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The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure
January 3 - January 13
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 with The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure, a cross-country cruise honoring the road that helped shape America. Hosted by America’s Automotive Trust, the Detroit Auto Show, and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission, this 10-day drive brings vintage vehicles, community events, and historic stops together along the Mother Road.
Starting in Santa Monica, California, on January 3, a fleet of nine classic vehicles will travel Route 66 end to end, reaching Chicago, Illinois, on January 12. The cars will then appear at the Detroit Auto Show beginning January 14.
Along the way, the drive will highlight local landmarks, roadside attractions, and Route 66 businesses that keep the spirit of the highway alive. The event also supports the Route 66 Centennial Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program—helping to preserve Route 66 for future generations.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
(Itinerary is subject to change; updates and additions to the route are still being made.)
Day 1: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Santa Monica, CA → Barstow, CA
- Mel’s Diner – Santa Monica, CA
- Emma Jean’s Holland Burger – Victorville, CA
- WigWam Tepee Motel – San Bernardino, CA
Day 2 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
Barstow, CA → Kingman, AZ
- Crave Kaffee Haus – Barstow, CA
- Roy’s Motel & Café – Amboy, CA
Day 3 – Monday, January 5, 2026
Kingman, AZ → Winslow, AZ
- Mudd on Route 66 – Kingman, AZ
- Osterman Gas Station – Peach Springs, AZ
- Turquoise Room Restaurant – Winslow, AZ
Day 4 – Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Winslow, AZ → Albuquerque, NM
- Glorieta Station Neon Sign Museum – Albuquerque, NM
Day 5 – Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Albuquerque, NM → Amarillo, TX
- Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
- The Big Texan Steak House – Amarillo, TX
Day 6 – Thursday, January 8, 2026
Amarillo, TX → Weatherford, OK
- The Leaning Tower of Texas – Groom, TX
Day 7 – Friday, January 9, 2026
Weatherford, OK → Tulsa, OK
- Bridgeport Pony Bridge – Hinton, OK
Day 8 – Saturday, January 10, 2026
Tulsa, OK → Lebanon, MO
- Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, OK
- Munger Moss Motel – Lebanon, MO
Day 9 – Sunday, January 11, 2026
Lebanon, MO → Springfield, IL
- St. Robert Neon Park – St. Robert, MO
- Chain of Rocks Bridge – St. Louis, MO
Day 10 – Monday, January 12, 2026
Springfield, IL → Chicago, IL
- American Giants Museum – Atlanta, IL
- Pontiac-Oakland Museum – Pontiac, IL
- Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain – Chicago, IL
Day 11 – Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Chicago, IL → Detroit, MI
- Detroit Auto Show – Detroit, MI
This journey highlights Route 66’s lasting legacy, celebrates preservation success stories, and supports the Route 66 Centennial Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program. Participants are welcome to join for the entire drive or any portion of the route, but must make their own travel, lodging, and food arrangements.
