TOUR PLANNER
2026
Route 66 Turns 100 The country celebrates the Centennial in style
A HOST OF STATE AND NATIONWIDE EVENTS THAT YOUR GROUP WILL LOVE
WHERE THE MOTHER ROAD
Meetsthe River Road
Celebrate 100 years of road tripping in the only place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the scenic beauty of the Great River Road. Follow the neon signs to the It’s Electric Neon Sign Park, dine at historic Route 66 roadside cafes, take a walk through the river bluffs and prairies and relax with a glass of locally crafted wine beside the Mighty Mississippi River. Your one-of-a-kind adventure begins at www.RiversandRoutes.com.
Route 66 Centennial: A Once-in-a-Century Opportunity for Travel and Tourism
Famous Winslow corner. Courtesy of Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
T
BY GEMMA LONG CEO Gem PR & Media, Inc.
he legendary Route 66 — “America’s Mother Road” — will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of connecting travelers, cultures, and communities across eight states and 2,400 miles. This milestone isn’t just a historical moment, it’s a golden opportunity for travel professionals to engage with travelers seeking authentic, nostalgic, and distinctly American experiences. To prepare for the centennial, Congress established the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The 15-member Commission, appointed by the President and representing federal, state, and local leadership, is dedicated to shaping a year-long national celebration that honors the past while fueling future tourism and economic development along the route. Guided by its core principles, Celebrate & Honor; Preserve, Protect & Enhance; Generate Tourism Demand; National Collaboration; and Research & Education, the Commission’s work is designed to benefit both travelers and the travel trade. From historic preservation to tourism investment, the Route 66 Centennial will create new itineraries, marketing initiatives, and cultural events designed to attract domestic and international visitors. Complementing this effort is the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, a national non-profit formed in 2015 with support from the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund. The Partnership’s mission is to “revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development.” The Road Ahead team coordinates Centennial-era projects, including the creation of travel resources, grant programs, and promotional partnerships ideal for tour operators, travel agencies, and destinationmarketing organizations. As Bill Thomas, Chair of the Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner of the Centennial Commission, says: “As we approach the 2026 Centennial of Route 66, we recognize the road’s living legacy, it belongs to the people who live alongside it, the travelers who explore it, and the communities that work and thrive on it. This celebration is our chance to honor them and launch a new era of vitality for the route.” Those interested in celebrating the heritage and adventure of America’s iconic highway can participate in the Route 66 Centennial
by accessing the resources and information available on the Route 66 Centennial Website at: route66centennial.org. In addition to the Centennial Events Calendar and information about all of the Official Route 66 Centennial Activities/Projects found on the website, visitors can join the Route 66 Centennial Birthday Party Club. The club offers three tiers — Free, $66 annual, and $166 annual — each unlocking unique benefits as you embark on your centennial journey down America’s Main Street. Birthday Party Club members receive the monthly Route 66 Centennial Newsletter, digital wallpapers and social-media backdrops, and the option to be listed on the Member Wall. At the $66 level, participants receive a 10% merchandise discount and a special-edition t-shirt and window decal. The $166 tier elevates the experience with a 20% merchandise discount, an enamel collector’s pin, and a window decal and bumper sticker. Whether you’re a seasoned road-tripper or a travel-industry professional crafting unforgettable itineraries, this club offers a way to connect with the storied legacy of Route 66 and bring that story to life for your clients. For more information, visit: route66centennial.org. For travel professionals, this is the moment to rediscover the magic of the open road. The Route 66 Centennial invites the global travel community to craft new journeys that showcase the music, food, people, and stories that make Route 66 unforgettable — and to help travelers experience the freedom, nostalgia, and adventure that have defined this highway for 100 years.
