Affectionately known as “The Mother Road,” Route 66 is a popular tourist destination. People are eager to “get their kicks on Route 66” and experience a simpler time.
Established in 1926 as a transcontinental highway, Route 66 served as the main route for families migrating west during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Later, the road transported families eager to see the Grand Canyon and visit Disneyland. As the road’s popularity grew, so did the number of attractions, diners, gas stations, and motels that sprang up along the route.
In the 1950s, the Interstate Highway System was introduced and Route 66 began to lose its relevance as a main road to the west. However, many vacationers still wanted to experience Route 66 and its quirky Americana attractions, so the road gained a new life thanks to tourism. Today, Route 66 retains its quaint charm and remains a popular tourist destination where there are plenty of “kicks” to be had.