Get your eclipse on Route 66
Travel along Main Street USA through eight US States to intersect the Path of Totality
Do you ever plan to motor west? The 2,448 miles journey from Chicago to LA along what’s also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America and the Mother Road, is a classic trip in itself. Quintessential USA, this trip tracing remnants of the historic highway cuts through the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, but the 90-year old highway has a surprise this time – a Total Eclipse of the Sun just south-west of St Louis.
Ebook: USA Eclipse 2017 Travel Guide: 50+ observation locations & road trip itineraries for the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Starting in Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan, follow as much (or as little) of Historic Route 66 as you want as it winds its way to Santa Monica, California, stopping-off at some deliciously American towns, cities and attractions on the way.
Ebook: 100 Best Places in the USA to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017
Begin at the Route 66 sign on Adams St. in Chicago then try the Route 66 Drive-in for 1950s-style movies in Springfield, Illinois. Although the next stop on Route 66 is usually St Louis, Missouri, that city is right on the northern limit of the eclipse track. After viewing the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis, drive 52 miles south-west to St. Clair, Missouri, which is precisely where Route 66 and the centerline of the Path of Totality intersect on what’s now called Interstate 44. Head down on the south side within the city limits near St. Clair High School; there will be events planned – check here.
Totality at St. Clair is at 13:15:42 CDT for 2 minutes and 41 seconds.
Photo credit: Jamie Carter
