Last Updated on April 19, 2024
Traversing the heart of America, Route 66 is more than a road – it’s a sprawling canvas telling the story of the country’s soul and history through artwork, murals and graffiti. Each stop is a chapter in a narrative where the walls and installations speak volumes of the past, present and represent the possibilities of the future.
From the urban landscapes of St. Louis to the quaint town of Cuba, Missouri, and reaching the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo Texas, this historic highway offers a unique glimpse into the cultural fabric of the United States.
When most people think of Route 66, old cars, signs and quaint motels likely come to mind. But there’s more to be found traversing the “Mother Road,” as John Steinbeck called it in his novel “Grapes of Wrath.” Then, it was filled with Dust Bowl survivors headed West.
Route 66 in St. Louis
My first stop along the journey was St. Louis where a subculture of artists saw an opportunity to beautify the city in a unique way during the mid-1990s. Thus, the Kosciusko Graffiti Wall was born. The mural is nearly two-miles-long, 15-feet-tall, and located on the Mississippi River waterfront right under the I-64 underpass, just south of the Gateway Arch.
Though graffiti sometimes gets a bad rap, the Kosciusko Graffiti Wall is decorated annually at Paint Louis, an urban art event bringing hundreds of artists and creatives together. The event launched in the mid-90s, but was closed until 2012 due to a bombing in the area. Since 2013 however, it has been an annual celebration.
This fascinating graffiti wall tells a story of St. Louis’ culture with no restrictions on what can be painted. There are many references to pop culture with topics ranging from music to movies to video games. The wall is lined with nearly 200 distinct images painted by dozens of different artists.
Recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, the wall is listed as the longest graffiti mural in the world. The walls are re-painted every year with new scenes and colors, so be sure to include the viewing of the wall in your Route 66 itinerary.
Cuba, Missouri
Route 66 was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System, stretching approximately 2448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. In its heyday, it put numerous cities on the map. Like Cuba, MO.
Cuba has embraced the heritage of Route 66 in its murals – as well as monuments and museums – and was designated the “Route 66 Mural City” by the Missouri Legislature in 2002. There are 12 officially commissioned murals that have been painted around the town thanks to the Viva Cuba organization. The Cuba Chamber of Commerce offers a well-designed walking route brochure for visitors.
Chelsea, Oklahoma
If you’re looking for a fun Oklahoma roadside attraction, be sure to visit the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass, the only one of its kind in the state and a place to get a sense of Oklahoma’s history.
The underpass is located at Walnut Street and West 6th Street in Chelsea. Just look for the sign on the corner and you’ll see the stairs leading underground. The underpass had been abandoned for years before it was revived by the town in 2016. It’s now a Route 66 attraction, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Local artist, Kenneth Hollingshead, was hired to cover one entire wall with a mural, while the other side was left blank for visitors to sign their names.
Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas
Route 66 boasts an iconic art installation known as Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch is considered a sculpture as well as an art installation and boasts a fair amount of graffiti. It was created in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, all part of the art group, Ant Farm, an alternative and architectural practice.
Ten Cadillacs here are buried nose-first in the ground and represent Cadillac models between 1949 and 1963. The cars were installed in 1974 and legend has it that they were installed at the same angle as the pyramids of Giza.
Since their installation, they have been painted with bright colorful abstract designs. Writing is encouraged on the cars and a spray paint vendor will be happy to sell you paint if you didn’t bring any with you.
The eclectic site has been referenced in popular culture stories and famous songs by songwriters such as Bruce Springsteen and in movies like “Cars” and “Cadillac Ranch,” among others.
Route 66 is a feast for the eyes with its museums and artwork. The paintings in these towns not only beautify the area, but provide us with stories of history and events where local flavor and history are immortalized in these creative pieces of art.
