Historic Route 66 might be a single line on the map, but it’s held together by a whole network of people, passion projects, and preservation efforts. That’s where Historic Route 66 associations come in. From Illinois to California, these groups work behind the scenes to keep the Mother Road more than just a memory—fighting for its landmarks, supporting its small businesses, and helping travelers find their way to the roadside motels, diners, and attractions that give the highway its soul.
Most Route 66 associations are made up of volunteers who simply love living along the Main Street of America. They research and share Route 66 history, help restore vintage signs and buildings, lobby for preservation funding, and organize everything from car shows to festivals. When a classic neon sign is relit, a forgotten bridge is restored, or a new Route 66 monument is unveiled, chances are good that a state or local association had a hand in it.
For travelers, these associations are also incredibly practical resources. They publish maps and travel guides, maintain attraction directories, share construction updates and detours, and highlight new or lesser-known stops that don’t always show up in big-box guidebooks. Many offer newsletters, printed guidebooks, or online communities where you can ask questions, plan your route, and get real-time advice from people who know the road mile by mile.
In this guide to Historic Route 66 associations, we’ll look at who these groups are, what they do, and how you can connect with them, whether you’re planning your first Mother Road adventure or your fifteenth. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to tap into their expertise, support their work, and help keep Route 66 rolling strong into its next century.
Route 66 Association of Illinois
The Route 66 Association of Illinois has been championing the Mother Road in the Land of Lincoln since 1989. This volunteer-run nonprofit is based in Pontiac at the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, where you’ll find memorabilia, vintage signs, and favorites like artist Bob Waldmire’s VW bus. The association works to preserve Illinois’ stretch of Route 66, share travel information, and keep fans connected through events, tours, and its quarterly The 66 News magazine.
Missouri Route 66 Association
The Route 66 Association of Missouri was organized in 1989 to preserve, promote, and develop Historic Route 66 in the Show-Me State. Run by passionate volunteers, the association supports everything from historic signage and preservation projects to events, tours, and its quarterly Show Me Route 66 magazine, which keeps members up to speed on news, history, and road-trip inspiration across Missouri’s stretch of the Mother Road.
Route 66 Association of Kansas
The Route 66 Association of Kansas helps shine a spotlight on the Mother Road’s shortest stretch. Based at the historic Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store in Riverton, this volunteer group promotes and preserves Kansas’s 13.2 miles of Route 66, supporting classic stops in Baxter Springs, Riverton, and Galena. From signage and local projects to handy visitor info (including a Kansas Route 66 passport packed with maps and landmark details), the association works to make sure travelers don’t just blink and miss Kansas—but stop, explore, and enjoy every mile.
Oklahoma Route 66 Association
Founded in 1989, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association is a volunteer-run nonprofit devoted to celebrating and preserving all 400+ miles of the Mother Road that cross the Sooner State. Based in Tulsa, the association coordinates preservation projects, promotes travel along Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66, and advocates for the businesses and communities that line the highway. For travelers, one of its biggest contributions is the Official Oklahoma Route 66 Association Trip Guide, a magazine-style guide updated annually with maps, listings, and roadside highlights, plus a quarterly newsletter that keeps members in the loop on events, history, and centennial preparations.
Old Route 66 Association of Texas
The Old Route 66 Association of Texas was incorporated in 1991 to promote and protect the Mother Road’s 170+ miles across the Texas Panhandle. Based out of Amarillo, this volunteer group focuses on preserving landmarks, supporting local communities, and making sure travelers can still follow the old highway across big-sky country. The association helped establish the Texas Route 66 Museum/Exhibit in McLean (recognized as one of the first Route 66 museums along the road) and publishes the Texas Route 66 Email Newsletter to keep members updated on projects, events, and preservation wins.
New Mexico Route 66 Association
Formed in 1989, the New Mexico Route 66 Association is dedicated to the education, promotion, and preservation of all 604 miles of Historic Route 66 across the state. Based in Albuquerque, the nonprofit works to protect neon signs and historic buildings, support economic revitalization in Route 66 communities, and keep the story of New Mexico’s “longest urban stretch” of the Mother Road front and center. The association publishes a quarterly Route 66 New Mexico magazine and shares centennial news and travel updates.
Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona was formed in February 1987, when a small group of business owners led by Seligman barber Angel Delgadillo gathered at the Copper Cart in Seligman to fight for the future of the road. Their advocacy helped secure Arizona’s first “Historic Route 66” designation between Seligman and Kingman later that same year, kickstarting the wider preservation movement along the Mother Road. Today, the association is based in Kingman at the historic Powerhouse Visitor Center on Andy Devine Avenue, where you’ll also find the Arizona Route 66 Museum and gift shop. The group continues to preserve, promote, and protect Arizona’s long stretch of Route 66 through events like the annual Route 66 Fun Run, grants, exhibits, and ongoing advocacy—making sure travelers can still experience classic small towns, neon, and desert scenery along the old highway.
California Historic Route 66 Association
Established in 1990, the California Historic Route 66 Association is the youngest of the eight state Route 66 associations and is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enjoying the Mother Road’s path across the Golden State. This nonprofit works to foster public awareness of the history and significance of Route 66 in California, from desert motels and neon signs to small towns bypassed by the interstate. The association publishes a quarterly newsletter, Roadsigns and helps road trippers navigate the western end of the highway.
