Route 66-The Mother Road

Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, and passes through 8 States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Nicknamed the Mother Road, because it connected the heartland to the West Coast, and provided a migration route for people during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Route 66 spans approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, CA.

Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 after the completion of Interstate 40, and many business and communities were greatly affected by the loss of traffic as more people chose I-40 for their travel route.  Many states have designated bypassed sections of Route 66 as “Historic Route 66” and “National Scenic Byways”.The original “Cars” Movie takes place in the fictional town of “Radiator Springs”, and the movie creators visited the Arizona towns of Oatman, Seligman and Holbrook for inspiration.

  • Check out our Blog to read about the history of Route 66.
  • Visit the Events page to find Route 66 Centennial Events in Northern Arizona.
  • Enter to win the Ultimate Route 66-Grand Canyon Contest
  • Download the Boarding Pass to receive special offers and discounts from our partners. Offers include Helicopter and Airplane Tours, Hummer Tours, Lodging, Dining and more. 
  • Watch Video Reviews from visitors at the Grand Canyon National Park 

Discover Northern Arizona via Route 66

BOARDING PASS

Use the Route 66 Centennial Boarding Pass to save on Lodging, Dining, Tours, Activities and more in Northern Arizona. Nothing to purchase, just download the Boarding Pass and check out the offers available in each location.

CONTEST

Enter the Contest to Win a Deluxe Grand Canyon Adventure that includes Lodging, a Ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, a Private Buck Wild Hummer Tour, a Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour, and Dinner at Big E Steakhouse. 

REAL REVIEWS

Check out our REAL reviews from real travelers who have visited some of our Boarding Pass Partners. These videos include reviews from visitors who have just completed their Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona Adventures. 

Route 66 and Grand Canyon Blog

The Polar Express & Grand Canyon Tour Combo: The Ultimate 2-Day Williams, AZ Package

Combine the magic of the Polar Express with the majesty of the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable Holiday Experience.

Kingman, Arizona: Heart of the Mother Road and Centennial Countdown!

Kingman, Arizona, proudly wears the title of "The Heart of Historic Route 66.", and is home to the longest remaining continuous stretch of Route 66.

History of Tusayan, AZ-Grand Adventures and Natural Wonders

Although Williams claims the motto "Gateway to the Grand Canyon", Tusayan could be described as "Doorstep to the Grand Canyon", it is located just 1 mile from the South Rim Entrance.