Discover Iconic Stops Along Route 66: From Cadillac Ranch to Tinkertown

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.

Cadillac Ranch｜Amarillo, TX

Since 1974, some of the most colorful cars to line Route 66 can be found. They are positioned nose-down in a field outside of Amarillo, Texas.

The ten Cadillacs were placed here by an art collective. Passersby with countless cans of spray paint have transformed them daily in the decades since.

Cadillac Ranch can get crowded. It can become very muddy if it has recently rained. Embracing the chaos and ephemeral nature of this ever-changing public art installation is part of what makes road trips so special.

MidPoint Cafe｜Adrian, TX

Adrian’s MidPoint Cafe is located at the geographic center of Route 66. It is 1139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles. The cafe is the perfect place to stop for a slice of pie, a photo-op, or both.

The oldest continuously-operating cafe between Amarillo and Tucumcari was built in 1928. One of its previous owners inspired the Cars character Flo.

Today, the MidPoint Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and an early-bird dinner. The cafe closes at 4pm. It also sells Route 66 souvenirs.

Blue Swallow Motel｜Tucumcari, NM

In a town full of classic Route 66 motels, the Blue Swallow stands out impressively. This is due to its neon sign and individual carports.

Take an iconic photograph of the exterior. Then, visit TeePee Curios across the street. They offer a good selection of souvenirs, including squished pennies featuring the shop’s iconic silhouette.

Blue Hole of Santa Rosa｜Santa Rosa, NM

Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole is a small body of water with a consistent temperature around 60 degrees F. It was a popular place to cool off long before the 1920s alignment of the Mother Road brought an influx of travelers.

You can still swim, dive, or snorkel in the clear, spring-fed waters of the Blue Hole. These waters plunge to depths of 80 feet. This makes it one of the most-popular diving pools in the country.

Tinkertown Museum｜Sandia Park, NM

Now in its 42nd season, the Tinkertown Museum is the life’s work of Ross Ward. Ward grew up in the Midwest. However, he built Tinkertown in Sandia Park, New Mexico, over the span of four decades.

He dedicated his life to this 22-room museum full of miniature carved-wood figures, glass bottles, antique tools, toys, dolls—and so much more.

Tinkertown is one of those classic, roadside attractions. It just has to be seen to be believed. Although Ward died in 1998, his family continues to run the museum in his memory. They welcome folkart-lovers from all over the world.