Natural Wonders Near Route 66

The legendary route stretches across the heart of the USA, from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, serving up awe-inspiring scenery, cultural landmarks and nostalgic charm along the way. Embark on a road trip that reaches some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders – scenic sites that act as a stunning backdrop to this celebrated road.

Lake Michigan

Discover Lake Michigan, whose shores lined with towering sand dunes, lush forests, dramatic cliffs and striking skylines extend to four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Chicago’s 42 kilometers of lakefront encompass public parks, gardens, paved trails and beaches. Take the South Shore Line commuter train from Chicago’s Union Station to Indiana Dunes National Park for a serene escape from the big city. 

Meramec Caverns

Head to Stanton, Missouri, an hour’s drive southwest of St. Louis, for a memorable visit to Meramec Caverns. On a guided tour of this underground wonder, marvel at towering stalactites and shimmering mineral deposits. These caves are believed to be a one-time hideout of famed outlaw Jesse James. Above ground, soar over the Meramec River on the seasonal zipline, test yourself on the ropes course, or relax on a riverboat ride or canoe trip.

Springfield Botanical Gardens 

Relax in the Springfield Botanical Gardens, a free, picturesque sanctuary in the heart of Springfield, Missouri, the “Birthplace of Route 66.” Set on about 46 hectares at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, the gardens feature dozens of themed green spaces, from the arboretum and Japanese garden to the butterfly house, demonstration gardens and an 1860s farmstead. Pause at a fountain or gazebo, then follow walking paths from the welcome center to Lake Drummond, the South Creek Greenway Trail and a golf course.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

Just minutes from downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the Arkansas River meets Route 66, Turkey Mountain’s 750 acres of forested hills, rocky outcrops and scenic overlooks make a perfect break from a day of driving. Hikers and bikers can explore the 30 marked trails that traverse the park, ranging from peaceful walks to challenging treks. An audio tour highlights local plants and history, and the views of Tulsa from atop the mountain are photo-worthy.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

About a 30-minute drive south of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, the flat plains suddenly drop away into majestic Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the USA. Its layered, multi-hued red rock formations pop with color at sunrise and sunset, and movie fans may recognize the canyon rim from the final ride-into-the-sunset scene of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Follow hiking or biking trails through the canyon, explore on horseback during a guided tour from the park’s stables, or take a thrilling Humvee tour.

Blue Hole

Tucked away in the high desert town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, just under a two-hour drive from Albuquerque, the Blue Hole is a fascinating oasis that attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters. It stays a chilly 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round and plunges more than 24 meters deep. Jump into the artesian spring from cliffs along its shores or sign up at the Blue Hole Diving Center to scuba dive in the refreshing water. Certified divers can buy a permit and rent gear at the Santa Rosa Dive Center next door, and the spring is one of the region’s most popular dive training sites.

Petrified Forest National Park

See captivating landscapes where ancient history and natural beauty come together in vivid color at Petrified Forest National Park, about 30 minutes east of Holbrook, Arizona, and under a two-hour drive from Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s the only national park that preserves a stretch of Route 66, marked today by a vintage 1932 Studebaker along the old alignment. The park is renowned for its fossilized wood and the striking backdrop of the Painted Desert. Learn about the area’s prehistoric past at the visitor center, then hike trails to fossils, petroglyphs and remains of Anasazi pueblos. Shade is scarce and the sun is strong, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, and remember to pack in and pack out, leaving everything in the park just as you found it.

Grand Canyon National Park

When cruising Route 66 through Arizona, setting aside time to visit the Grand Canyon is an absolute must. From Williams, Arizona, the Route 66 gateway to the canyon, it’s about an hour’s drive to the South Rim, or you can ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway. In service since 1901, the vintage train takes about two hours to reach the canyon. Marvel at world-famous vistas from overlooks reached by paved roads or trails, and take in even more views near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center at Mather Point. For more adventure, saddle up for a mule ride along the rim or book a guided whitewater rafting trip on the surging Colorado River.

Mojave National Preserve 

Enjoy a getaway to California’s secluded Mojave National Preserve, a lesser-known gem located a four-hour drive from Los Angeles or an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. Immerse yourself in this unique desert ecosystem filled with soaring sand dunes, forests of Joshua trees, ancient volcanic cinder cones and magma flows. Serenity is easy to find in the splendid isolation of one of the largest national preserves in the USA.

Amboy Crater

Glimpse the region’s volcanic past at Amboy Crater, a dormant cinder cone volcano in Mojave Trails National Monument near the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, a three-hour drive from Los Angeles. Follow the Amboy Crater Rim Trail to circle the symmetrical cone, then stop in town for a photo with the towering neon sign at Roy’s Motel & Café. Desert heat is intense here, so plan your hike for the cooler months or early morning and carry plenty of water. With minimal light pollution, the area is also a popular stargazing spot.

Santa Monica Beach

At the western end of Route 66, travelers will reach Santa Monica, California, perched on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This destination is well known for its beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, home to a popular amusement park. Enjoy the roller coaster, Ferris wheel and classic carousel as well as other festival rides and games. Take surfing lessons from a local guide or, for an unforgettable way to wrap up an epic road trip, watch the sunset over golden-sand shores while strolling the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.