Route 66 2026 Tour Planner Editorial & Advertising Office Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com
Production Manager – Michael Caravette michael@ptmgroups.com
Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com
Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527
publication
Chief Editor – Jason Paha
A
Design & Production – Design2Pro
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
jason@ptmgroups.com
info4design2pro@gmail.com
Cover photo: Centennial Cadillac Ranch, courtesy of Visit Amarillo
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
3
Nostalgia in Neon Flashy signage shines a light on the glory days of Route 66 BY RANDY MINK
A
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, Pontiac, Illinois (Randy Mink Photo)
s cities and towns along old Route 66 rev up to celebrate the road’s 100th anniversary in 2026, classic neon signs — many of them lovingly restored in recent years — will be taking center stage. True icons of roadside Americana, these showstoppers present some of the best photo ops along the fabled ribbon of asphalt that went through eight states — from Illinois to California — during the heyday of automobile travel in the mid-20th century.. Though Route 66 was bypassed by soulless interstates decades ago, its spirit lives on, and parts of the original roadway can still be driven. In many cases, historic Route 66 runs parallel to the superhighways. For the centennial, states, cities and private organizations have stepped up by providing grants to rehabilitate and spruce up signs, ensuring that communities bask in the glow of neon while driving tourism and preserving local culture. Just as they beckoned weary travelers cruising down the “Main Street of America” long ago, these hallmarks of commercialism today attract nostalgia-minded wayfarers looking for selfie spots and a peek into the past. Once prevalent, neon signs that advertised motels, diners, gas stations and other businesses are now at risk, thus the efforts to preserve these catchy calling cards as reminders of yesteryear for new generations. Some towns have set aside parks to display groups of neon signs.
4
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
I’ve always been caught up in the mystique of Route 66, but after my recent road trip following the highway in New Mexico, I have even more appreciation for neon signs. Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, boasts the nation’s longest continuous urban stretch of Route 66 in the nation. Known as Central Avenue as it passes through town, the 18-mile commercial corridor is sprinkled with vintage neon motel signs. Some of them sparkle next to thriving businesses, while others stand by vacant lots, looking forlorn and at risk of fading into history. In a project to revitalize the streetscapes and honors its roots, the City of Albuquerque is giving out grants to support the restoration and construction of 14 neon signs along the Route 66 corridor. Organizations such as Friends of the Orphan Signs, working with independent artists and signmakers, have stepped in as well. Thanks to this dedication, the future looks bright for Central Avenue’s Route 66-era signage. At one point I got out of the car to take pictures of three motel signs within easy walking distance from each other, starting at the El Vado Motel, which reopened in 2018 after serving motorists from 1937 until 2005. The impressive neon display shows an American Indian surrounded by a multicolored sunburst. Today’s 22-room boutique motel, a vision in white adobe, includes retail spaces, a food court and a cozy taproom. Outside, folks crowd around tables in the motor court’s former parking lot turned shaded patio. Guest rooms feature
Hotel El Rancho served as a base camp for 1930s and ’40s movie productions that used the area’s red rock scenery to represent the Old West. Glossy black-andwhite photos of Hollywood stars (some of them autographed) and movie posters decorate the rustic hotel’s public areas.
Neon signs adorn other businesses in downtown Gallup, which also has an impressive collection of murals. My favorite attention-grabber was the one advertising “Mexican American Food” at Jerry’s Cafe, its crooked yellow arrow aimed at the building.
Randy Mink Photo
mid-century furniture, vigas (log rafters typical of Southwestern architecture) and framed black-and-white photographs from Albuquerque’s Route 66 halcyon days. Just down the sidewalk from the El Vado, a great sign with sharp geometric lines and skewed shapes looms over the Monterey Motel, built in 1946. I particularly like the neon sign at the nearby El Don Motel, which opened its doors in 1950 but is now closed for redevelopment. It depicts a horsebackriding, lariat-twirling cowboy hovering over a turquoise backdrop. Closer to downtown Albuquerque, the Imperial Inn also sports an original neon sign. The newly renovated 1960s motel has a cocktail lounge and a food hall with three eateries featuring Southwest and Latin flavors. Like the El Vado, Monterey and other recently refurbished motels on Central Avenue, the Imperial offers modern amenities with retro charm. In the heart of downtown, a dazzling neon sign (a replica of the original) graces the KiMo Theatre, the most iconic sight on Route 66 in Albuquerque. Built as a grand picture palace in 1927 and now a performing arts center, the KiMo blends Southwest Native American motifs with Art Deco elements in an extravagant architectural style called Pueblo Deco. Group tours are available. The Dog House, known for its burgers and chili dogs, claims what may be Albuquerque’s most recognizable Route 66 neon sign. Familiar to fans of AMC’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, the tail-wagging dachshund is one of the few animated signs along Central Avenue. Other cool restaurants on the street are housed in former gas stations and automotive businesses that served Route 66 travelers. In Gallup, another great New Mexico Route 66 city, I liked the flashing red rooftop sign that constantly switched back and forth between “Hotel El Rancho” and “Motel El Rancho,” as the “M” replaced the “H” and vice versa. Elaborate electronic billboards framed by twinkling white lights stand guard by the road.
