the cemetery operates. They want their fans to come and visit their final resting place. And, some of the gravesites are sites to see!

So, who's there? Judy Garland is and fans leave red slippers, rainbows and other Wizard of Oz related items at her mausoleum. Across the grounds is a gravesite in honor of Toto.

The grave of actor Burt Reynolds' includes a bust of him, which overlooks the cemetery's pond and fountain. Rocker Johnny Ramone of the band Ramones is immortalized in statue playing his guitar.

The list of Hollywood notables buried there is long! But, the cemetery is also for the non-famous, as well. As with any final resting place, certain rules and decorum are expected to be followed.

Around the corner from Hollywood Cemetery and just over a mile from Route 66 is Paramount Pictures, which offers a wonderful studio tour. Tours includes exploring large street scene backlots and walking through sets for current television shows, such as "Matlock" with Kathy Bates.

Areas across the studio were, and still are, used in productions. One of these includes, Lucy Park, named for Lucille Ball (her office for Desilu Studios, which she co-owned with her then husband, Desi Arnez, was on the park).

During the tour you'll also see the famous "Forrest Gump" bench and numerous other props and memorabilia, especially from its popular franchises.

The best part of the tour, however, are the entertaining histories and facts shared by the guides. Paramount has a 100-year history, so there's plenty to see and learn.

14 & 15 End Points, Wilmington, NC & Santa Monica, CA

If truly driving coast to coast between NC and CA, then be sure to add the ending points to your attraction list. 

I-40 stretches between Wilmington, N.C. to Barstow, Calif., but the original Route 66 went all the way to Santa Monica on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica honors this historic distinction with special markers and related sites along the route. For a great summary, check out this list by the city's travel and tourism arm.

In my opinion, the best marker to visit is the sign in the middle of the Santa Monica Pier. Surrounded by carnival rides and games, this marker is by far the best selfie spot with a Route 66 marker.

There is also an official End of the Trail" sign just up the street next to the visitor center. It's up against the building, so its doesn't make for a great picture.

Additionally, stop by a Visitor Information Center and pick up a special Route 66 commemorative certificate for traveling the route's path. For center locations, visit here.

The Atlantic coast town of Wilmington, N.C., doesn’t have a specific marker like Santa Monica, but it does have a sign noting the mileage (2,554 miles) to reach Barstow.

Once I-40 was completed the end point cities both noted the distance between them on green milage signs. The Raleigh News & Observer has a well-done article about the N.C. sign's rocky history, including its theft several times.

If looking for an attraction in Wilmington, visit Battleship North Carolina, a.k.a. BB55 (a naming classification meaning its the 55th battleship built by the U.S. Navy). BB55, the most highly decorated World War II American battleship, is permanently moored in the Cape Fear River adjacent to downtown Wilmington. 

The restored battleship is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and open daily for guided or self-guided touring. 

Another interesting attraction just a few miles from 1-40 are Venus fly traps growing in the wild at the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in the Wilmington suburbs. 

This is notable because these “meat eaters” only grow naturally in a 75- to-100 mile region surrounding the city and nowhere else in the world. The park’s natural vegetation is beautiful and a great spot for nature photography.

Informational signs explain about Venus fly traps and the unique habitat they require to thrive. It’s a short walk from the parking lot along a paved path to an open area where the Venus fly traps grow. 

Centennial Events and Resources

Centennial celebrations are planned throughout 2026 beginning with the national kick-off on April 30 with a multi-day event featuring concerts, a classic car show and more in Springfield, Mo., "The Birthplace of Route 66." Don't be confused, yes, Route 66 starts in Chicago, but its catchy name was born in Springfield. For more on that history, check out this story by Springfield's history museum.

Other special events and features honoring the centennial include:

AAA Route 66 Road Fest – June 27-28, Tulsa, Okla. Classic cars and unusual RVs; interactive exhibits; vendors from across the country; and mainstage shows, concerts and special guest speakers. Family activities include a virtual reality areana and a custom-built miniture golf course highlighting famous Route 66 roadside attractions, such as giant the Blue Whale found in Catoosa, Okla.

Route 66: The Main Street of America – Feature length documentary film by John Pagett premiering on Sept. 3 in Chicago and then rolling on to more than 40 screenings in cities along Route 66 until its final Los Angelos show in November. Pagett is an award-winning filmaker who has traveled the length of Route 66 dozens of times to produce two prior films heralded by Route 66 fans and historians.

Route 66 Rewind – Google Arts & Culture in partnership with the National Trust for Historical Preservation has created a virual roadtrip expereince. "Drive" the length of the Mother Road behind the wheel of a classic car and visit notable sites as they are now and recreated with the use of AI. Plus, historical background about these sites and how Route 66 helped shape the nation.

P66 Rallye – First ever, travelling Porsche-focused rally and public festival visiting cities and towns along Route 66 from Oct. 10-23. Each day begins with a Cars and Coffee expereince and every stop includes large art installations, live music, curated vehicle builds and more. Expereince the P66 Rallye as an event visitor or sign up to be among the drivers.

For a complete list of events, activities and resources visit the Route 66 Centennial Commission website.

Beyond Route 66: There's So Much More to See!

America's interstates, highways and byways are dotted from coast-to-coast with attractions, and sites rooted in the same spirit of those found in Route 66 cooridor.

For instance, not far off I- 85 in High Point, N.C., is a 40-foot tall chest of drawers, which honors the city's furniture heritage (a pair of giant socks hanging out of a drawer is a nod to the area’s textile industry). 

Transport yourself to a Baravian City with a visit to the small town of Helen. Tucked among the Georgia mountains, Helen's downtown was completely transformed in the 1960s to bring in tourists and revive a sturggling economy. It worked! Today, Helen is a hugely populor destination and home to America's longest Octoberfest celebration.

Along I-75 is the birthplace of what's now called, KFC, in the eastern Kentucky town of Corbin. Order a bucket of chicken and step next door to the historic Sanders Cafe and Museum complete with dioramas and memorabilia from the original motor court restaurant. 

Travel to southern Kentucky and take an undergound boat ride through Lost River Cave in Bowling Green. Or, for an even more extensive underground experience, visit nearby Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the longest known cave system in the world. 

Head to Lookout Mountain, Tenn., to explore Rock City, home to natural rock formations you can walk through, gardens, waterfalls and paramic views of seven states. Plus, gnomes everywhere!

Not far from I-70 is Casey, Ill., home to a collection of the “World’s Largest” attractions including a pitchfork, rocking chair and mailbox.

Near Alliance, Neb., is "Carhenge," an installation designed to look like England’s Stonehenge except made entirely of 39 cars. Further West, you can literally drive-thru a redwood tree with a 21 feet diameter in Leggett, Cali. Or, slide down a giant radio flyer wagon measuring 12 feet tall and 27 feet long

in Spokane, Washington's Riverside Park.

Curious about these attractions and those near your future travel destinations? Visit

Roadside America, one of the best online resources for the country's weird, wacky and wonderful attractions.

This story is the final installment of a series highlighting some of the historic, kitschy and beautiful sites to see when driving coast-to-coast along 1-40 and Route 66, aka the “Mother Road.”