Traveling along the historic Route 66 offers more than just a nostalgic journey through America’s past—it reveals a series of secluded towns that time almost forgot. These hidden gems, each with their own unique charm and stories, provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. From deserted ghost towns to quiet communities rich in history, these towns invite you to step off the beaten path and explore the quieter side of the Mother Road. Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns along Route 66, each offering a unique glimpse into America’s heartland.
10. Litchfield, Illinois: A Sleepy Town with Route 66 Legacy
Litchfield, Illinois, with a population of approximately 6,800, is a quaint town steeped in Route 66 history. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the historic Ariston Café, one of the oldest restaurants along the Mother Road, or explore local history at the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Lake Lou Yaeger, offering fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities amidst serene natural beauty. The town’s economy is primarily supported by agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, reflecting its rural roots. Litchfield’s seclusion comes from its peaceful atmosphere and distance from bustling urban areas, allowing it to preserve a laid-back, friendly community vibe. This sleepy town offers travelers a nostalgic slice of Americana, far from the rush of city life.
Where is Litchfield?
Situated in central Illinois, Litchfield lies along Interstate 55, about 50 miles north of St. Louis and 45 miles south of Springfield. Its location, nestled in the heart of rural Illinois, contributes to its secluded feel, surrounded by rolling farmland and away from the congestion of larger cities. Travelers can reach Litchfield by taking Interstate 55 and exiting onto historic Route 66, which runs directly through the town. This easy access makes it a perfect quiet stop for those exploring the classic American highway.
9. Peach Springs, Arizona: Gateway to the Grand Canyon’s Hidden Gems
Peach Springs, Arizona, is a small community with a population of about 1,100 residents, predominantly from the Hualapai Tribe. This secluded town serves as a gateway to some of the Grand Canyon’s most stunning and lesser-known trails, offering adventurers access to pristine natural wonders like Havasu Falls. Visitors can experience authentic Native American culture through local tours, crafts, and events hosted by the Hualapai people. The town’s economy largely revolves around tourism, with river rafting trips on the Colorado River being a major attraction. Peach Springs’ remote setting on historic Route 66 contributes to its quiet atmosphere, far removed from crowded tourist hotspots. Its seclusion allows for an immersive experience in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area.
Where is Peach Springs?
Nestled in northwestern Arizona, Peach Springs is located along Route 66 between Kingman and Seligman. Its isolation stems from its desert surroundings and distance from major urban centers, enveloped by vast stretches of the high desert plateau. Accessing Peach Springs requires a drive along Route 66 or via Interstate 40 with a detour onto local roads, enhancing its off-the-beaten-path appeal. This remote location makes it a perfect starting point for travelers seeking untouched landscapes and solitude.
8. Bagdad Café’s Solitude in Newberry Springs, California
Newberry Springs, California, is a tranquil desert community with approximately 2,500 residents, offering a peaceful retreat amid the vast Mojave Desert. The town is famed for the Bagdad Café, a quirky roadside diner that gained international attention after the 1987 film of the same name was filmed there. Visitors can enjoy the quiet solitude of the desert, engage in off-road adventures, or simply soak in the unique atmosphere of this secluded locale. While agriculture is present, supported by underground aquifers, the primary industries are minimal, contributing to its calm environment. Newberry Springs’ seclusion is heightened by its expansive desert surroundings and the miles of open landscape that separate it from neighboring towns. This area provides a haven for those seeking tranquility away from the busier stretches of Route 66.
Where is Newberry Springs?
Located in San Bernardino County, Newberry Springs sits roughly 20 miles east of Barstow along Route 66. Its isolation is due to its position in the heart of the Mojave Desert, with few signs of civilization in the surrounding area. Travelers can reach Newberry Springs via Interstate 40 and then take the historic Route 66 for a more scenic drive. The journey through the open desert contributes to the town’s remote feel, making it a tucked-away spot for those venturing off the interstate.
7. The Time Capsule Town of McLean, Texas
McLean, Texas, is a small town of around 800 residents that offers a nostalgic journey back in time along Route 66. Visitors can explore the Devil’s Rope Museum, dedicated to the history of barbed wire and its impact on the American West, and admire vintage gas stations like the restored Phillips 66 station. The town’s quiet streets and historic buildings capture the essence of a bygone era, making it a charming stop for history enthusiasts. Agriculture forms the backbone of McLean’s economy, with expansive fields of wheat and cotton surrounding the town. McLean’s seclusion is attributed to its remote location in the Texas Panhandle and the decline in traffic since Route 66 was bypassed by the interstate highway system. This time capsule town provides a peaceful retreat, preserving the simplicity and charm of small-town life.
Where is McLean?
Situated in the northeast region of the Texas Panhandle, McLean is located along the historic Route 66, approximately 75 miles east of Amarillo. Its seclusion arises from its distance from major cities and the expansive plains that stretch endlessly around it. Access to McLean is primarily via Interstate 40, which parallels the old Route 66, but few travelers exit to explore this hidden gem. The town’s out-of-the-way location contributes to its quiet atmosphere and preservation of historical charm.
6. The Deserted Ruins of Two Guns, Arizona
Two Guns, Arizona, is an eerie ghost town with no permanent population, offering a haunting glimpse into the past along Route 66. Visitors can wander among the abandoned buildings, old stone structures, and the remains of a once-thriving tourist stop. The area is rich with tales of betrayal, tragedy, and Native American history, adding to its mysterious allure. Though there’s no industry today, Two Guns was once a bustling stop featuring a zoo, trading post, and service station for travelers. Its seclusion is accentuated by its deserted state and remote location in the high desert, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape for photography and exploration. The crumbling ruins and silent surroundings make Two Guns a captivating destination for the adventurous at heart.
Where is Two Guns?
Located in northern Arizona, Two Guns sits just off Interstate 40, about 30 miles east of Flagstaff. Nestled on the edge of Canyon Diablo, the ghost town is surrounded by expansive mesas and canyons, contributing to its isolated feel. Access is via exit 230 off I-40, but with no services or facilities, it remains overlooked by most travelers. Its remote desert setting and abandonment amplify its seclusion, offering a unique and solitary experience for those who visit.
5. Discover the Quirky Roadside Attractions of Erick, Oklahoma
Erick, Oklahoma, is a small town with approximately 1,000 residents, brimming with quirky charm and musical heritage along Route 66. Visitors can explore the Sandhills Curiosity Shop, an eclectic collection of Route 66 memorabilia hosted by the jovial Harley and Annabelle. The town celebrates its connection to music legends Roger Miller and Sheb Wooley, with the Roger Miller Museum showcasing their contributions to country and western music. Agriculture forms the economic backbone of Erick, with surrounding wheat fields and cattle ranches. Erick’s seclusion stems from its rural setting in western Oklahoma, offering a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. This hidden gem provides a delightful stop for those interested in Americana and offbeat attractions.
Where is Erick?
Positioned in western Oklahoma near the Texas border, Erick is located along Route 66 and accessible via exit 7 on Interstate 40. Its isolation is due to the vast open plains that surround it and the significant distance from larger cities like Oklahoma City or Amarillo. Travelers can reach Erick by driving along the less-traveled sections of Route 66, enhancing the feeling of stepping back in time. The town’s remote location contributes to its peaceful ambiance and authentic small-town feel.
4. Kansas’s Tiny Treasure: Galena’s Historic Main Street
Galena, Kansas, with a population of just over 3,000, is a small town rich in mining history and classic Route 66 charm. Visitors can stroll down its historic main street, lined with preserved 19th-century buildings that harken back to its prosperous lead and zinc mining days. The town features unique attractions like Cars on the Route, a former gas station now housing replicas of characters from the movie “Cars,” inspired by Galena itself. While mining has declined, tourism and local businesses support the economy. Galena’s seclusion is a result of its small size and location in the far southeastern corner of Kansas, making it a quiet and intimate destination for travelers.
Where is Galena?
Located at the eastern tip of Kansas, Galena sits near the borders of Missouri and Oklahoma along historic Route 66. Its tucked-away position contributes to its secluded feel, as it’s bypassed by the main interstate highways. Travelers can access Galena via U.S. Route 166 or by following Route 66 from neighboring states. The town’s out-of-the-way location allows it to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, offering a quaint stop steeped in history.
3. Amboy, California: A Desert Oasis with a Legendary Neon Sign
Amboy, California, is a tiny ghost town with a population of fewer than 10 people, known for the iconic Roy’s Motel & Café sign that stands tall against the vast Mojave Desert backdrop. Visitors can stop by the historic gas station and café, which serve as a nostalgic reminder of Route 66’s heyday. While the town itself has few amenities, the stark desert landscape offers unique opportunities for photography and solitude. Amboy’s economy revolves around the trickle of tourists and travelers intrigued by its legacy and desolate beauty. The town’s extreme seclusion is due to its remote location and the rerouting of major highways, leaving it largely untouched by modern development.
Where is Amboy?
Amboy is located in San Bernardino County in Southern California, along Route 66 between Barstow and Needles. Surrounded by the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, its isolation is profound, with the nearest towns many miles away. Travelers can reach Amboy by taking Route 66 or via Interstate 40 with a detour through the desert. The journey itself, through open roads and rugged terrain, enhances the feeling of remoteness, making Amboy a true desert oasis for those seeking solitude.
2. The Hidden Beauty of Oatman, Arizona’s Wild Burro Town
Oatman, Arizona, is a former mining town with a population of about 150, famous for its wild burros that roam the streets freely. Visitors can experience an Old West atmosphere, complete with historic wooden storefronts, staged gunfights, and locally owned shops selling crafts and souvenirs. The town thrived during the gold rush, but now tourism is its main industry, attracting those intrigued by its quirky charm and frontier spirit. Oatman’s seclusion is due to its mountainous location and winding roads, preserving its rustic character. The combination of wildlife, history, and scenic beauty makes it a unique stop along Route 66.
Where is Oatman?
Nestled in the Black Mountains of western Arizona, Oatman is accessible via a twisty section of Route 66 known as the Oatman Highway. Its isolation comes from the rugged terrain and distance from major highways, with the nearest city, Kingman, about 30 miles to the northeast. Travelers can reach Oatman by taking Route 66 from either Kingman or Needles, California, enjoying scenic desert views along the way. The remote location adds to Oatman’s allure as a hidden gem steeped in Old West nostalgia.
1. Exploring the Ghost Town of Glenrio at the New Mexico-Texas Border
Glenrio is a deserted ghost town that straddles the New Mexico-Texas border, with no permanent population remaining. Once a bustling stop along Route 66, it featured gas stations, motels, and cafes serving travelers journeying across the country. Visitors today can explore the abandoned buildings and remnants of businesses, offering a poignant snapshot of America’s shifting transportation routes. With no active industries, Glenrio stands as a testament to the impact of the interstate system bypassing small towns. Its complete abandonment enhances its seclusion, creating an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and slightly haunting.
Where is Glenrio?
Glenrio is located right on the border between eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle along the original Route 66. The town’s isolation is profound, surrounded by wide-open plains and situated far from major cities or highways. Access is primarily via Interstate 40, exiting onto dusty service roads that lead into the ghost town. The lack of services and the silent landscape emphasize Glenrio’s status as a true ghost town, making it a unique and contemplative stop for the intrepid traveler.
