A road trip down Route 66 isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the stories, the roadside charm, and the timeless nostalgia of the Mother Road. Whether you’re a history buff, a vintage car enthusiast, or just looking for an epic adventure, these Route 66 museums are must-visit stops that bring the iconic highway to life.
Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum – Pontiac, Illinois
Step into the golden age of Route 66 at this gem in Pontiac, Illinois. The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum is packed with retro treasures, from vintage license plates and old-school gas pumps to nostalgic toys and period photographs. Don’t miss Bob Waldmire’s legendary bus and van, and be sure to snap a photo with the larger-than-life Route 66 murals surrounding the museum.
Bonus stop: While in Pontiac, swing by the Museum of the Gilding Arts, where you can explore the shimmering world of gold and silver leaf through interactive exhibits.
Lincoln Heritage Museum – Lincoln, Illinois
There’s no better place to learn more about President Lincoln than in Lincoln, Illinois. The Lincoln Heritage Museum is jam-packed with exhibits and memorabilia detailing the life and legacy of this president. You can watch an interactive show on the life of President Lincoln, then check out personal family photos, recreated scenes of his time in office, and even Mary Todd Lincoln’s wardrobe pieces.
Route 66 Museum – Lebanon, Missouri
Travel back to the heyday of Route 66 at this charming small-town museum inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library. Start your visit at a recreated 1950s gas station, then explore vintage cars, jukeboxes, and a nostalgic diner diorama that transports you to the golden age of American road trips.
Galena Mining & Historical Museum – Galena, Kansas
Discover the rich mining heritage of Galena, Kansas, at this small but mighty museum. Kids will love the life-sized “Tow Mater” from Cars, while adults can check out railroad memorabilia, military artifacts, and local mining exhibits. Climb aboard vintage locomotives and cabooses for an extra dose of nostalgia.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum – Clinton, Oklahoma
From neon signs to classic cars, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is total nostalgia bait. Explore exhibits on the Dust Bowl era and westward migration, then wrap up your visit with a trip to the museum’s 1950s diner replica—perfect for a photo op.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Yeehaw! Saddle up for a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. This sprawling museum is home to over 28,000 Western and Native American art pieces, as well as the country’s largest collection of rodeo photos and trophies. Explore exhibits on cowboy boots, Wild West firearms, and awe-inspiring paintings of the American frontier. You’ll even see saddles by master leatherworkers.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum – Canyon, Texas
Nestled on the West Texas A&M University campus in Canyon, Texas, this museum offers a deep dive into the Texas Panhandle’s past. Check out the natural history exhibits for incredible dinosaur fossils, or explore the Wild West weapons and firearms exhibit. You’ll learn about petroleum and the people of the plains and wander through the pioneer town. You can even see giant windmills that were used in this area during the pioneering days.
Devil’s Rope Museum – McLean, Texas
Barbed wire might not sound thrilling, but the Devil’s Rope Museum proves otherwise. Discover how “Devil’s Rope” shaped the American West and explore a collection of over 700 Route 66 artifacts, including vintage road signs and nostalgic advertisements – all in a converted brassiere factory!
New Mexico Route 66 Museum – Tucumcari, New Mexico
Calling all classic car enthusiasts! The New Mexico Route 66 Museum in Tucumcari is packed with vintage automobiles and gas station nostalgia. Marvel at beauties like the 1929 Ford Model A Sedan and a sleek 1956 Mercury Montclair. The museum’s retro diner display, complete with a Rock-Ola jukebox, will transport you to a simpler time. Don’t miss the Loretta Lynn-signed Route 66 guitar – a true gem for music and road trip fans alike.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Experience the vibrant world of Georgia O’Keeffe at this captivating museum just outside Santa Fe. Stroll through galleries filled with her iconic flower paintings and stunning desert landscapes, each capturing the raw beauty of the American Southwest. As you wander, you’ll uncover fascinating details about O’Keeffe’s life and artistic journey, spanning an incredible seven decades.
Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum – Winslow, Arizona
Science buffs take note – the Meteor Crater & Museum in Winslow, Arizona, is a celestial wonder. Stand in awe at the edge of the 1-mile-wide, 550-foot-deep crater formed by a meteor impact 50,000 years ago. Enjoy guided tours along the rim, then head inside to explore exhibits on other meteor sites and the mysteries of space. The observation deck offers a spectacular view you won’t want to miss!
Holbrook’s Wigwam Motel & Museum – Holbrook, Arizona
Stay the night in a concrete teepee at Holbrook’s Wigwam Motel in Arizona, a National Historic Landmark along Route 66. The quirky “wigwams” offer a one-of-a-kind lodging experience that feels like a living history museum. Stroll through the parking lot to admire vintage cars and visit the attached museum, showcasing petrified wood and Route 66 memorabilia collected by the motel’s original owner.
California Route 66 Museum – Victorville, California
Step into 4,500 square feet of pure Route 66 nostalgia at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville! Strike a pose in the iconic VW Love Bus, decked out with groovy props, or take a seat in a vintage 1917 Model T Ford. Feel the retro vibes in the recreated 1950s diner scene, and don’t forget to check out the museum’s packed library and gift shop. With endless Instagram-worthy moments, you’re guaranteed to leave with unforgettable memories and a few cool souvenirs!
Western American Railroad Museum – Barstow, California
All aboard! Train lovers, this museum is for you! Located in Barstow, this cool spot showcases railroad history in the Pacific Southwest. Check out fascinating collections of train cars, steam engines and railroad models. Even better, the museum is located right next to an active railway, so you can see the sights and sounds of trains as they roll through this historic hub.
Original McDonald’s Museum – San Bernardino, California
Get a taste of fast-food history at the First Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, California. This nostalgic museum celebrates the birthplace of the Golden Arches with vintage uniforms, retro menus, and an incredible collection of Happy Meal toys from around the globe and throughout the decades. From old soda fountains to classic advertisements, this is a feast for fans of McDonald’s lore!
