1. The Exotic World of Wildlife at Oklahoma City Zoo – Oklahoma
A trip down Route 66 isn’t complete without a stop at the Oklahoma City Zoo, a destination that blends conservation with an unforgettable animal experience. Home to over 1,900 animals, this zoo is more than just a place to see wildlife—it’s an interactive adventure. You can feed giraffes as they stretch their long necks toward you, watch elephants cool off in their massive habitat, or even get up close to the elusive Galápagos tortoise, one of the longest-living animals on Earth. The zoo’s Great Escape exhibit features gorillas and orangutans swinging through trees, showcasing their incredible agility and intelligence.
But what makes this zoo a must-see along Route 66 is its commitment to wildlife conservation and education. Beyond simply viewing animals, visitors can participate in behind-the-scenes experiences that reveal the daily efforts to care for these magnificent creatures. Kids and adults alike can learn about endangered species and how zoos play a critical role in their survival. If you’re looking for a meaningful stop that connects you with nature and supports conservation efforts, the Oklahoma City Zoo is the perfect detour.
2. The Enchanting Blue Whale of Catoosa – Oklahoma
A roadside icon of Route 66, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is more than just a quirky roadside attraction—it’s a tribute to love, nostalgia, and an unexpected connection to nature. Originally built as a gift from Hugh Davis to his wife in the 1970s, this massive blue structure has since become a beloved landmark along the Mother Road. While the giant smiling whale itself is an oddity, what many people don’t realize is that it’s also a great place to spot local wildlife.
The pond surrounding the Blue Whale is teeming with fish, turtles, and birds, making it an ideal stop for animal lovers. Turtles bask lazily on logs, while fish ripple the water beneath the famous blue structure. Many visitors bring food to feed the fish, and if you’re patient enough, you might even spot a great blue heron swooping down for its own meal. It’s a peaceful, nature-filled stop wrapped in a bit of Route 66 history, offering a unique way to blend roadside charm with animal encounters.
3. Wild Encounters at Keepers of the Wild – Arizona
Deep in the Arizona desert, Keepers of the Wild is an animal sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates exotic animals from the entertainment industry, roadside zoos, and abusive owners. Unlike a traditional zoo, this sanctuary gives its animals spacious habitats where they can live as close to their natural environment as possible. The stories of the animals here are heartbreaking yet inspiring—from tigers once forced to perform in circus acts to bears rescued from neglectful owners. Every animal has a second chance at life here, and visitors get to witness their journey firsthand.
What makes this place so special is that it’s not just about seeing animals—it’s about understanding their past and their recovery. Visitors can take guided tours where caretakers explain each animal’s history and the challenges they’ve overcome. Seeing a rescued lion lounging in the sun, no longer caged in a small enclosure, is a powerful reminder of why sanctuaries like this exist. If you want a Route 66 stop that’s both moving and meaningful, Keepers of the Wild will leave a lasting impact.
4. The Peculiar Charm of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch – Illinois
If you love rabbits, then Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, is a Route 66 stop you won’t want to miss. This roadside attraction is part vintage gas station, part gift shop, and part bunny haven, featuring dozens of friendly rabbits that roam around freely. Visitors can pet them, feed them, and watch them hop through their quirky, bunny-sized “burrows” scattered throughout the property. It’s a fun, lighthearted stop that brings an unexpected animal encounter to your road trip.
But the charm doesn’t stop at the rabbits. The ranch is filled with Route 66 memorabilia, from classic road signs to vintage cars stacked like a bunny-themed version of Cadillac Ranch. The owner, known as “Rabbit Henry,” is always around to share stories about the history of the place and his love for rabbits. Whether you’re an animal lover or just enjoy oddball roadside attractions, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch is one of the most unique places along the route.
5. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve – Maryland
Though slightly off the main Route 66 path, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is worth the detour for anyone looking for an immersive animal experience. Unlike a traditional zoo, this wildlife preserve allows visitors to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. You can hop on a safari ride to see zebras, camels, and bison roaming across open fields, or hand-feed parakeets in a massive walk-through aviary. The preserve also has an impressive reptile collection, featuring giant tortoises and rare lizards.
One of the highlights of this stop is the opportunity to interact with some of the animals. From petting kangaroos to meeting a porcupine, these hands-on experiences create unforgettable moments. The preserve is also deeply committed to conservation efforts, working to protect endangered species and educate visitors about wildlife preservation. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and education, making it a must-see stop for any animal lover traveling along Route 66.
6. Big Texan Horse Hotel – Texas
You may have heard of the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, home to the legendary 72-ounce steak challenge, but did you know it also has its own horse hotel? This unique stop caters not just to road-tripping humans but also to travelers with horses in tow. Located along Route 66, the Big Texan Horse Hotel provides stables where people can lodge their horses overnight, ensuring they get proper care and rest just like their owners.
Even if you don’t have a horse, it’s a fascinating place to visit. You can walk around and see beautiful quarter horses, mustangs, and even the occasional draft horse being groomed and fed. The hotel embraces the cowboy spirit of Texas, and visitors can get a taste of the Old West by watching riders practice their skills in nearby arenas. It’s an unexpected animal attraction that captures the rugged charm of the Texas stretch of Route 66.
7. Albuquerque BioPark Zoo – New Mexico
Nestled in the heart of New Mexico, the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo is a stunning oasis of wildlife along Route 66. This zoo stands out for its beautifully designed habitats that mimic the natural environments of the animals living there. From lush tropical enclosures housing jaguars to vast open spaces where elephants roam, every inch of the park is built with the well-being of the animals in mind. One of the highlights is the penguin exhibit, which transports visitors to a frozen world in the middle of the desert.
Beyond traditional zoo exhibits, the BioPark offers interactive experiences that bring visitors closer to the animals. You can watch zookeepers train sea lions, listen to talks about conservation efforts, and even feed some of the animals in designated areas. The zoo is part of a larger complex that includes an aquarium and botanical gardens, making it a full-day destination for travelers wanting a break from the road. If you’re looking for a well-rounded wildlife experience along Route 66, this is the perfect stop to add to your list.
