Mother Road Memories: A Two-Week Route 66 Adventure
Join me as I share highlights from my two-week mother-daughter road trip along Route 66 — from Illinois to Arizona and beyond. This unforgettable journey was filled with nostalgic roadside stops, stunning national parks, and moments that reminded us why travel is truly about the journey.
The Road Begins: Illinois to Missouri
In September 2024, my mom and I finally checked off a dream years in the making — a two-week road trip along the legendary Route 66 and beyond. We spent one week heading west and one week driving back east, taking our time to explore America’s most iconic highway.
Our adventure began in Springfield, Illinois, where we visited Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb and Home before officially hitting the road. Along the way, we made some fun and quirky stops — from the Uranus Fudge Factory to our first Buc-ee’s (and yes, it’s absolutely worth the hype!).
That evening, we landed in Springfield, Missouri — tired, happy, and excited for what was ahead.
A photo of Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb
Southbound: Into Texas
The next day took us toward Texas, with a fun stop at The Outsiders House Museum (a MUST for any fan of the movie!) before reaching Fort Worth. We spent the morning at the famous Stockyards watching the longhorn cattle drive down Main Street — such a classic Texas moment!
Later, we continued west to The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, where we watched someone attempt the 72oz steak challenge (he didn’t quite finish 😅).
Fort Worth Stockyards
New Mexico Magic
New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66 was pure desert beauty. We drove through Tucumcari, Roswell, and Albuquerque — three unique towns full of character. Between alien-themed cafés, neon motel signs, and stretches of open road, it was everything I hoped for.
We ended the day chasing sunsets and even stopped at a few Breaking Bad filming locations for fun.
Walter White’s “Headstone”
Arizona: The Heart of the Journey
Arizona quickly became my favorite part of the trip. We stopped in Winslow (yes — we stood on the corner!), explored Petrified Forest National Park, and continued to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
No photo can truly capture what it feels like to stand on the edge of something so vast and beautiful. It’s one of those places you simply have to experience in person.
From there, we visited Saguaro National Park in Tucson — home to the giant saguaros that can grow over 50 feet tall and live up to 250 years. Learning that it can take a century for one to grow its first arm made me appreciate them even more.
We ended our Arizona stretch in Kingman, stopping in Oatman to meet the town’s friendly wild donkeys and in Lake Havasu to see the famous London Bridge before making our way to Las Vegas.
Saguaro National Park
Viva Las Vegas to Utah’s Red Rocks
After a night at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, we traded city lights for red rocks. Utah welcomed us with some of the most incredible views of the entire trip.
We explored Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capital Reef, and Canyonlands — each more jaw-dropping than the last. The landscape felt otherworldly, full of colors, cliffs, and canyons that change with every turn.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Colorado: Mountains, Wildlife & Wonder
Crossing into Colorado felt like a deep breath after the desert. We explored Telluride and Ouray, winding through scenic mountain passes that looked straight out of a postcard. We also stopped in Aspen and visited the Maroon Bells — truly one of the most beautiful spots in the state.
Driving over the Continental Divide and up Pikes Peak (over 14,000 feet!) was unforgettable. The views were unreal.
To top it off, we joined a Wild Side 4x4 Tour through Rocky Mountain National Park, where we saw a mama moose and her baby — and even a black bear on the mountainside! Our guide shared fascinating facts about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems, making it one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip.
Momma moose guarding her baby
Reflections on the Mother Road
By the time we began our journey back through Kansas, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much we had seen in just two weeks. From small-town diners and nostalgic roadside attractions to sweeping deserts and snow-capped peaks, Route 66 gave us a little bit of everything.
Most of all, it reminded me what I love about travel: the freedom, the discovery, and the moments in between that become lifelong memories.
Driving Route 66 with my mom was more than just a vacation — it was an experience we’ll talk about forever. The laughter, the long drives, the late-night talks, and the quiet awe of standing in front of some of America’s most beautiful sights… it all reminded me that the journey truly is the destination. ❤️
Thinking of Your Own Route 66 Adventure?
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Route 66, do it. Take your time, follow the old road, and let the spirit of adventure guide you. From kitschy pit stops to national park wonders, every mile tells a story — and it’s one worth experiencing for yourself.
Route 66 Sign
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