A beloved stop along Route 66, the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Missouri, once welcomed hungry travelers with famous fried chicken. Today, the historic inn has been reimagined as a museum, visitor center, children’s museum and gift shop. It celebrates both local heritage and Mother Road nostalgia, offering an inviting place to explore, learn, and take home a bit of Route 66 charm. Fun fact: its log-constructed walls were built from timber harvested on the nearby Smith family farm.

Step into the golden age of Route 66 at this gem in Pontiac, Illinois. The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum is packed with retro treasures, from vintage license plates and old-school gas pumps to nostalgic toys and period photographs. Don’t miss Bob Waldmire’s legendary bus and van, and be sure to snap a photo with the larger-than-life Route 66 murals surrounding the museum.

There’s no better place to learn more about President Lincoln than in Lincoln, Illinois. The Lincoln Heritage Museum is jam-packed with exhibits and memorabilia detailing the life and legacy of this president. You can watch an interactive show on the life of President Lincoln, then check out personal family photos, recreated scenes of his time in office, and even Mary Todd Lincoln’s wardrobe pieces.

Travel back to the heyday of Route 66 at this charming small-town museum inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library. Start your visit at a recreated 1950s gas station, then explore vintage cars, jukeboxes, and a nostalgic diner diorama that transports you to the golden age of American road trips.

Discover the rich mining heritage of Galena, Kansas, at this small but mighty museum. Kids will love the life-sized “Tow Mater” from Cars, while adults can check out railroad memorabilia, military artifacts, and local mining exhibits. Climb aboard vintage locomotives and cabooses for an extra dose of nostalgia.

From neon signs to classic cars, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is total nostalgia bait. Explore exhibits on the Dust Bowl era and westward migration, then wrap up your visit with a trip to the museum’s 1950s diner replica—perfect for a photo op.

Barbed wire might not sound thrilling, but the Devil’s Rope Museum proves otherwise. Discover how “Devil’s Rope” shaped the American West and explore a collection of over 700 Route 66 artifacts, including vintage road signs and nostalgic advertisements – all in a converted brassiere factory!

Experience the vibrant world of Georgia O’Keeffe at this captivating museum just outside Santa Fe. Stroll through galleries filled with her iconic flower paintings and stunning desert landscapes, each capturing the raw beauty of the American Southwest. As you wander, you’ll uncover fascinating details about O’Keeffe’s life and artistic journey, spanning an incredible seven decades.

Step into 4,500 square feet of pure Route 66 nostalgia at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville! Strike a pose in the iconic VW Love Bus, decked out with groovy props, or take a seat in a vintage 1917 Model T Ford. Feel the retro vibes in the recreated 1950s diner scene, and don’t forget to check out the museum’s packed library and gift shop. With endless Instagram-worthy moments, you’re guaranteed to leave with unforgettable memories and a few cool souvenirs!

Get a taste of fast-food history at the First Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, California. This nostalgic museum celebrates the birthplace of the Golden Arches with vintage uniforms, retro menus, and an incredible collection of Happy Meal toys from around the globe and throughout the decades. From old soda fountains to classic advertisements, this is a feast for fans of McDonald’s lore!

All aboard! Train lovers, this museum is for you! Located in Barstow, this cool spot showcases railroad history in the Pacific Southwest. Check out fascinating collections of train cars, steam engines and railroad models. Even better, the museum is located right next to an active railway, so you can see the sights and sounds of trains as they roll through this historic hub.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque explores the story of the Atomic Age. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum features exhibits on everything from Marie Curie’s discovery of radium to nuclear weapons, energy production, and modern medical technology.