RV route guide
Lincoln Highway — America's first transcontinental
1913-1925 first paved transcontinental US highway. The RV heritage drive.
The Lincoln Highway, conceived in 1913, was America's first transcontinental paved highway. The route ran from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco — 3,389 miles across 13 states. Like Route 66, the Lincoln Highway has been replaced by interstates (mostly I-80) and survives as a heritage route. NPS and the Lincoln Highway Association preserve interpretive sites along the route.
- Tier
- Special / heritage
- State
- New York
- Sources
- Cited official (.gov / .org)
Can I drive the Lincoln Highway today?
Yes, as a curated heritage experience. The original alignment is largely replaced by I-80. Original-alignment fragments survive as state and local roads in 13 states. The Lincoln Highway Association publishes a route guide identifying surviving segments and interpretive sites. Plan 21-28 days for a New York-to-San Francisco heritage drive.
- Replaced by I-80 largely
- 13 states, 3,389 miles original
- Heritage fragments preserved
- Lincoln Highway Association route guide
- 21-28 days
What Lincoln Highway Association doesn't tell you
The Lincoln Highway Association maintains a route guide that's more thorough than tourism boards. Use it as planning resource.
- Lincoln Highway Association: Heritage organization.[source]
Frequently asked questions
- Lincoln Highway vs. Route 66?
- Different roads. Lincoln Highway is older + transcontinental (NYC-SF). Route 66 was Chicago-Santa Monica.
Authoritative sources
Verify current conditions with state DOT 511 systems before departure. RV restrictions may change. Weather may close roads.
Planning an RV trip along Lincoln Highway?
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