The Mother Road - America's Main Street - the Will Rogers Highway - historic Route 66 runs over 2000 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. No longer an officially recognized US Highway Route 66 still holds a place in American history and culture. From the novel by John Steinbeck "the Grapes of Wrath" to the popular song "Get your kicks on Route 66" to the 1960 TV series "Route 66" and most recently in the PIXAR animated film "Cars" Route 66 has become a legend. The highway was a major route across the country and was traveled by millions from farmers seeking greener pastures during the dust bowl and great depression in the 1920's to GI's returning home from World War II. Officially taken off the map in 1986 the historic highway not only is holding on but is getting it's own second chance as a destination for tourists seeking a slice of nostalgia and Americana. Photo's below are from sites right on the famous highway as well as other major attractions nearby.