This sign in Seligman, Arizona reflects the spirit of Route 66.
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
5
Randy Mink Photo The El Vado Motel, dating back to 1937, sports one of the most magnificent signs on Central Avenue in Albuquerque.
K E E P E R S
O F
In Illinois, Springfield offers the best bet for getting your Route 66 fix. The capital city’s top Mother Road attraction is the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience, an outdoor walk-through exhibit with little red sheds highlighting businesses and attractions, past and present, in 92 Illinois communities. The garden courtyard brims with replicas of billboards and neon signs that advertised motels, a drive-in movie theater and other places along the revered roadway. Illuminated at night, the signs cast a magical glow. The Fairgrounds’ Route 66 installations were done by Springfield’s family-owned Ace Sign Company, which offers free guided tours of its plant/museum, where dozens of rare signs from Springfield and Route 66 are on display next to tables where workers are drilling, trimming and welding. Among notable neon signs are a 12-foot-tall Pepsi bottle cap (1953) and one that graced Springfield’s Sonrise Donuts, a Ninth Street shop that enticed donut lovers for 70 years. Housed under a wood-barreled ceiling of a warehouse built for Sears Roebuck in 1952, Ace’s state-of-the-art factory—located two blocks from Historic Route 66 — makes neon, LED and electric signs for clients across the nation. The Route 66 town of Lincoln, a half hour north of Springfield, takes pride in its Tropics Restaurant Neon Sign, a magnificent replica complete with palm tree. Recalling a beloved institution that
T H E
W I L D
.org
GUIDED SAFARI TOURS ON HISTORIC ROUTE 66! Saving Lives Since 1995! Located In Beautiful Valentine. AZ, Just Northeast Of Kingman!
Open Wednesday–Monday 9a-5p (closed Tuesdays)
Route 66’s wildest heartbeat.
Admission: $15–$35 3 Daily Guided Safari Tours Walking Tours Gift Shop
6
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
FUN FOR ALL AGES! Discover 150+ rescued wild animals and immersive guided tours that support
W E L O V E . W E C A R E . W E P R O T E C T.
their lifelong care.
Randy Mink Photo
operated from 1950 until closing in 1997, the sign is best seen in the evening. Lincoln also is home to the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, the largest covered wagon in the world, as recognized by the Guinness World Book of Records. Sitting in the driver’s seat is a 12-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln as he might have appeared when traveling around the state as a circuit lawyer. In southwestern Illinois, near St. Louis, the past comes to life at Granite City’s It’s Electric Neon Sign Park, where restored neon signs from local businesses, plus large murals, celebrate the town’s place on Route 66. The signs are turned on from dusk to dawn. In mid-Missouri, the city of Saint Robert last year unveiled Route 66 Neon Park. The project brought together eight neon signs that once stood at motels and other businesses along Route 66 in Missouri. Featuring a storyboard and historical photo for each restored sign, the open-air museum is situated among oak trees in the existing George M. Reed Roadside Park, the longest continuously operating roadside park along Missouri Route 66. The vintage artifacts are lit from sunset to midnight and during winter from 5 to 7 a.m. In northeastern Oklahoma, Tulsa abounds with Route 66 lore, including a small neon sign park called Southwest Avery Plaza. Located on the west side of the Arkansas River, the three re-creations of lost neon signs represent the three alignments of Route 66 in Tulsa during its formal life: Admiral Place (the original alignment, represented by the Tulsa Auto Court), 11th Street (the most commonly traveled historic alignment, represented by the Will Rogers Motor Court) and the Skelly Bypass (which became Interstate 44, represented by the Oil Capital Motel). On the other side of the bridge lies Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, where larger-than-life bronze sculptures honor the Tulsa businessman and state highway commissioner called the “Father of Route 66.” Avery was responsible for plotting out the paved highway and assigned the road
The cowboy sign of the El Don Motel in Albuquerque is a favorite with Route 66 fans.
