A THINK PIECE ABOUT BEING ON ROUTE 66

In 2026, Route 66 has the opportunity to remind the world what it’s really about on its 100th anniversary. It still delivers on what you expect: Diners, Americana, the scenic riding in Arizona, the sun-drenched roads of California and the greener stretches of the Oklahoma heartland. The Mother Road still stands to remind us of what can be bypassed when people take the fastest way as opposed to the scenic way. I can’t imagine crossing the country on I-40 and skipping out on staying the night at the Blue Swallow, tasting the Mexican flavors of Santa Fe, riding the Oatman Highway at sunset, or watching a movie at the 66 Drive-In in Carthage. It would mean missing out on the scenery, on the small towns, the local boutiques, but more importantly, on the human interactions. When building a 66 itinerary, a rider might factor-in milage, maybe weather, or stops for the daily ride… but one must not forget to account for the chats. The Mother Road is dotted with passionate people eager to take time to tell you tales about Route 66. They are the backbone of the route, preserving its stories, spirit, and legacy.

Before the trip, I had heard about the Blue Whale of Catoosa and admittedly I may have looked down on it. I saw it as this corny, kitschy roadside stop. But stopping there on this trip and learning about the man behind the Blue Whale really made this Oklahoma stop grow on me. Hugh S. Davis was a character I wish I had met. He was a zoologist who spent decades traveling the world studying animals. He turned his property in Catoosa into a miniature nature park, creating attractions like an alligator ranch and a snake pit to entertain and educate the local youth about wildlife. The whale itself was a gift to his wife for their 34th wedding anniversary. Back in the day, the pond was open to the public as a swimming hole and playground for locals and 66 travelers. People could climb through the whale, dive from its tail and slide into the water. It made me nostalgic to a time I didn’t know, having me wish I could have experienced it in its heyday.

It is people like Hugh or Bob Waldmire that attracted travelers from all walks of life to come and experience Route 66. We heard the story of Bob Waldmire when visiting Pontiac, IL. We had noted Pontiac as a stop for its famous murals, but ended up spending an extra hour visiting its Route 66 Museum where Waldmire’s work was exposed. He was an iconic artist & traveler of Route 66 who painted some of Pontiac’s murals. His lifestyle, personality and his 1972 Volkswagen bus inspired the character of Fillmore in Pixar’s classic movie “Cars”. His work expands beyond Pontiac, and you will find his drawings, maps and artwork all along the Mother Road. As the son of the owner, he notably sketched the logo for the Cozy Dog Drive-In, one of the original corn dogs. Route 66 runs through this family.

These were the people of yesterday, telling the tales of what Route 66 used to be. But it is the people of today who keep the spirit of the road alive. We encountered more than I could list here, but to name a few: the enthusiastic volunteers at Pontiac’s Route 66 museum (donation based), the passionate staff of Joplin’s visitor center whose tips made our visit memorable, and Michael and Teresa of Sapulpa’s Gasoline Alley. This shop is a testament to no matter how well you can plan a trip, it is always the unexpected that leaves the longest lasting memories. Located on Main Street, one block off Old Route 66, this is both the shortest and most worthwhile detour of the trip.