By Mike Kulick, Motorsports, Social Media Strategy Lead
By Mike Kulick, Motorsports, Social Media Strategy Lead
There’s something special about Route 66. It’s more than a road trip—it’s a cross-country story, stitched together by neon signs, roadside diners, desert views, and the kind of landmarks that remind you how big and beautiful America really is. On our recent family road trip, we traveled from Detroit to Chicago, then aimed west, intending to cross all of Route 66 until the ocean stopped us inSanta Monica, California.
For a trip this ambitious, having the right vehicle mattered for everyone in my family of four. We felt the best way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road was in the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country – a vehicle capable of making every mile easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for the whole family.
The Tahoe High Country became a perfect travel companion. Its size offered plenty of room for a family of four to stretch out and relax. Despite enough luggage and snacks to support the trip, the cabin never felt cramped. The available screens for my sons in the back seats helped keep the peace; Thank goodness for wireless headphones. Long days on the road can wear on anyone, but behind the wheel of the Tahoe, the miles flew by.
Starting at Navy Pier in Chicago, we began our trip westward on the most legendary road in America. One of our first standout moments was St. Louis and the Gateway Arch National Monument. Seeing the Arch rise above the city is one of those classic Route 66 experiences that instantly grounds the journey, makes it real. The Arch is bold, iconic. A reminder of the westward spirit that Route 66 has always represented.
Galena, Kansas revealed one of the trip’s most unexpected highlights. This small town holds a fun piece of pop culture history—it helped inspire Radiator Springs in the movie Cars. If you’retraveling with family, that connection makes the stop even more meaningful. There’s a sense of nostalgia there that fits Route 66 perfectly, where every little town seems to have a story hiding in plain sight. We even met the auto mechanic “Crazy Legs” who was the inspiration for the tow-truck character, Mater, and boy was he a character himself.
One of our secret weapons on the journey was Super Cruise1. Covering long stretches of highway is exactly where this driver assistance technology shines. On Route 66 and the highways connecting its iconic stops, Super Cruise helped take the stress out of the drive with Hands-Free Driver Assistance, making the miles feel easier and less tiring.
We were able to settle in, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the experience of traveling together as well as remain attentive on the road. It gave the trip a more relaxed rhythm, which is exactly what you want on a family adventure across the country.
Then came the Grand Canyon, a destination that needs no introduction. Despite the Grand Canyon’s outsize reputation, it still somehow exceeded expectations. After hours of open roads and changing landscapes, arriving at the canyon felt almost surreal. It was one of those moments that brought everyone to a stop. No screen, photo, or description can fully prepare you for the scale of it. It’s a powerful reminder that the best places on earth often make you feel small but full of wonder.
By the time we reached Santa Monica, we had covered an unforgettable stretch of America. Route 66 delivered the history, the scenery, and the sense of discovery we hoped for. For our last night we used the Tahoe’s fold down seats for a final movie night – at the San Bernadino Drive In. What a way to wrap up the trip.
The 2026 Chevy Tahoe High Country delivered the comfort, capability, and space to make it an epic journey feel comfortable and manageable. And with Super Cruise helping make the long highway miles easier, we were free to enjoy what Route 66 is really about: the journey, the family, and the stories you bring home.
1 Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. See onstar.com/supercruise for compatible roads and more information. Requires active Super Cruise subscription plan. See onstar.com for details.
There’s something special about Route 66. It’s more than a road trip—it’s a cross-country story, stitched together by neon signs, roadside diners, desert views, and the kind of landmarks that remind you how big and beautiful America really is. On our recent family road trip, we traveled from Detroit to Chicago, then aimed west, intending to cross all of Route 66 until the ocean stopped us in Santa Monica, California.
For a trip this ambitious, having the right vehicle mattered for everyone in my family of four. We felt the best way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road was in the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country – a vehicle capable of making every mile easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for the whole family.
The Tahoe High Country became a perfect travel companion. Its size offered plenty of room for a family of four to stretch out and relax. Despite enough luggage and snacks to support the trip, the cabin never felt cramped. The available screens for my sons in the back seats helped keep the peace; Thank goodness for wireless headphones. Long days on the road can wear on anyone, but behind the wheel of the Tahoe, the miles flew by.
Starting at Navy Pier in Chicago, we began our trip westward on the most legendary road in America. One of our first standout moments was St. Louis and the Gateway Arch National Monument. Seeing the Arch rise above the city is one of those classic Route 66 experiences that instantly grounds the journey, makes it real. The Arch is bold, iconic. A reminder of the westward spirit that Route 66 has always represented.
Galena, Kansas revealed one of the trip’s most unexpected highlights. This small town holds a fun piece of pop culture history—it helped inspire Radiator Springs in the movie Cars. If you’retraveling with family, that connection makes the stop even more meaningful. There’s a sense of nostalgia there that fits Route 66 perfectly, where every little town seems to have a story hiding in plain sight. We even met the auto mechanic “Crazy Legs” who was the inspiration for the tow-truck character, Mater, and boy was he a character himself.
One of our secret weapons on the journey was Super Cruise1. Covering long stretches of highway is exactly where this driver assistance technology shines. On Route 66 and the highways connecting its iconic stops, Super Cruise helped take the stress out of the drive with Hands-Free Driver Assistance, making the miles feel easier and less tiring.
We were able to settle in, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the experience of traveling together as well as remain attentive on the road. It gave the trip a more relaxed rhythm, which is exactly what you want on a family adventure across the country.
Then came the Grand Canyon, a destination that needs no introduction. Despite the Grand Canyon’s outsize reputation, it still somehow exceeded expectations. After hours of open roads and changing landscapes, arriving at the canyon felt almost surreal. It was one of those moments that brought everyone to a stop. No screen, photo, or description can fully prepare you for the scale of it. It’s a powerful reminder that the best places on earth often make you feel small but full of wonder.
By the time we reached Santa Monica, we had covered an unforgettable stretch of America. Route 66 delivered the history, the scenery, and the sense of discovery we hoped for. For our last night we used the Tahoe’s fold down seats for a final movie night – at the San Bernadino Drive In. What a way to wrap up the trip.
The 2026 Chevy Tahoe High Country delivered the comfort, capability, and space to make it an epic journey feel comfortable and manageable. And with Super Cruise helping make the long highway miles easier, we were free to enjoy what Route 66 is really about: the journey, the family, and the stories you bring home.
1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. See onstar.com/supercruise for compatible roads and more information. Requires active Super Cruise subscription plan. See onstar.com for details.