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Go Westy Young Family

Along Old Route 66, from California to Flagstaff to North Carolina!

  • 30
  • 53:46
  • 3,502 mi
  • $823
Take This Trip

Created by danielledeoliveira - March 2nd 2017

If you've driven along Old Route 66, then a lot of the driving you're doing will be along present-day Interstate 40. Connecting Barstow, CA to Wilmington, NC, much of the Western portion overlaps what was once the Mother Road. These days, it's part of a much larger highway that connects the western half of the country with the eastern half, via Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. Passing through major cities like Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville, it's a great route to take when touring some of the interesting spots across the South as well. With that, here are some of the coolest, must-see stops along I-40!

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN, US

Dollywood

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187mi 03h 05m
Photo of Hampton Inn & Suites Lebanon
4.0

1065 Franklin Rd, Lebanon, TN, US

Hampton Inn & Suites Lebanon

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1
2
492mi 07h 21m
Photo of Aux Arc Park
5.0

1314 Aux Arc Park Rd, Ozark, AR, US

Aux Arc Park

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Photo of Fort Smith National Historic Site
3.4

301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR, US

Fort Smith National Historic Site

As you continue along I-40, you'll make your way into Arkansas. Stop at the Fort Smith National Historic Site for a look into the state's past. The fort was established in 1817, right as the country began to move West, which means that this fort saw a lot: outlaws, clashes with Native Americans, the Trail of Tears, settlers struggling to tame the West, and more. Tour the old buildings and the visitor center, which houses a museum with artifacts that tell the story of Fort Smith.

Photo of Woody Guthrie Statue
3.3

South side of Broadway between 3rd and 4th St, Okemah, OK, US

Woody Guthrie Statue

Woody Guthrie was a massively influential folk artist from Okemah, OK. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and tons more drew inspiration from Guthrie's huge catalogue of songs, many of which were based on his experiences during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, which harshened the blow of the Great Depression in Oklahoma especially. Today, a small park stands in Okemah with a statue and memorial plaque dedicated to Woody Guthrie. It's a small stop, but it's a good place to take a break... and maybe make a new playlist for the next leg of your journey.

3000 E Logan Rd, Weatherford, OK, US

Stafford Air & Space Museum

From a recreation of the Wright Brothers glider to an F-4 Phantom to spacesuits that were worn by astronauts in flight, the Stafford Air and Space Museum does a great job of covering the history of air and space flight. They have 3,500 artifacts and objects on display, including a very impressive display on the US's nuclear missiles, complete with a Titan II rocket.

Photo of Palo Duro Canyon State Park
4.5

11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX, US

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a beautiful place to stretch your legs. There are several trails that traverse the bottom of the canyon and take you to the top for more lovely views. The camping in the canyon is excellent as well... and the stargazing is unbeatable!

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586mi 08h 30m
Photo of Tucumcari KOA
3.5

6299 Quay Road Al, Tucumcari, NM, US

Tucumcari KOA

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3

222 E Laughlin Ave, Tucumcari, NM, US

Mesalands Dinosaur Museum

924 E Tucumcari Blvd, Tucumcari, NM, US

Tee Pee Curios

The whole town of Tucumcari is pure retro bliss, but the crown jewel of the community might be Tee Pee Curios. The sign, decor, and building (with its concrete teepee out front) ooze an authentic 1950's aesthetic, and if you stop inside, you'll find a collection of souvenirs that range from kitschy to certified American Indian crafts. Take pictures of the vintage neon around town and support Tucumcari's comeback-- ever since Route 66 went defunct, the once-bustling town has begun to slip into obscurity.

Photo of Blue Hole of Santa Rosa
4.0

Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM, US

Blue Hole of Santa Rosa

If you're looking for a place to cool off while driving through the desert, then you won't find a better spot than the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa. The crystal-clear and deeply blue water is super cool and refreshing. Jump off the rocks into the pool, scuba dive to the bottom, or just dip your toes in and soak up the natural beauty of the setting!

Eventually, I-40 will take you to Albuquerque. Famous for its balloon festival and association with the cult TV show "Breaking Bad", this town has loads of artsy Southwestern charm. Visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, grab a bite to eat at Perea's New Mexican Restaurant, and tuck in for the night at the Nativo Lodge... or just drive past Walter White's house on your way through! As for hotels in Albuquerque, there are some cool options. Hotel Parq Central is an old hospital turned sleek hotel, Hotel Cascada has a waterpark onsite, and the Casas de Suenos let you rent your own private cottage right in Old Town!

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408mi 05h 38m
Photo of Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA
4.0

102 Hermosa Dr, Holbrook, AZ, US

Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA

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4
Photo of The Grand Canyon National Park
4.7

450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ, US

The Grand Canyon National Park

Photo of Meteor Crater
4.0

I 40 Exit 233, Winslow, AZ, US

Meteor Crater

Just outside Flagstaff is one of the weirdest attractions in the west: Meteor Crater. The impact crater formed from a meteor that hit Earth thousands of years ago is unbelievably massive-- and the mile-wide hole in the ground is topped with a visitor center that features a museum, videos, and a killer observation deck.

Photo of Cool Springs Gas Station
4.2

Old Route 66, Golden Valley, AZ, US

Cool Springs Gas Station

Don't expect to top off your tank here (the gas pumps, while beautifully restored, don't actually work) but make a pit stop at Cool Springs Gas Station because it's an authentic Route 66 icon. There's a museum and souvenir shop inside the building, and it's touching to see how much time and effort was put into restoring this once-abandoned gem of the Mother Road!

For a taste of the authentic desert landscape you've been driving through on I-40, stop at the Mojave National Preserve. Scrubby plants, multicolored rocks and stark, stony earth provide a unique view. The Mojave is especially breathtaking at sunset and sunrise, and if you plan on hiking here, remember to be careful of the heat and lack of shade!

Photo of Hampton Inn Barstow
4.3

2710 Lenwood Rd, Barstow, CA, US

Hampton Inn Barstow

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6
222mi 03h 41m

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA, US

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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There's no bad time to road trip I-40, and thankfully, snowy weather isn't too much of a concern, because the route is mostly pretty far south (although if it happens to snow, be prepared for the road to not be treated properly, as they're not used to dealing with snow and ice here.) Oklahoma sees its fair share of tornados, though, and never underestimate how hot it can get in the desert between Texas and California. Always bring plenty of water and make sure your car's AC is in good working condition!