its 66 number designation. The artwork depicts Avery getting out of his Model T to help a farmer in a horse-drawn carriage, capturing the collision of the past and the future along the Mother Road. Route 66 enthusiasts find numerous other treasures in Tulsa, especially along 11th Street with its collection of neon signs, colorful murals, old motor courts and roadside kitsch. Selfie spots in the Meadow Gold District, named for the huge neon dairy company sign at 11th and Quaker Avenue, include the newly installed space cowboy and cowgirl statues at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios souvenir store, one of several fun shops and galleries on 11th Street. Such 20-foot-tall fiberglass figures, referred to as “Muffler Men” by pop culture historians,
were considered the height of outdoor advertising in the 1960s. The towering Meadow Gold sign and its restoration was a catalyst for economic development along Tulsa's Route 66 corridor. It originally stood at another location, but when its long-time home was endangered, several groups came together to save it. That project inspired the city's Route 66 Neon Grant Program, which has been wildly successful. Many of the old and newly built signs adorn buildings on 11th Street. The new Reedy Press book Route 66: The First 100 Years by acclaimed Route 66 ambassadors Jim Ross and Shellee Graham celebrates the road’s centennial with a compelling narrative and hundreds of photographs, including neon signs from today and yesterday. ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
7
ITINERARY
Experience true Texas charm in Amarillo, where legendary landmarks, local flavors, and the iconic spirit of Route 66 come together in one unforgettable stop. If your road trip leads you this way, give yourself three days to explore.
VISIT AMARILLO info@visitamarillo.com (806) 374-1497 Visitamarillo.com
AMARILLO, TX
Three Days on Texas Route 66 DAY 1 Kick off your Texas stretch of Route 66 at Cadillac Ranch, the legendary art installation with ten vintage Cadillacs standing nose-down in the dirt. At this tribute to car culture, visitors are encouraged to leave their mark, so bring a can of spray paint and add your own splash of color. Continue west to Vega for the Milburn Price Culture Museum, an eclectic stop packed with local history and Route 66 charm. Inside, you’ll find a working 1896 printing press (you can even print your own postcard), a 1923 Ford Model T, a giant branding-iron display, antique signage, and plenty of small-town memorabilia. Just down the road, grab lunch in Adrian, TX at the Midpoint Café. As its name suggests, it sits at the exact halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles: 1,139 miles either direction. Back in Amarillo, car lovers can dive into Bill’s Backyard Classics, a privately owned collection featuring more than 90 restored automobiles. From hot rods and muscle cars to elegant vintage cruisers, it showcases the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion. Wrap up your day with a nostalgic stop at the Tascosa Drive-In Theater on Friday and Saturday nights. Grab some popcorn, tune your radio, and settle in for a classic retro movie night to close out your first day on Route 66.
DAY 2 Kick off your second day at Cowgirls & Cowboys in the West, where your group can saddle up for a scenic ride along the rim of
8
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
Palo Duro Canyon. Enjoy sweeping views from horseback and trails suited for riders of all skill levels. Head to the GoldenLight Cafe for lunch, a Route 66 staple since 1946 that still serves up juicy burgers. Next, make your way to the Historic Route 66 District, a lively 13-block stretch filled with antique shops, retro boutiques, and local art. For dinner, make your way to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, celebrated for its bold atmosphere, in-house brewery, and its famous 72-ounce steak challenge; should you dare to try it.
DAY 3 On your final day, head to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, home to the second-largest canyon in the United States, where hiking, horseback riding, and scenic views make it an unforgettable stop on your Route 66 adventure. Afterward, stop at the Rockin’ Zebra Soda Shoppe, a charming 1950s-style pharmacy and soda fountain where dessert first is highly encouraged. Next, stop by the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, where interactive exhibits and striking art honor the horses and people who shaped Western riding. Then head to the Jack Sisemore RV Museum, home to vintage campers, classic motorcycles, and the very first Airstream ever made. Wrap up your Amarillo adventure with dinner and live music at the Western Horseman Club, a friendly, boots-optional venue where travelers and locals mingle over delicious Texas dining.
ITINERARY
This three-day Springfield, Illinois adventure celebrates the heart and history of Route 66, blending classic Americana with rich cultural storytelling.
SPRINGFIELD, IL
History Meets the Road DAY 1
Arrive in Springfield and after getting your bearings, enjoy a delicious lunch at Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop. This is the first drive-thru restaurant in the country. Opened in 1924, your group can savor a loose meat burger with homemade root beer. Afterward, at your leisure, explore Route 66 and its many incredible murals and wayside exhibits featuring 20+ great photo ops and a slew of fun. Later, check in to your hotel and relax a bit before savoring dinner at Vondra Social House on the edge of the Lincoln Home neighborhood.
