10 Route 66 Dupes Across the U.S. That Capture the Spirit of the Mother Road

2026 marks the centennial of Route 66, and Only In Your State is the proud partner of this once-in-a-century event. We've traveled and covered so many of the iconic stops, routes, and restaurants along Route 66 and invite everyone to experience this iconic American Road Trip for its 100th anniversary.

However, if you can't make it to Route 66 in 2026, there are lots of quirky spots across the U.S. that capture the spirit and vibes of the Mother Road. From larger-than-life lumberjacks to retro neon strips and desert mirages, here are 10 Route 66 dupes in the U.S. where you can get your kicks:

1. A Giant Lumberjack Landmark - Bemidji, Minnesota

In Bemidji, Minnesota, a small city about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis and 150 miles west of Duluth, you'll find a dynamic duo worth pulling over to see. In this small town, head to Paul Bunyan Park to find a giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox. Just like the other larger-than-life attractions found along Route 66, these majestic monoliths were erected in order to give folks a purpose, a destination, in an otherwise small town they might not visit.

2. A Vintage Neon Strip - Las Vegas, Nevada

The Vegas Strip is an American icon, its neon lights welcoming folks hoping to strike it rich since the '40s. While not located on the Mother Road, Las Vegas is a fantastic spot for Route 66 sightseeing; The Neon Museum has lots of iconic signage, and souvenir shops all over Vegas stock themed merch to get your fix—and kicks—of Route 66.

3. A Giant Paul Bunyan - Bangor, Maine

In the town center of Bangor, Maine, a giant, plaid-clad lumberjack beckons. One of many Paul Bunyan statues in the country, the Bangor Paul Bunyan is extra special for his ties to Maine—see his giant ax, an homage to the Pine Tree State.

About an hour from Bangor, you'll also find the iconic Bean Boots outside the L.L.Bean flagship in Freeport, which makes for a double dose of Route 66 as you road trip through Maine!

4. A Hidden Gem Neon Sign Museum - Cincinnati, Ohio

One of the coolest hidden gems in Cincinnati, Ohio, the American Sign Museum is a deluxe dose of distinctly Midwestern nostalgia. From Big Boy and McDonald's signs to spinning motel globes and neon-tinged downtowns, the American Sign Museum is pure nostalgia and a delight to visit. If you can, arrange for a neon sign-making demonstration—you'll be amazed by the chemistry and artistry of this bygone art.

5. A Classic Americana Main Street - Galena, Illinois

All along Route 66 in Illinois, you'll find small towns worthy of a stop. And while not on Route 66, Galena, Illinois, is certainly a place worth stopping. This picturesque and historic small town in the Northwestern corner of Illinois is about as charming as it gets. The main street feels friendly and familiar, and if you're looking for a fun mix of local businesses, restaurants, and attractions, Galena makes for a fun day trip destination (definitely check out A Darkness Lovely, a curiosities shop that also runs Haunted Galena tours!).

6. A Delightful Desert Sculpture Garden - Borrego Springs, California

In the middle of the desert (and the largest state park in California), Borrego Springs feels like part of the loneliest stretches of Route 66 through Arizona and New Mexico. Within this landscape, the famous Borrego Springs metal statues (not part of the state park, but located on private plots of land across the town of Borrego Springs, known as Galleta Meadows Estate). While on this private property, the metal monoliths are easily seen from the road and definitely a sight that feels like a desert mirage, in all the best ways.

7. A Roadside Dinosaur Attraction - Cave City, Kentucky

En route to Mammoth Cave, smack in the center of the Bluegrass State, dinosaurs dot the landscape. Yes, dinosaurs! Blink, and you might miss the signs for Dinosaur World, but you certainly won't miss the dinosaurs that dot the side of the highway. Unabashedly touristy in a way that feels so undeniably Route 66, Dinosaur World is definitely worthy of a roadside stop. It's unforgettable!

8. A Giant Pistachio - Alamogordo, New Mexico

One of the hallmarks of Route 66 is its roadside attractions, larger than life and often, well, a bit nutty. In Alamogordo, New Mexico, you'll find the world's largest pistachio at McGinn's Pistachioland. The backstory: Tim McGinn, owner of a pistachio ranch, erected the larger-than-life nut in 2007 as an homage to his father. Since then, the 30-foot-tall pistachio has become a destination in its own right and is absolutely worth a detour.

9. A Row of Retro Motels - Wildwood, New Jersey

Roadside motels are an inextricable part of the Route 66 experience, but you don't need to travel along the Mother Road to experience this slice of Americana. Vintage motels across the U.S. offer the same nostalgic roadstop experience, and in New Jersey, there's an entire stretch of retro stays. Known colloquially (and collectively) as The Wildwoods, this is the highest concentration of Midcentury Modern motels in the world! Located just north of Cape May, which is all buttoned-up Victorian vibes, The Wildwoods welcomes guests looking for an authentic retro motel experience a la Route 66 along the South Jersey shore.

10. A UFO Touched Town - Roswell, New Mexico

There's something undeniably uncanny about Roswell, New Mexico, a town known for close encounters of the third kind. The renowned alleged 1947 UFO crash, Roswell's International UFO Museum and Research Center, and the entire town are an alien-themed delight.

If you are traveling along Route 66 through New Mexico, Roswell is an easy detour—common entry points include the Santa Rosa exit via US-285 or the Clines Corners exit, which peels off the interstate corridor to reach Roswell. From Route 66, the Santa Rosa (via US-285) exit will get you to Roswell in about 2.5 hours.

The Route 66 Centennial is happening in 2026, and this celebration is so wholly American. Whether you're planning a road trip along the Mother Road or located near one of the roadside attractions that feel like something off Route 66, plan to celebrate this slice of Americana sometime in 2026. See you on the road!