Route 66 is the fabled pathway known as the Mother Road. Established in 1926, it connected Chicago and California and became a classic U.S. road trip.
Much of present-day Interstate 40 runs along Historic Route 66; however, where Route 66 turned northeast, Interstate 40 continues east, running through Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Connecting the East Coast and West Coast, I-40 takes travelers from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina, passing through major cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville.
Along the way, you'll find iconic Route 66 sites, cool towns, and picturesque parks. Check out our favorite things to do on I-40.
I-40 ends in Wilmington, near the Atlantic Ocean. Home to Wrightsville Beach, a lovely RiverWalk, parks, gardens, museums, and oceanside eateries, Wilmington offers coastal Carolina vibes.
Buckner Hill Plantation is one of the best-preserved and largest Greek Revival Antebellum plantation homes in North Carolina. It's open by appointment only, so call ahead for a tour of the historic buildings and grounds.
College basketball is a huge deal in North Carolina, especially in Chapel Hill, and the Carolina Basketball Museum shares this history. If you aren't interested in basketball, you may enjoy a stroll on the beautiful campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kernersville is home to one of the quirkiest stops along the route: Korner's Folly. The outside of Korner's Folly looks fairly standard, but it's nothing compared to the unbelievable interior within. You could peer out a window into another room, look up to see an old-school fresco, or find yourself on a staircase leading into a bedroom with 5-foot ceilings.
The house, built between 1878 and 1880, is the work of Jules Gilmer Körner, a visionary interior designer, furniture maker, decorator, and painter. The purpose of the building was to display his unique work and ideas.
via Gun Club Rd
As you continue down I-40, you'll pass the quaint town of Hickory, home to the Hickory Museum of Art. This hidden gem is home to an impressive collection of American art, including pieces from the Hudson River School, exhibits dedicated to modern Southern folk art, displays of art pottery, and more. Admission is free.
Chimney Rock State Park's main attraction is the magnificent, 315-foot mountain formation that gives the park its name. The 25-minute hike to the top along the Outcroppings Trail contains 491 steps, but the effort is all worth it once you reach the peak, which is called Exclamation Point for good reason. You can take in 75 miles of pure Blue Ridge Mountain beauty. In case you're not up for the hike but don't want to miss the scenery, the rock hides a 26-story elevator inside.
via I-40 E
Founded by the military in 1942 to be a main base of operations for the Manhattan Project, Oak Ridge is a small town that played a big role in the development of the first nuclear weapons in the U.S.
Oak Ridge looked like a regular small town. The workers at the government sites did not know what they were actually making until after atomic bombs were used in World War II. The Department of Energy has teamed up with the American Museum of Science and Energy to put on a bus tour sharing the fascinating history of this "Atomic City."
On your way out of Nashville, stop at Cummins Falls State Park to enjoy the scenery. If you plan in advance, you can get a permit to hike the adventurous trail to the falls, which also gives you access to one of the state's best swimming holes.
I-40 then rolls into Nashville, which is known for its Southern charm and country music scene. Hot chicken is a Nashville staple served up in classic locales like Prince's or Hattie B's. To take in the honky-tonk nightlight, head to Broadway Street. Enjoy live music at the iconic Grand Ole Opry or Bluebird Cafe.
Even if you aren't a country music fan, you may know the name of singer Loretta Lynn. She was a groundbreaking female artist who wrote and sang brutally honest songs. Located on Lynn's ranch, this museum tells her life story through her personal collection of memorabilia.
This detour will take you off the highway and into the middle of nowhere, but it's worth it to check out this folk art display. Known as Tennessee's largest outdoor sculpture, the MindField fills an acre and reaches an impressive height of 125 feet.
West Memphis, Arkansas, United States
Right on the border of Arkansas and Tennessee lies the soul-filled city of Memphis. Check out one of the countless renowned BBQ joints, soak up some blues music on Beale Street, or pay tribute to The King at Graceland.
North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Home to historic sites like the Old State House Museum, Little Rock Central High School, the River Market, and the Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock is a town rich with culture. Stop for a bite at Doe's Eat Place, or stretch your legs at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park or Riverfront Park.
Get out of the car and breathe in the fresh air at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. You can get a taste of the landscape at the visitor center or by hiking or biking one of the trails. The views from the top of the mountain are utterly breathtaking.
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, which means that this fort was the backdrop for an interesting history involving outlaws, settlers, and Native Americans. Tour the old buildings and the visitor center, which houses a museum with artifacts.
Woody Guthrie was a massively influential folk artist from Okemah. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, and more drew inspiration from Guthrie's huge catalogue of songs, many of which were based on his experiences during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Today, a small park stands in Okemah with a statue and memorial plaque dedicated to Woody Guthrie.
Oklahoma City is the next major urban center along I-40. Home to offbeat attractions like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Museum of Osteology, and the American Banjo Museum, along with an aquarium, a zoo, a science museum, an art museum, a history museum, and more, it's a rich city bursting with things to see and do. Hit up Ann's Chicken Fry House or Tucker's Onion Burgers for a classic OKC meal. If you are staying overnight, check out the Colcord luxury boutique hotel.
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 covers the history of air and space flight. There are 3,500 artifacts and objects on display, including a very impressive exhibit on the U.S.'s nuclear missiles, complete with a Titan II rocket.
Another major icon from the glory days of Route 66, the Tower Station Conoco and U-Drop Inn Cafe are probably recognizable to most because they inspired scenes in Disney's Cars. The classic Art Deco architecture has been thoroughly restored. Today, this is home to Shamrock's Chamber of Commerce and a visitor center.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to the second-largest canyon in the U.S. There are several trails that traverse the bottom of the canyon, and others take you to the rim for more expansive views. The campground gets high reviews and offers unbeatable stargazing.
There's no bad time to road trip I-40. Since the route is pretty far south, snowy weather isn't too much of a concern. However, if it happens to snow, be prepared for slick roads. 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.