In 2026, Route 66—the legendary Mother Road—will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Since its designation in 1926, this iconic highway has been more than just a road; it has been a symbol of adventure, freedom, and the great American road trip. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 connected small towns, fueled roadside culture, and became immortalized in music, movies, and countless travel memories. Though it was officially decommissioned in 1985, its spirit never faded. Thanks to preservation efforts, dedicated enthusiasts, and the businesses that keep the neon glowing, Route 66 continues to be a must-experience journey for travelers from around the world.
As the Route 66 Centennial approaches, celebrations are revving up along all eight states of the route and major restoration projects and special initiatives are underway to ensure that the Mother Road gets the grand tribute it deserves. From historic landmark renovations to Route 66 festivals and car rallies to brand new muffler men and selfie spots, the 100th anniversary is shaping up to be a milestone event that both honors the past and paves the way for the future. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Route 66 or planning your first road trip down its historic pavement, 2026 will be the perfect time to hit the road and be part of the celebration.
Explore the history of Route 66, the upcoming centennial festivities, and the restoration efforts preserving this legendary highway for future generations below. Plus, get tips on planning the perfect Route 66 centennial road trip to make the most of this historic celebration. Buckle up—it’s going to be a road trip to remember!
Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip.
Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,400 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your personalized Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 Centennial road trip today!
Route 66 Centennial: Celebrating 100 Years of the Mother Road in 2026
- Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip.
- Route 66 Centennial: Celebrating 100 Years of the Mother Road in 2026
- The History of Route 66 and the 2026 Route 66 Centennial Celebration
- New Attractions and Revitalizations for the Route 66 Centennial
- How to Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip
- Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip.
- Route 66 Centennial Events
- Explore More: Essential Route 66 Centennial Links
- Route 66 Centennial Merchandise
- Join the Celebration of a Lifetime at the Route 66 Centennial
- Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip.
The History of Route 66 and the 2026 Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Route 66, often called “The Mother Road,” is one of the most iconic highways in the United States. Established in 1926, it spanned approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Over the years, Route 66 became synonymous with American road trips, connecting rural communities, fostering economic growth, and symbolizing freedom and adventure. However, with the advent of the Interstate Highway System in 1956, Route 66 was gradually decommissioned, officially losing its U.S. Highway designation in 1985. Despite this, enthusiasts and preservationists have kept its legacy alive, celebrating its cultural significance and maintaining historic landmarks along the route.
The Route 66 Centennial in 2026 marks 100 years since its official designation as a U.S. Highway on November 11, 1926. This milestone is a chance to reflect on the highway’s rich history and enduring legacy. Each of the eight states along the route—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—are preparing special events, restoration projects, and promotional campaigns to honor the centennial. The celebration aims to draw attention to Route 66’s importance as a cultural and historical landmark while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Important Dates in Route 66 History
- April 30, 1926: the name “U.S. 66” is officially proposed.
- November 11, 1926: Route 66 is formally designated as part of the U.S. Highway System.
- June 29, 1956: the Federal-Aid Highway Act is signed, leading to the decline of Route 66.
- 1985: Route 66 is officially removed from the U.S. Highway System.
- 1987: The first Historic Route 66 Association is founded in Arizona, sparking preservation efforts.
- 1999: The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is established.
- December 23, 2020: the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act is signed into law.
- 2026: Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary with nationwide events and restoration projects.
- November 11, 2026: the official date of the Route 66 Centennial celebration.
New Attractions and Revitalizations for the Route 66 Centennial
As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary, efforts to restore historic landmarks and introduce new attractions are in full swing. Thanks to revitalization grants, grassroots preservation efforts, and federal initiatives like the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, the Mother Road is getting a well-deserved facelift for its big celebration in 2026.
The Route 66 Centennial Commission Act
Recognizing the immense cultural, historical, and economic impact of U.S. Route 66, Congress passed the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act to ensure the road’s 100th anniversary in 2026 is celebrated with the recognition it deserves. The Act, signed into law on December 23, 2020, established the Route 66 Centennial Commission, a federally appointed body tasked with planning, recommending, and coordinating activities that honor the legacy and future of Route 66.
What Is the Route 66 Centennial Commission?
The Route 66 Centennial Commission is a government-appointed body made up of members representing each of the eight states along the historic highway: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It includes individuals with expertise in Route 66 history, tourism, economic development, and preservation. The commission’s primary role is to develop and recommend initiatives that align with the highway’s cultural, historical, and economic significance, ensuring a broad and meaningful centennial celebration in 2026. To guide its efforts, the Commission has established seven key principles, which serve as the foundation for its planning and recommendations:
- Celebrate & Honor: Recognizing the people, businesses, and communities that have made Route 66 an iconic part of American history.
