Among the many stops that one can make while traveling Route 66, America’s beautiful National Parks are some of the best ones you can make! From famous outdoor parks to more urban based parks and everything in between, these are the parks you come across while traveling the “Mother Road” and why you need to visit them all.

1. Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis, Missouri)

Probably one of the most iconic images from Route 66 and the midwestern United States in general, is the Gateway Arch Monument which earned National Park status recently in 2018. This spectacular 630ft. arch towers within the St. Louis skyline while also boasting not only the title of the largest monument in the United States, but also the tallest arch in the world! But what makes this a must visit National Park when traveling Route 66? The Gateway Arch represents the ideals of Westward Expansion, which is exactly what the historic route embodies today.

2. Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield, Illinois)

For this next National Park area, get ready to take a step back in time as you visit Springfield, Illinois the way Abraham Lincoln would have known it. Not only is this the home of the well-preserved Lincoln Home, but also many other historic homes and businesses that once marked the busy city of Springfield. This is truly a look into history, and I mean, isn’t that what a road trip on Route 66 is all about?

3. Pecos National Historical Park (Pecos, New Mexico)

Many of the must visit sites on the New Mexico portion of Route 66 are testimonies to the state’s vibrant history and of the peoples and their cultures that came before us. Pecos helps preserve portions of Glorieta Pass and showcases ancient ancestral sites such as the Pecos Pueblo and a Spanish Mission church from the 1700’s.

4. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

A place of history, culture, and unique geological phenomenon. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for all these factors, as well as scenery that is unmatched in colorfulness. Drivable roads leading directly from Route 66 make this park perfect for adding into a “Mother Road” road trip.

5. Petroglyph National Monument (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Similar to Pecos National Historical Park, Petroglyph preserves and honors the remnants of the past. Within the park, you’ll find many carvings in the rocks that date between 400 to 700 years ago. It truly takes you into the past as you decipher what these carvings were used for and what they could have meant in those times, and in our time now.

6. Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff, Arizona)

Sometimes referred to as a miniature Grand Canyon, this amazing National Monument not only has breathtaking views along its Canyon Rim Trail, but also tells the story of cave-dwelling communities that once called Walnut Canyon home. These impressive and well-preserved ancient homes are a must visit when it comes to taking one quick turn off of Route 66.

Special Mention: Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The reason I’ve put the famous Grand Canyon as a special mention instead of just the next National Park on the list, is due to the distance of driving fter turning off of Route 66 to get to this landmark. Grand Canyon National Park is around 70 miles off of Route 66, however I personally believe that no Route 66 road trip is complete without a quick detour to see this magnificent and beautiful place.