Can't-Miss Route 66 Roadside Attractions in Gallup, NM

Route 66 rolls through the heart of Gallup and along the way, you’ll find some of the most memorable roadside attractions, cultural stops, and local flavors in the Southwest. With giant sculptures, vintage neon, and deep Indigenous heritage, this is where the open road meets authentic New Mexico.

Start with a Snapshot: Route 66 Roadside Attractions You Can’t Miss

Gallup’s stretch of Route 66 is lined with quirky landmarks, historic sculptures, and bold roadside art perfect for a photo op.

Chief Manuelito Statue – Located at the George Galanic Multicultural Center, this sandstone sculpture by Tim Washburn honors the respected Navajo leader.
Navajo Code Talker Statue – Also at the Cultural Center, this 12-foot bronze statue by Navajo/Ute artist Oreland Joe is the first monument dedicated to the WWII Code Talkers.
Gallup Municipal Airport Display – Stop by to see an U.S. Air Force Northrop F-5/CF-116 Freedom Fighter / T-38 Talon on display.
Wild Horses – Two bright blue horses stand near the vintage Ranch Kitchen sign, where the Thunderbird Lodge’s restaurant once stood.
Muffler Man Cowboy – A towering Route 66 icon located just off the main road on Coal Avenue, guarding John’s Used Cars.

Want more? Gallup’s self-guided roadside art tours of North of I-40 and South of I-40 lead you to giant pottery, kachina statues, and vintage vehicles dangling in midair—all minutes from Route 66.

exterior of Richardson Trading Post at night with multiple lit neon signs

Shop for Authentic Native American Goods at Local Trading Posts

Discover jewelry, pottery, textiles, and ceremonial crafts made by over 1,000 Native artisans at these respected trading posts right along Route 66:

Many more trading posts are just steps away. Explore our guide to Gallup’s trading posts to find your authentic souvenir.

Take a Walking Tour Through Gallup’s Painted History

Gallup’s downtown mural tour celebrates local identity, Indigenous history, and vibrant desert landscapes—all within a short stroll from Route 66. Some murals on the Mother Road include:

Jewels and Java Murals - These two murals depict Zuni dancers, pottery, and sacred desert imagery.
Silver Dust Trading Mural - Commissioned by the Ferrari family, this mural reflects Navajo tradition, western expansion, and Gallup’s role in the Route 66 era.
Rex Museum Murals - Outside the Rex Museum, you’ll find artwork honoring mining, railroads, and Zuni tribal art. One piece is signed by Clayton Edaakie, dated 1999.
Wingate Students Gallup Mural - Created by students under Erica Rae Sykes, this mural includes hot air balloons, eagles, and Gallup’s ties to Native culture and railroads.

The full mural tour can be completed in about 15 minutes, making it a great way to stretch your legs during your road trip.

Pull Up a Seat at a Route 66 Diner

No Route 66 trip is complete without a classic diner stop. Gallup has two that proudly carry the name: Route 66 Diner and Route 66 Railway Cafe. Expect hearty breakfasts, hot coffee, green chile everything, and that unmistakable roadside charm.

Gallup Cultural Center and Amtrak Station exterior with a statue and a sign listing Amtrak, Angela's Cafe, and all exhibits

Learn About Local History at the George Galanis Multicultural Center

Step inside and explore Gallup’s vibrant past through exhibits that highlight Indigenous art, local legends, and pivotal moments in American history at the George Galanis Multicultural Center. One highlight is the Navajo Code Talker exhibit, which honors the Native soldiers whose unbreakable language code played a crucial role in securing victory in the South Pacific during World War II. Other exhibits spotlight the Fred Harvey Girls, the legacy of Route 66, and regional southwestern art—offering a rich, layered perspective of Gallup's identity. Whether you’re interested in wartime history or the spirit of the Southwest, this stop adds meaning to your Route 66 journey.

Two cowboys stand below a turquoise ox skull and a sign reading "El Rancho" inside the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup NM

Sleep Like a Star at the Historic El Rancho Hotel

Built in the golden age of Western cinema, the El Rancho Hotel once hosted some of Hollywood’s biggest stars—and it’s still welcoming guests today. More than 100 Western films were shot in the area during the 1930s and ’40s, and the hotel welcomed guests like Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, and Humphrey Bogart. Today, the hotel offers a pet-friendly stay with a grand Western-style lobby, updated rooms with modern amenities, and onsite dining at the 49er Lounge and El Rancho Restaurant.

BNSF Train rolling through the desert of New Mexico with canyons in the background

Watch the Trains Roll by Along the Mother Road

Gallup owes its existence to the railroad, and the tracks still hum with activity along Route 66. Take some time on your Route 66 adventure to enjoy the rhythmic passing of the trains as they roll by—just like they have for over a century.

Neon Sign for Route 66 with a car driving toward "66" in the top left corner. "Gallup, NM" is in the bottom right corner

Cruise Through Neon History After Dark

Gallup comes alive after dark with the glow of vintage neon signs lighting up the Mother Road. A self-guided neon sign tour takes you past classic motels, trading posts, cafes, and the Rex Museum. And, although the Ranch Kitchen Steak House sign isn’t currently illuminated, it’s still a nostalgic endpoint.

Start Your Day with Coffee & Donuts on Route 66

Before getting back on the road, stop by two local favorites for a quick and satisfying breakfast. Gallup Coffee Company creates brews and espresso drinks made from locally roasted beans in a cozy setting, while Glenn's Bakery serves up fresh, homemade donuts that hit the spot.