- Preserve, Protect & Enhance: Encouraging conservation of historic sites, neon signs, motels, and attractions that define the road’s character.
- Generate Tourism Demand: Promoting Route 66 as a must-visit destination, encouraging both domestic and international travelers to experience the route.
- Tourism Development: Supporting infrastructure improvements and marketing efforts to strengthen tourism along the highway.
- Economic: Identifying ways to drive investment in communities along Route 66, ensuring long-term sustainability for businesses and attractions.
- National Collaboration: Bringing together state, federal, and local agencies, as well as Route 66 organizations, to work toward a unified vision.
- Research & Education: Documenting Route 66’s impact through academic studies, oral histories, and educational initiatives to ensure its story is preserved for future generations.
The commission is actively planning centennial celebrations, including landmark events, preservation efforts, tourism campaigns, and educational programs. It also advocates for funding and grants to support businesses and attractions.
As 2026 approaches, the Route 66 Centennial Commission continues to lay the groundwork for an unforgettable celebration. The centennial offers an opportunity not just to commemorate the past, but also to invest in the future of Route 66, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, living piece of Americana for generations to come.
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of Route 66. This initiative brings together stakeholders from across the historic highway to promote its cultural, historical, and economic significance. Through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic projects, the Road Ahead Partnership aims to ensure that Route 66 remains a thriving destination for generations to come.
The partnership’s mission is to sustain and enhance Route 66 by focusing on five key areas:
- Preservation: Protecting and restoring historic sites, buildings, and landscapes along Route 66.
- Promotion: Increasing awareness and encouraging tourism to boost local economies.
- Economic Development: Supporting businesses and communities along the route.
- Research & Education: Documenting Route 66’s history and sharing it with the public.
- Collaboration: Uniting state, tribal, and international organizations to advance common goals.
Key Initiatives
Route 66 Centennial Celebration (2026): With Route 66’s 100th anniversary approaching, the Road Ahead Partnership is leading national efforts to celebrate this milestone. Plans include special events, marketing campaigns, and preservation projects to honor the highway’s rich legacy.
Preservation Efforts: The partnership works closely with preservationists, state historic offices, and community groups to maintain Route 66’s authentic character. Projects include restoring historic signage, protecting vintage motels, and advocating for the conservation of bridges and roadways.
Black Experiences Grant Program: This initiative, supported by American Express, funds projects that highlight and preserve the stories of Black communities along Route 66. Grants support Black-owned businesses, historical research, and efforts to document Green Book sites that once provided safe havens for Black travelers.
Route 66 Extraordinary Women Initiative: Recognizing the contributions of women to Route 66’s history, this program provides micro-grants to female-owned businesses and attractions along the route. It also promotes educational resources and storytelling initiatives that spotlight the role of women on the Mother Road.
Economic Development & Tourism Growth: The partnership collaborates with tourism boards, local governments, and businesses to enhance Route 66 as a travel destination. This includes marketing strategies, business development programs, and efforts to secure funding for infrastructure improvements.
Route 66 Centennial Monuments
As Route 66 gears up to celebrate its 100th birthday, communities across the country are marking the occasion with bold new additions: Route 66 Centennial Monuments. These striking 16-foot-tall markers light up the Mother Road with glowing LED shields that shout out their state and the years 1926–2026. From bustling cities to quiet roadside stops, each monument includes a display with local stories and a QR code to dive deeper into the history that shaped America’s most iconic highway.
How to Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip
With Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026, there’s no better time to hit the road and experience the Mother Road like never before! Whether you’re planning a short stretch or the full 2,448-mile journey, here’s how to make the most of the Route 66 Centennial road trip by planning the perfect Route 66 Road Trip.
Decide Your Route & Timeline
Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, passing through eight states. Do you want to drive the entire route or focus on a specific section? Centennial events will take place throughout the year, so check event calendars to plan your trip around key celebrations. Especially keep an eye out for November 11, 2026, when many towns will be hosting celebrations in honor of the road’s date of formal designation.
Consider the Season
Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer will be the peak celebration season. Winter brings fun holiday-themed events but the weather can make travel hard and many businesses close for the season.
Choose Your Travel Style
Will you drive your own modern car, rent a classic vehicle, or even travel by RV? Your mode of transportation will impact your itinerary, budget, and accommodations. If you want the full nostalgia experience, consider booking a vintage car rental for part of your trip!
Book Accommodations in Advance
Historic motels, boutique hotels, and classic roadside lodgings fill up quickly—especially during major centennial events. Make reservations early to secure a stay in iconic spots like the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari or the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba. Need inspiration? Browse our Route 66 Accommodation directory or explore the Best Historic Route 66 Motels and Hotels in Each State.
Map Out Must-See Stops
From neon-lit diners to quirky roadside attractions, Route 66 is packed with history. Be sure to include highlights like:
- Historic Route 66 Begin Sign (Chicago, Illinois)
- The Gemini Giant (Wilmington, Illinois)
- Cars on the Route (Galena, Kansas)
- The Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa, Oklahoma)
- Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)
- The Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, Arizona)
- Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica, California)
Use Route 66 guidebooks, websites (like this one!), and our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit to find hidden gems along the way!
Stay on the Historic Route
Interstates have replaced parts of old Route 66, but dedicated maps and GPS apps can help you stick to the historic alignments. Pick up the Route 66 Map Series to help guide the way.
Budget for Gas, Food & Fun
Gas stations can be sparse or expensive in certain areas, so plan fuel stops accordingly. Budget for meals at classic diners, museum entries, motels, and souvenirs—because you’ll definitely want to take home a piece of the Mother Road!
Capture the Moment
Bring a camera or smartphone to document your trip. Whether it’s a picture in front of an old neon sign or a video of a classic car parade, your Route 66 Centennial road trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth remembering!
By planning ahead, you’ll be ready to celebrate 100 years of Route 66 in style. Start mapping out your adventure now and get ready to hit the road in 2026!
Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip.
Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,400 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your personalized Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 Centennial road trip today!
Route 66 Centennial Events
As Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, communities along the Mother Road are gearing up for a year-long celebration honoring its legacy. From Chicago to Santa Monica, festivals, car rallies, historic preservation efforts, and special exhibits will pay tribute to the highway that shaped America’s road trip culture. Whether you want to join a classic car cruise, attend a museum exhibit, or take part in a small-town street fair, there will be no shortage of ways to celebrate this milestone. Here’s a look at some of the biggest Route 66 Centennial events happening in 2026!
Upcoming Route 66 Centennial Events
Route 66 Tri City Cruise Night: Miami, Commerce & Quapaw
2026-09-12 14:00:00
Pontiacs in Pontiac Car Show
2026-09-20 00:00:00
Centennial Route 66 Balloon Festival
2026-09-23 00:00:00
25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
2026-09-25 00:00:00
Explore More: Essential Route 66 Centennial Links
Planning your Route 66 Centennial adventure? Whether you’re looking for local event details, historical insights, or travel tips, these websites are great resources for exploring the Mother Road. From state tourism boards to Route 66 associations dedicated to preserving its history, these links will help you stay up to date on centennial celebrations and beyond.
Route 66 Centennial Commission
As the 100th anniversary of Route 66 approaches, the Route 66 Centennial Commission is leading the charge in celebrating this historic milestone. Their official website is the go-to source for updates on centennial events, preservation efforts, and ways to get involved in honoring America’s most famous highway.
Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Website
Route 66 Centennial Commission
State & Local Tourism Websites
Each Route 66 state has its own tourism board with information on attractions, events, and trip-planning tools. Many towns along Route 66 also have dedicated tourism websites, so be sure to check for city-specific information when planning your trip!
State Websites
City Websites
Route 66 Associations & Preservation Groups
These organizations work to preserve and promote Route 66, often hosting events and sharing historical resources:
International Route 66 Groups
The love for Route 66 extends beyond the U.S.! These international organizations connect global travelers with the Mother Road:
More Route 66 Websites
Route 66 Centennial Merchandise
As the Route 66 centennial approaches, many states along the historic highway have created their own unique centennial logos to mark the occasion. From t-shirts and hats to collectible pins and stickers, there are plenty of ways to commemorate 100 years of America’s most famous road. Whether you’re looking for a unique Route 66 souvenir from your favorite stretch of the route or a gift for a fellow road trip enthusiast, you can find official centennial merchandise at these websites.
Illinois Route 66 Centennial Merchadise
Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Merchandise
Texas Route 66 Centennial Merchandise
New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Merchandise
Kingman, Arizona Route 66 Centennial Merchandise
Join the Celebration of a Lifetime at the Route 66 Centennial
The 100th anniversary of Route 66 is more than just a milestone—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and adventure that have made the road so legendary. Whether you’re a longtime Route 66 enthusiast or embarking on your first trip down the Mother Road, 2026 is the perfect time to experience the magic of Route 66.
So gas up the car, pack your bags, and get ready to cruise into history—because the Route 66 Centennial is an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Plan a Route 66 Centennial Road Trip.
Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,400 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your personalized Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 Centennial road trip today!
