that we could. Dianne's family traveled this route several times on their way to visit her grandparents in MO during the 50's & 60's & she has fond memories of their travels. We thought we might be able to relive some of those past memories with a journey along the this old highway. U. S. Route 66 is the highway that wouldn't die. The last stretch of Route 66 was decommissioned by the Federal government in 1985, and the historic road was officially replaced by Interstate 40. Route 66 began in 1925 with an act of Congress. Many existing roads, from Chicago to Los Angeles, were joined to create the new highway. By 1938, it was "continuously paved." 
Millions streamed west along Route 66, from the Dust Bowl refugees typified in John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" to wartime job-seekers. A new generation of tourists joined them - those who traveled by automobile. National icons sprung up in their wake - tourist camps (later called motels), gas stations, diners and ever-present corny roadside attractions.We stopped at a few museums
and roadside exhibits. And quickly realized we needed more time than we could manage on this trip--so we will return for a more in depth look in the future. Seems this is an ongoing theme-- there is always more to see & do than we can fit in at any given time.
and roadside exhibits. And quickly realized we needed more time than we could manage on this trip--so we will return for a more in depth look in the future. Seems this is an ongoing theme-- there is always more to see & do than we can fit in at any given time.One of the parks we stayed at, was an original stop for travelers along the route in the 50's--Enchanted Trails was a trading post
with a roadside motel & campground.