DAY 2
VISIT SPRINGFIELD Megan Claspell 217-789-2360 x5528 megan.claspell@springfield.il.us Visitspringfieldillinois.com
Start your day with a trip to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Experience history like never before when you step inside key moments in Lincoln’s life, from triumph to tragedy. Explore immersive displays and shows that drive home the human costs of slavery and war. Next, enjoy lunch at Motorhead’s Bar & Grill. Motorhead’s is more than just a restaurant and bar – it’s a tribute to the legendary Route 66 and vibrant culture that surrounds it. For more than 85 years, the Ace Sign Museum has been a family-owned, actively operating sign company. They now have opened their facilities to showcase a remarkable collection of historic signs from Springfield and Route 66. This tour is guided. Take a quick picture stop at Shea’s Gas Station; owned and operated by Bill Shea for 50 years, this piece of Americana still holds
true to its roots. Then, head to the Route History Museum, which integrates history and technology through exhibits, storytelling and a virtual reality experience that highlights the significant roles of Black businesses, the Great Migration, and sundown towns. Freshen up at your hotel before dinner at Maldaner’s. Established in 1884, Maldaner’s is one of Springfield’s finest restaurants and the oldest restaurant on Route 66. End your day with a visit to the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This experience offers a breathtaking birdseye view of Illinois’ legendary Mother Road. Showcasing 92 communities from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.
DAY 3 Take a morning stroll along one of the original segments of Route 66. Nestled beside the Sangamon River, this quarter-mile stretch of road has been hidden away, untouched and overgrown, for nearly 90 years. Next, make a stop at the Bob Waldmire Route 66 Art Exhibition, which is being held only in 2026. Known for meticulous attention to detail, Springfield native Bob Waldmire created extremely detailed maps of Route 66. For lunch, stop at the famous Cozy Dog Drive In. Inventers of the original hot dog on a stick, Cozy Dog has been serving the public for over 70 years and still use the same batter recipe that Ed Waldmire developed back in 1946. Headed out of town so soon? Travel down a stretch of the original Route 66 Brick Road. Located in nearby Auburn, it’s just a 20-minute drive south from Springfield. ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
9
The Mother Road
Hits a Milestone
In Arizona, the road from Cool
Springs Gift Shop & Museum to Oatman involves some nervewracking mountain driving.
These national certified events are perfect for any Route 66 itinerary
A
BY DAVE BODLE
s America’s most legendary roadway approaches its 100th birthday, communities along Route 66 are preparing for a yearlong celebration unlike anything the Mother Road has seen. In 2026, events across the country will honor the history, culture and enduring spirit of the highway that connected the country and defined an era of travel and exploration. From vintage car caravans and coast-to-coast rallies to exhibitions, galas and film premieres, the Route 66 Centennial will blend nostalgia with forward-looking preservation efforts, inviting travelers, enthusiasts and local communities to rediscover the road that still inspires adventure a century later. JANUARY 3-12, 2026: The seventh rendition of The Drive Home will spotlight vintage, Route 66-inspired vehicles making the historic journey across America’s most iconic highway. From sun-drenched Pacific shores to the heart of the Midwest, the nine-day journey will bring automotive enthusiasts, cultural historians and communities together to honor the road that connected a nation. Host cities along the journey are Barstow, CA, Kingman, AZ, Gallup, NM, Albuquerque, NM, Amarillo, TX, Tulsa, OK, Lebanon, MO and Springfield, IL. The Drive Home is a partnership of America’s Automotive Trust and the Detroit Auto Show to celebrate America’s automotive history, honor Detroit as the home of the American car industry and promote today’s automotive culture. In 2026, the focus is on Route 66 as The Drive Home VII: Route
10
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
66 – A Century of Adventure celebrates more than just the historic Route itself. The Drive Home will visit the small towns and frequent the motels, restaurants, and shops which continue to operate today although the major highways bypass them. In the process, The Drive Home will celebrate Route 66 preservation success stories and recognize ongoing needs through its support for the Route 66 Centennial Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program. This program is a key initiative of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and an Official Route 66 Centennial activity recommended by the National Route 66 Centennial Commission. JANUARY 14 -25: The Detroit Auto Show is hosting a Route 66 Centennial Exhibition. The 2026 Detroit Auto Show brings together a full slate of major automotive brands, immersive indoor tracks, the debut of the Michigan Overland Adventure and Visit Detroit Interactive Experience and the return of The Gallery with ultra-luxury vehicles. The Detroit Auto Show is partnering with the Route 66 Centennial for The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure , where classic cars will travel the historic Mother Road, culminating in their display at the Detroit Auto Show starting January 14, marking Route 66's 100th anniversary with car culture, exhibits, and crosscountry journeys celebrating America's iconic highway. APRIL 2: Groups can Rediscover Route 66-One Miniature Mile at a Time. Journey across Route 66 from Chicago to Santa
