Nothing represents the American vehicular culture more than the historic Route 66. In its heyday, this highway that stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles was the fastest and most popular year-round connection from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast.

Although the development of multi-lane freeways has made Route 66 largely obsolete, travelers seeking to enjoy a piece of history that reflects a slower pace of American life can still drive most of this highway. High maintenance cost and lack of traffic has resulted in some segments of the highway being torn up and completely decommissioned. Travelers can use a combination of modern freeways and other side streets to bypass areas of Route 66 that no longer exist. Whether you decide to start in the Midwest or on the West Coast, there are a number of must-see destinations along the way.

Near Holbrook and Sun Valley, Arizona, you'll find the Petrified Forest National Park nestled in the Painted Desert. This park is home to one of the world's largest areas of petrified trees. Dating back to the early Triassic period, the petrified trees are bright, colorful, and hard as stone. A number of Native American structures can also be found throughout the park. It is an excellent location to learn more about the Pueblo tribe's rich culture and history.

It's hard to miss Cadillac Ranch if you're approaching Amarillo, Texas on either I-40 or Route 66. This eclectic art installation is a collection of old Cadillacs planted firmly into the Texas soil at an angle that matches the great Giza Pyramid in Egypt. Created by artists in the 1970s, these cars are routinely painted over and over by the various visitors that have come to pay homage to the site. Although located on private property, visitors are encouraged to walk onto the property and leave their mark on the cars. This is the perfect tribute to the aging culture represented by Route 66.

Another must-see destination is the Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri. Hailed as Missouri's buried treasure, the caverns are home to a rich history that extends all the way back to its initial discovery by the French in the early 1700s. The largest claim to fame came in the 1940s, when the land's owner discovered a new area in the caverns that contained a number of artifacts linked to the infamous Jesse James. It has since been dubbed the "Jesse James Hideout." Tours of the massive caves and underground rooms are available nearly all year round.

Whether you're a history buff or just interested in experiencing true American culture, a trip down Route 66 can provide many great memories.