The shield. Route 66’s most enduring symbol.
If you can summon up an image of a Route 66 sign without Google, the shield is the most likely symbol you’ll see.
But despite the iconic combination of the highway shield and the number “66,” the shield doesn’t belong to Route 66 alone.
It’s the symbol of the United States’ national route system, and all U.S. route’s use it.
It’s a shared symbol, one found on the side of national highways in every state from coast to coast and U.S. territories.
While the shield might be the most recognizable sign on Route 66, though, the one you’ll find on the sides of the highway and painted on the asphalt, the Route 66 shield is not the only type of signage that marks the route.
As Route 66 has moved from major thoroughfare to historic treasure, numerous signs have been erected in the old road’s honor.
You will find these signs in paint and in neon. On signposts and on the sides of buildings.
Marking the path forward and marking historical landmarks along the way.
So, without further rambling, we present our collection of Route 66 signs you might see as you drive the Mother Road.
Route 66 Sign Collection
Route 66 Water Tower
Location: Oatman Highway & Interstate 40, Topock, AZ
Route 66 Painted Road Shield
Location: 5 Mile Road, Between I-40 in Needles & Park Junction, CA
Location: Victorville, CA
Route 66 City Distance Sign
Location: Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Needles, CA
Needles Painted 66 Shield
Location: Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Needles, CA
Route 66 Shield Sign Collection
Location: Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Needles, CA
Route 66 Sign Post
Location: Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Needles, CA
Route 66 Painted Shield
Location: Emma’s Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe, Victorville, CA
Historic Route 66 Sign
Location: Victorville, CA
Route 66 Arch
Location: 7th Street, Victorville, CA
Route 66 Victorville Sign
Other Route 66 Signs You’re Likely To Come Across
Along with the Route 66 shield, these signs are some of the most common and recognizable Route 66 signs you’ll find along the route.
Begin Route 66 Sign, Chicago, IL
Route 66 End of Trail Sign, Santa Monica, CA
State Route 66 Sign, Arizona
Further Route 66 Reading
Looking for more on Route 66?
Check out our Route 66 articles: