Established on November 11, 1926, U.S. Route 66 stretched roughly 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, earning nicknames like the “Mother Road” and “Main Street of America.” It shaped national identity—carrying Dust Bowl migrants, inspiring Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, and fueling a golden era of motels, diners, and independent travel  

Although officially decommissioned in 1985, preservation efforts—like the 1999 Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program—revived its spirit, leading to designations such as National Scenic Byways and the proposed National Historic Trail .

Today, Route 66 remains a living museum of Americana:

Over 250 structures along the highway are listed on the National Register of Historic Places  

Town celebrations, car rallies, neon signs, and vintage festivals are already gearing up

Every state along the Mother Road is bringing its own flair to the centennial. From neon signs in New Mexico to vintage car parades in Illinois, each place is leaning into its unique slice of Route 66 nostalgia — and revitalizing local communities in the process.

Illinois is proudly known as the starting point of Route 66, with its historic “Begin Route 66” sign in Chicago attracting thousands of road-trippers every year. For the centennial, Illinois is investing heavily in reviving its stretch of the Mother Road and making it shine brighter than ever.

Illinois has approved over $6.6 million in state tourism and heritage grants to restore iconic roadside attractions, upgrade visitor amenities, and add new EV charging stations to make the route more accessible for modern travelers. This means you’ll soon find even more convenient stops for photos, snacks, and a recharge—both for you and your car!

Several small towns along Illinois’ portion of Route 66 are installing brand-new centennial monuments, sculptures, and murals to celebrate their piece of the story. Towns like Lexington, Countryside, Joliet, and Lockport will feature interactive signs and creative selfie spots that give visitors a chance to capture their own slice of Route 66 nostalgia.

Springfield, the state capital and a key Route 66 hub, is restoring beloved sites like Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum, which has long been a must-see stop for classic car lovers. Meanwhile, Granite City is moving forward with plans for a Neon Sign Park, where iconic retro signs will be preserved and displayed to light up the night just like they did decades ago.

Illinois communities are also planning vintage car parades, live music, outdoor markets, and local food festivals throughout 2026 to celebrate their deep connection to the highway. Expect guided tours of historic downtowns, classic diners serving up comfort food favorites, and souvenir shops stocked with centennial memorabilia.

The state anticipates that these efforts will draw tens of thousands more visitors than usual, helping local motels, diners, and small businesses thrive. Towns that once struggled after Route 66 was decommissioned are now seeing a revival as they prepare to welcome travelers from around the world who want to experience the magic of America’s Main Street.

Whether you start your road trip at Chicago’s iconic sign or join in the festivities down the line, Illinois is ready to kick off the Route 66 Centennial in grand style—proving that the road may be old, but its spirit is timeless.

Revving Up for a Big Celebration

Missouri holds a special place in Route 66 history — it’s the state where the name “Route 66” was first proposed back in 1926 in Springfield, now proudly known as the “Birthplace of Route 66.” And you can bet the Show-Me State is ready to show everyone a good time for the centennial.

Springfield is at the heart of Missouri’s centennial plans. The city is organizing a multi-day festival that will kick off the official Route 66 celebrations for the whole state. Expect massive classic car shows, vintage car cruises through historic downtown streets, and live music that will fill the city’s historic squares. Local businesses are joining in, too — diners, ice cream shops, and antique stores plan to offer special menus and collectible centennial souvenirs.

The State Historical Society of Missouri is hard at work collecting artifacts, old road signs, postcards, and personal stories from families who have lived along the route for generations. These pieces of history will be featured in traveling exhibits so that visitors can get a true sense of what life was like during Route 66’s heyday. Look for pop-up exhibits in small towns like Cuba, Lebanon, and Rolla, where the local Route 66 legacy is strong.

Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 is famous for its authentic roadside attractions. Towns like Cuba, nicknamed “Route 66 Mural City,” will be restoring and adding to their vibrant outdoor murals that depict everything from old gas stations to historic scenes of the road. Expect special mural tours and community paint days where visitors can help add a brushstroke to the centennial story!

Fans of quirky roadside stops will love the planned upgrades to attractions like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning and the vintage Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, which plans to restore its iconic neon sign in time for the celebrations. Many mom-and-pop motels and diners are sprucing up their facades, adding neon, and creating special centennial-themed rooms and menus.

These efforts are more than just a party — they’re expected to bring in thousands of visitors and give a big boost to small businesses that depend on Route 66 travelers. Restored neon signs, improved museums, and fresh roadside attractions mean more local jobs and more reasons for travelers to stay, eat, and shop in Missouri towns that keep the Route 66 spirit alive.

Missouri’s blend of big-city events in Springfield and St. Louis and small-town charm in places like Cuba and Lebanon captures exactly why Route 66 has always been so loved — it’s a road that connects people, places, and stories you can’t find anywhere else. In 2026, the Show-Me State plans to show the world just how bright the Mother Road can shine when everyone comes together.

Kansas has the smallest stretch of Route 66 — just 13 miles — but it’s packed with character. The crown jewel here is the Rainbow Bridge, a historic Marsh Arch bridge that draws photographers and history buffs. Local communities like Galena and Baxter Springs are planning classic car parades, food truck events, and community picnics near their famous roadside attractions. Expect pop-up markets and family-friendly festivals celebrating Kansas’ short but storied piece of the Mother Road.

With over 400 drivable miles—the longest stretch of Route 66 in any state—Oklahoma is pulling out all the stops for the 2026 centennial. The state has been building momentum since 2019, coordinating events, infrastructure upgrades, and preservation projects to celebrate the historical significance of the Mother Road.

• The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, established in 2019 and supported by the Historical Society, is planning a series of statewide initiatives through 2026 

• Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, along with five living former governors, unveiled the centennial logo at a June 13, 2024 kickoff at the State Capitol. The event announced a $6.6 million annual grant fund to revitalize 44 communities along the corridor 

• The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is rolling out new Route 66 pavement wayfinding and “pavement shields” to guide travelers and enhance visibility of the historic route 

Oklahoma’s centennial calendar is packed—confirmed festivals and road celebrations will happen nearly every month of the year Highlights include:

• Arcadia “Cars-A-Round the Barn” (April) – Classic car showcase at the iconic Round Barn.

• Miami Route 66 Mural Fest (April) – Celebrating the historic outdoor murals in this artsy Oklahoma town.

• Statewide Route 66 Fiesta (May 30, 2026) – A massive car parade through Tulsa aiming for a Guinness World Record, followed by celebrations in Oklahoma City and beyond

• Tulsa AAA Route 66 Road Fest (June 27–28) – A two-day extravaganza of vintage cars, vendors, live music, and family fun

• Quapaw Tribal Festival (July 4 weekend) – A rich cultural celebration integrating Native American heritage and Route 66 tradition

• Sapulpa Route 66 Blowout (September) and Geary Native 66 Fest (October)—vibrant local street festivals with music, food, and classic cars

• Centennial Day on November 11, 2026 — Official 100-year celebration date for Route 66

Final Thoughts

Route 66’s 100th anniversary is more than a nostalgic milestone—it’s a catalyst for economic renewal, cultural preservation, and cross‑Americana unity. Whether you’re a history buff, road-tripper, or small-business advocate, the centennial invites all of us to honor the past—and to drive forward, together.

Let’s make 2026 the year we celebrate Route 66 in full throttle—from neon lights to EV charging, from small-town diners to national heritage.