Live updates | From Pier to Pier: Ryan Chiaverini on road trip to celebrate 100 years of Route 66

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped at the Meramec Caverns in Franklin County, Missouri on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped at the Meramec Caverns in Franklin County, Missouri on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

Ryan said this is his favorite stop on Route 66 so far!

Located in the Ozarks near Stanton Missouri, he says Meramec Caverns is a must see on the route.

The cave system was formed over millions of years as water carved through the region's limestone bedrock, which is one of the defining geological features of the Ozarks.

Stretching for miles, Meramec Caverns is Missouri's largest commercial cave, filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful mineral formations.

The caverns are also tied to outlaw Jesse James, who is said to have used them as a hideout.

Another famous connection is the iconic "See Meramec Caverns" advertising campaign, which appeared on barns and inspired bumper stickers seen by travelers across America, making the caves a legendary Route 66 stop.

Today, guided tours showcase remarkable chambers, including the famous Stage Curtain formation, along with dramatic lighting that highlights the cave's natural beauty.

As Ryan continues his journey down Route 66, Meramec Caverns serves as a reminder that some of America's most remarkable treasures aren't found on the road itself, but hidden just beneath it.

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped in Catoosa, Oklahoma on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped in Catoosa, Oklahoma on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

Driving on historic Route 66, you never know what you will find, even sea life. Standing 20-feet tall and more than 80-feet long, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma has become a giant stop and one of the most popular roadside attractions on the Mother Road.

In the early 1970s, zoologist Hugh Davis created the whale initially as a playground for his grandkids. Coincidentally, it was completed on his wedding anniversary. So he jokingly presented it to his wife, Zelta, as an anniversary gift. Zelta loved whales and collected whale figurines.

Over the years, it became a favorite gathering spot for families and travelers. Now, visitors from around the world stop to snap photos and experience one of Route 66's most beloved roadside attractions.

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped in Galena, Kansas on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped in Galena, Kansas on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

The state of Kansas has the shortest stretch of Route 66, just 13 miles. However, in Galena, there is a roadside attraction that will bring out everyone's inner child.

Outside the former Kan-O-Tex Service Station, now known as Cars on the Route, visitors can see "Tow Tater," a rusty 1951 International Harvester tow truck. During Pixar's Route 66 research trip, artists spotted the truck and used it as inspiration for Mater, Lightning McQueen's lovable best friend.

The restored 1934 gas station has become a must-see destination for both Route 66 travelers and "Cars" fans. Visitors can snap photos with Tow Tater, explore memorabilia and experience a piece of movie history in one of the smallest stretches of Route 66.

It's proof that sometimes Hollywood's biggest stars are discovered in the most unexpected places, right along America's Mother Road.

Ryan continues his trek on Route 66 with a stop that's larger than life.

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini stopped in Pacific, Missouri on his Route 66 road trip from pier to pier.

In Pacific, Missouri, a roadside attraction comes to life in the form of Bigfoot! No, not that one but instead the original monster truck that helped launch the monster truck craze.

Built by Bob Chandler in 1975, it started as a modified Ford pickup before making history by crushing cars and creating a whole new form of motorsports. Today, the original Bigfoot is on display at the Bigfoot 4x4 headquarters in Pacific (near St. Louis), where fans can see the truck that started it all.

From giant roadside attractions to giant tires, Ryan's Route 66 adventure rolls on with one of America's biggest automotive legends.