Howdy folks, Big Mike here, from Route 66 Road Relics in Seligman, Arizona, ready to take you on a trip through Rancho Cucamonga, California. Now, while my heart is in Seligman, a place that truly breathes Route 66, I have rambled enough of the Mother Road to know a good story when I see it. And Rancho Cucamonga has its own slice of that story, a story of how Route 66 shaped a town. You know, Route 66 is not just a road; it is a living, breathing thing, a piece of America’s soul. And Rancho Cucamonga, like many towns along the way, felt its heartbeat. Though it is not the first place you think of when someone mentions Route 66, it has some real gems.

Cucamonga Service Station: A Route 66 Icon

If you are going to see one thing in Rancho Cucamonga that screams Route 66, it is the Cucamonga Service Station. This place is a real survivor. Back in 1915, when they built this station, cars were a whole different breed, and Route 66 was just a glint in America’s eye. This station saw it all, from the early days of dusty road trips to when Route 66 officially became a highway in ’26. It was there serving motorists and the local community. I have seen a lot of old gas stations in my time, and this one is a beauty. You can see that Spanish influence in the design, with those red tiles and stucco walls. It is like a little piece of California history right there on the Mother Road. Now, like many places on 66, the station saw its share of changes. It was a Richfield station for a good chunk of its life, fueling up travelers as they chased the California dream. Eventually, the interstates came along and changed everything. But thankfully, folks around here knew this place was special. They fixed it up, and now it is a museum. A museum! That is the best way to keep the spirit of 66 alive, wouldn’t you say?

Other Route 66 Sites in Rancho Cucamonga

While the Cucamonga Service Station is the main attraction, Rancho Cucamonga has other spots that contribute to its Route 66 story.

• Route 66 Trailhead Park and Bridge: This is where you can get a feel for the National Old Trails Highway, which was a precursor to Route 66.
• Etiwanda Depot: Do not forget the railroad.
• The Sycamore Inn Prime Steakhouse: This landmark has been serving travelers since 1848, with the current building constructed in 1920.

Route 66 and Rancho Cucamonga History

Rancho Cucamonga’s story is part of the bigger Route 66 story. You see, in the early 1900s, they built the National Old Trails Highway, connecting Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. That road, running along Foothill Boulevard, later became part of Route 66. And when Route 66 came to town, it brought folks from all walks of life: families heading west, adventurers seeking a new life, and dreamers chasing the California sun. Towns like Rancho Cucamonga provided them with what they needed: a place to fill up the tank, grab a bite, and rest their heads. And Bobby Troup’s song, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”, captured the excitement of that journey. But as the years rolled on, things changed. The new interstate freeways made travel faster, but they also took people away from the small towns and businesses along Route 66. By the early 1970s, Rancho Cucamonga, like many other places, was bypassed. But even though the Mother Road is not what she used to be, her spirit lives on. And places like the Cucamonga Service Station keep that spirit burning bright. So, if you ever find yourself in Rancho Cucamonga, take a little detour and explore its Route 66 history. You will not be disappointed. And if you find yourself in Arizona, be sure to stop by my place, Route 66 Road Relics in Seligman. We will keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive!

Route 66 Attractions in Rancho Cucamonga

1. Cucamonga Service Station: Also known as the Richfield Service Station, this is a restored gas station that was once used by travelers along Route 66. It stands as a nostalgic reminder of the heyday of American road trips.
2. Route 66 Trailhead Park and Bridge
3. Sycamore Inn
4. Magic Lamp Inn