Post-War Travel Surge

The post-war travel boom in America after World War II was driven by a combination of economic prosperity, advancements in transportation, and societal shifts. Rather than focusing on building military hardware, more resources, like steel and rubber, could go toward civilian uses for automobiles and airplanes.

Economic Prosperity

The war stimulated the American economy to bring it out of The Great Depression, creating a surge in job opportunities and increasing wages across the United States. Americans had more disposable income, encouraging spending on travel and leisure as a way to move forward with the serious times the world had just experienced. 

This newfound financial security provided a strong foundation for Americans to explore destinations outside their daily routines. Travel was especially important since worries about the war had largely subsided.

Automobile and Infrastructure Expansion

Car ownership rose significantly as car manufacturing ramped up after the war, and vehicles became more affordable. Part of this was due to manufacturing processes that improved during the war. The Federal Highway Act of 1944 set aside money to fund improvements to 40,000 miles of roads across the country as part of the initial Interstate Highway System.

Rise of the Middle Class and Paid Vacations

The post-war economic boom created a burgeoning middle class. More companies began offering paid vacation time. Leisure travel became a valued part of family life. Americans eagerly pursued new experiences in different regions and countries as vacationing grew more popular.

GI Bill and Veterans’ Desires to See More of the World

The GI Bill provided veterans with educational opportunities and home-buying assistance, offering stability to countless families. Many veterans felt inspired to explore more, both within the United States and abroad, due to their time overseas in the military. Their curiosity drove a significant portion of post-war travel demand.

Media & Movie Influence

Movies, magazines, and advertisements romanticized travel, portraying exotic locales as alluring and accessible, especially during the war, to give people a break from bleak headlines. Sullivan’s Travels, Pan-Americana, and Road to Morocco were popular selections in movie theaters back then.

Owning a Car Became More Commonplace

Cars were affordable and sturdier after the war. Willys cars in the 1940s cost $495, and they were made for long-distance travel. By comparison, a typical Ford Model A in the 1930s cost $385. 

Chrysler vehicles were also popular at this time. A Chrysler Royal was $895 in 1940. Ford cars in the 1940s ran about $800 to $1,000. A family at this time made around $3,200 per year in 1948.

Road Trips as a Family Vacation

After World War II, road trips became an affordable family vacation largely due to inexpensive cars, cheap fuel, and the rise of budget-friendly accommodations. Car production increased. Vehicle prices dropped because factories pivoted from wartime production to domestic products, so extra steel, parts, and rubber went into automobiles. Prices of vehicles, coupled with a rise in income, made trips more affordable. Gasoline was also inexpensive, reducing the cost of driving long distances.

The expanding Interstate Highway System made road travel efficient and safe, allowing families to visit attractions and national parks all across the United States. Affordable motels provided budget-friendly overnight options compared to hotels in cities. 

The combination of seeing more of America and affordability turned road trips into the newest form of a family vacation. While people sought a better life along Route 66 in the 1930s, by the end of World War II, people sought to enjoy life while traveling Mother Road.

Family Destinations Popped Up Along Route 66

Family destinations and infrastructure supported the travelers as more people set a course for California. These are just a few of the iconic stops along Route 66.

Hotels

Motels in Springfield, Missouri. A popular way to build a motel along a highway in the early days was to put each room in its own building. Within two blocks of the museum there still exists four of these vintage multi-building motels built in the 1940s. These are a “must-see” nostalgia stop to view!

Rail Haven Motel (Springfield MO). On the east side of Springfield on Route 66, resides this popular attraction with the lobby and each room in vintage decoration, the most famous being the Elvis Presley room where he stayed in 1956, Room 409.

The Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari, NM) opened in 1939. This iconic motel featured neon lights, garages for each room, and Art Deco architecture, making it a classic stop for families. It’s still there today for families to enjoy.

The El Rancho Hotel (Gallup, NM) was built in 1937. This legendary hotel attracted movie stars and travelers alike with its Southwestern decor and family-friendly amenities like a grand lobby and gift shop. The list of stars included John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan, Rita Hayworth, Lucille Ball, Robert Mitchum, Spencer Tracy, Errol Flynn, and many more. You can spend a night at this hotel today.

Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, AZ) was established in 1950. This motel allowed families to “sleep in a teepee,” with rooms built in the shape of Native American-style tents, providing a unique lodging experience. You and your family can still book a room there today.

The Mayo (Tulsa, OK) was an ornate, Art Deco hotel built in 1925. It became a stop for high society and celebrities, including Elvis Presley. The venue was renovated in 2009, bringing it back to its former glory.

Quirky Shops

Route 66 Car Museum (Springfield, MO) has the largest selection of Route 66 memorabilia, T-shirts, baseball caps, dye-cast cars, and souvenirs in the region.  Most are small and easy to pack.

Jack Rabbit Trading Post (Joseph City, AZ) was founded in 1949. It became famous for its “Here It Is” billboards, drawing families with souvenirs, postcards, and quirky Jack Rabbit-themed gifts. You can still buy souvenirs there today.

Cool Springs Station (near Kingman, AZ) was originally built in the 1930s. It was a quirky station that offered snacks, cold drinks, and Route 66 memorabilia, becoming a memorable photo spot. This venue still stands today!

Meteor City Trading Post (Winslow, AZ) is famous for its giant map mural. The trading post sold Native American crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, offering a unique look into the Southwest’s culture.

Restaurants

College Street Cafe (Springfield. MO). This neighborhood restaurant is as American as it gets. Built in 1953, it is conveniently next door to our car museum and still serves strictly American food to museum visitors and local traffic.

The Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman, AZ) opened in 1953. It served up classic American fare with a humorous twist, with playful signs and quirky service that charmed families. You can enjoy diner food there today.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo, TX) opened in 1960. It offered oversized portions and a “Free 72-ounce Steak” challenge, making it a popular stop for adventurous families. This venue is still open today, and it still offers the same challenge.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis, MO) started in 1929. Ted Drewes became a Route 66 landmark by the 1940s. It serves up frozen custard treats that have become a favorite stop for road-tripping families. It is still open today.

Gas Stations

U-Drop Inn (Shamrock, TX) was built in 1936. It’s an Art Deco gas station and café that became an architectural landmark, featuring eye-catching neon lights and unique green and yellow tiles.

Roy’s Motel and Café (Amboy, CA): Established in 1938, Roy’s featured a gas station, motel, and café, offering essential services in the Mojave Desert and attracting travelers with its towering neon sign.

Whiting Brothers Gas Stations (multiple locations) started in the 1930s. Whiting Brothers stations dotted Route 66, providing gas, auto services, and sometimes small motels, making them reliable rest stops along the route.

Sinclair Gas Stations (multiple locations) were everywhere along Route 66 with their iconic green dinosaur mascot. You can see a recreation of a 1930s Sinclair Station between Halltown and Spencer in Missouri called Gary’s Gay Parita. Gary was the man who restored an old gas station, while Gay Parita was the name of an original Sinclair station.

Something for Everyone Along Route 66

There was something for everyone along Route 66. For adults, there were bustling cities like St. Louis, Tulsa, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Springfield (MO), and Los Angeles. Kids could see a movie in an iconic theater. 

There were also plenty of natural wonders to see in between cities and stops for the night. Meramec Caverns and the St. Francois Mountains in eastern Missouri allowed families to explore the wilderness. Out west, the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon awaited visitors in New Mexico and Arizona with their gorgeous rock formations. Then, you reach the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert in California before reaching the Santa Monica Pier along the Pacific Ocean. 

International Travelers

Over 30 percent of museum visitors hail from countries outside of the United States. Route 66 is internationally popular as it crosses rural America and goes through numerous small and medium-sized cities that display the roots of the country.  It’s here that the heart of America can be seen and experienced.

The Road Trip Itself Became the Vacation

Today, you hear and see many people talk about taking road trips. Route 66 was the first great American road trip route, and we’re proud to be a part of your memory-making journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. 

Located on historic Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, the Route 66 Car Museum is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. Perfect for individuals, families, and tour groups, our museum celebrates the cars that shaped American pop culture. Contact us online or call (417) 459-2452 to learn more about our exhibits and plan your visit!