Courtesy of Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
CALENDAR OF NATIONAL EVENTS
APRIL 30 – MAY 2: Springfield, Missouri will host a Route 66 Centennial National Kick-off. This two-hour simulcast celebration on April 30, will have remote hook-ups to five Centennial KickOff Satellite Cities, including: Joliet, IL, St. Louis, MO, Amarillo, TX, Albuquerque, NM and Santa Monica, CA. The celebration continues in Springfield through May 2. The Kick-Off's signature event will be the Telegraph Ball, a 1920s-inspired gala that will raise awareness and funds for Route 66 preservation efforts, with star-studded performances and poignant and interesting history lessons. Events and activities over several days will inspire you to explore the lure of the open road and a reimagined vision for the future of travelling Route 66. JUNE 5-24: Mainstreet of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan from Santa Monica to Chicago will be hosted by the eight
Randy Mink Photo
Monica. The Rediscovering Route 66, One Miniature Mile at a Time project will photographically recreate the look and feel of a real segment of Route 66 using miniature die-cast cars with real life backdrops, including landmarks, signage, roadside architecture, road surface, and surrounding context. The Rediscover Route 66One Miniature Mile at a Time project takes off from Chicago on April 2. It will go the entire distance of Route 66 to Santa Monica Pier in California in about 16 to 18 days.
Miami, Oklahoma
CULTURE MEETS
THE MOTHER ROAD Touring the Route 66 Centennial? On your journey, stop, rest, refresh and admire Cherokee art and culture at the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center — an authentic Native American destination on Route 66. For more information on group tours, call 877.779.6977.
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
11
CALENDAR OF NATIONAL EVENTS
Illinois Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration
Route 66 State Associations and The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. In 1952, a caravan cruised U.S. Highway 66 to honor the road's nickname of the Will Rogers Highway. Now, as the road turns 100 years old, it’s being cruised again to mark this tremendous milestone. Route 66 fans from across the world are welcome to join the caravan for as long as they please as it passes through communities along the Main Street of America.
Schedule of Events
November 11, 2026 (The birthday of Route 66): The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is thrilled to announce its Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration taking place on November 11, at Motorheads in Springfield, Illinois. This momentous event marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 and invites enthusiasts, roadies, Byway members, and non-members to join in a full day of education, recognition, and celebration.
JUNE 20-28: The Route 66 Centennial Great Race is a nine-day vintage car rally from Illinois to California, using Route 66 as the backdrop for this once-in-alifetime experience. Approximately 130 cars ranging in year model from 1911 to 1974 will compete. The race will stop in 17 different cities along Route 66 for promotional engagement, allowing spectators to intermingle with the drivers and teams in each community. The open format generates an upclose experience for spectators and race teams. In addition, the Great Race will travel through dozens of other small towns along Route 66 during the event.
Statewide Conference Engage with industry leaders, Route 66 advocates, and community members to explore the rich history and promising future of Illinois Route 66. Sessions will feature updates, resources, and insights to celebrate and preserve the Mother Road. Conference sessions will focus on preservation, economic development and the future of Route 66. Awards Gala Luncheon Honoring individuals, businesses and communities making significant contributions to Route 66’s legacy. This midday gathering includes a ticketed luncheon. Epic Centennial Celebration A grand celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary featuring live entertainment in the Motordome at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, special guests, classic cars and networking opportunities.
JUNE 27-28: The AAA Route 66 Road Fest takes place in Tulsa, OK, hosted by AAA Insurance. In 2026, Route 66 will celebrate its 100th birthday. To celebrate, AAA has created the AAA Route 66 Road Fest. With the highway winding through over 400 miles within its borders, Oklahoma is the perfect place to host this celebration. Explore the history of Route 66 through interactive exhibits. You will marvel at hundreds of classic cars. Tour an eclectic collection of vintage RVs and browse hundreds of vendors.
Randy Mink Photo
Both the Conference and Centennial Celebration will be ticketed events. Discounts will be available exclusively for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and we’re excited to bring together the Route 66 community to celebrate the history of the Mother Road, recognize its champions, and share its enduring legacy with the world,” said Casey Claypool, executive director.
Route 66 fans flock to 11th Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
12
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER: Experience the Rolling Film premiere of "The Main Street of America" documentary, with screenings currently scheduled in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The Main Street of America Road Show kicks off September 3 with the world premiere at the start of Route 66 in downtown Chicago. From there, the film travels west, with a week of screenings in each state, culminating in the Grand Finale event at the historic Los Angeles Theatre in downtown Los Angeles — the original terminus of Route 66. Location and dates are set with only a few remaining TBD. From Illinois to California, each stop on the tour is so much more than a film screening. Historic theatres and iconic drive-ins will debut the documentary, coming alive with entertainment, appearances by cast and crew, and special guests.
Courtesy of Visit Amarillo
Map Your Journey: State-by-State Events That Bring the Celebration to Life Texas Route 66 Festival finale.
Your road map to the standout events and experiences that make this Centennial celebration truly shine. Arizona culture surrounding America’s Main Street. The October 16-17, 2026 event offers a long list of things to do on Route 66. The festival features live bands, beer garden serving regional craft beers, food and craft vendors, a classic car show, Hot Neon Nights tuner
show, vintage trailer show, Route 66 displays and so much more. The Route 66 Fest is free. Arrive a day earlier for the October 15,2026 screening of full-length documentary Route 66, The Main Street of America screening at Beale Street Theater.
Courtesy of Kingman Office of Tourism
Route 66 in Arizona is dotted with small towns full of authentic character. From the burros in Oatman to cruisin' the loop in Williams, rural charm is abundant on Arizona's Route 66. With something for everyone, you'll want to stay an extra few days to fit it all in. Arizona is home to the longest remaining unbroken stretch of Route 66, and preservation is that of our history, and our future. For 90 years, Arizona's Historic Route 66 has been more than a road. It has inspired writers, filmmakers, photographers and artists. It's a road that represents road trips, neon main-streets, classic cars, cowboys, diners, and the ever-changing times. Its’ wonders invoke awe, from towering red cliffs to wide open spaces with endless blue skies painted mesas to bustling small towns. The Kingman Route 66 Fest is a key celebration of the upcoming Route 66 Centennial. It will be hosted in beautiful Lewis Kingman Park, an Arizona oasis along the Mother Road, and highlights the history and
Classic cars are a big part of the annual Route 66 Festival in Kingman, Arizona. ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
13
CALENDAR OF STATE EVENTS
Courtesy of Brian Biery
Kansas
Pasadena, California will celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with the city’s annual Chalk Festival honoring the famed route.
Kansas Route 66 is a nostalgic 13.2-mile stretch packed with charm and history. Winding through Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs, it’s the shortest segment of the Mother Road — but one of the richest in character. Visitors find vintage gas stations, quirky roadside attractions, and iconic stops like the Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store and Cars on the Route, home to the inspiration for Pixar’s “Tow Mater.” This scenic route hugs the edge of the Ozarks and showcases classic Americana, from neon signs to historic bridges. It’s a mustsee for road trippers, history buffs, and anyone chasing the spirit of the open road. There are two events that will be enhanced by the Centennial Celebration of the Mother Road. Galena Days and Baxter Springs Cowtown Days celebrate small-town spirit with parades, live music, food vendors, and family fun. Held annually in early summer, these events honor local heritage and bring the community together with games, crafts, and classic Route 66 charm.
California California Historic Route 66 Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enjoyment of Historic Route 66 in California. Its history coincides with December 1990 legislation designating Route 66 as “State Historic Highway Route 66.” This legislation made signage permissible for the previously decommissioned federal highway. Its association was instrumental in designing historic signs and California Transportation Authority (Caltrans)
responded to their request for directional signs to guide you to the Route from Interstate highways 40 and 15. They produced and erected the earliest historic signs which, unfortunately, were stolen almost immediately. From there, it was up to them to encourage Route 66 communities, businesses or individuals to purchase and erect signs. Route 66 runs along Pasadena’s main thoroughfare, Colorado Boulevard, which turns 150 in 2026. Part of the double
celebration will be the Route 66 and Colorado Boulevard themes for the city’s annual Chalk Art Festival, held at the openair shopping area The Paseo Father’s Day Weekend June 20-21, 2026. Hundreds of skilled artists create large colorful chalk murals in a wide variety of styles and subject matter. They range in both style and subject matter including funny or whimsical illustrations, portraits of people, recreation of masterpieces, incredible original designs, and adorable characters.
Illinois Route 66 begins in Chicago and winds its way south-west through Illinois to the Mississippi River. As you follow southwest this iconic 300-mile stretch of "The Mother Road" through the state you'll encounter charming towns brimming with vintage diners, quirky roadside photo-ops, museums and a wealth of history waiting to be explored. Savor the nostalgia of a simpler time as you cruise past rolling prairies, iconic neon signs and classic Americana. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the quaint corners of Springfield, each stop along the Mother Road offers a glimpse into a bygone
14
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
era. Whether you're a history buff, a road trip enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure, Route 66 in Illinois promises an unforgettable journey where lasting memories are sure to be made. Illinois is excited to show off the beautiful new Route 66 murals located in the Village of McLean, McLean County Museum of History, Downtown Bloomington, IL and Lexington. Thanks to the generous funding from a state grant provided by the Illinois Office of Tourism, these amazing pieces of art are an awesome Route 66 attraction.
Preserving History On America's Main Street: The Route 66 Association of Missouri was established to preserve, promote, and develop Route 66 in the Show-Me State. It was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers who wanted to ensure that Route 66's history, culture, and legacy were preserved. Today, members from all over the country and beyond have joined the Association. Come explore Route 66! We are excited to bring you on this journey through Missouri’s history and culture as we take you back in time along the Mother Road. It is an experience like no other. The World Street Painting Festival Route
66 3D Artwork: In partnership with the World Street Painting Foundation of the Netherlands and international 3D street artists, Artists will create a series of 3D street paintings with Route 66 themes at locations on Route 66. The annual festival hosted by Visit Joplin, during which the paintings are created, will take place the first week of June 2026, the 100th birthday of Route 66. 3D street painting is an art style that creates an optical illusion, resulting in a three-dimensional image that appears to pop right out of the ground. Best viewed from standing atop the footprints painted below each painting.
Courtesy of Visit Joplin, MO
Missouri
Joplin, Missouri will host the World Street Painting Festival Route 66 3D Artwork event in June of 2026 which will feature Route 66 themes.
New Mexico
Oklahoma
In its heyday, all 535 miles of New Mexico's Route 66 bustled with life and played home to some of the most iconic experiences of American West: herds of antelope on the high prairie, dramatic mountain vistas, and the tribal cultures of New Mexico's native Puebloan people. Today, travelers can still take in the nostalgia of the Mother Road, neon signs and all. Celebrate 100 years of cruising on America’s Mother Road, Route 66! 2026 marks the centennial anniversary of one of America’s original and most storied highways. From tales of hotrodders to neonclad motels and small towns reminiscent of days long past, Route 66 has been the conduit to the heart of America for a century. Set out on your Route 66 adventure across New Mexico and explore landmarks along the route, head to one of the museums dedicated to its history, or stop into one of the quaint motels or shops still peppered along the route. The 104th Annual Gallup International Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial is set for July 31-August 9, 2026. There will be traditional night dance performances, juried art show and exhibit hall, contest pow wow, Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and Little Miss pageants. The Open to the World Rodeo features eight standard events and a few from the past. Vendors, parades and so much more round out a fun 10 days in Gallup.
A trip down Route 66 is an adventure unlike any other and nowhere is that adventure more exciting than in Oklahoma. Travelers will find more than 400 drivable miles of the Main Street of America within the state’s borders, from Quapaw in the northeast to Texola in the west. From soaring Art Deco skyscrapers to graceful bridges, classic cottage-style gas stations, and quirky roadside attractions like the famous Blue Whale, Oklahoma’s share of the Mother Road has something for everyone. On November 11, 1926 - US Highway 66 was established. In 2026, the road turns 100, and Oklahoma is ready. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is planning a series of events to commemorate this fantastic occasion Miami’s Dobson Museum is located just a block off historic Route 66. The museum hosts more than 5,000 historical items of the area’s finest Native American artifacts, china, glassware, an extensive jug collection, area mining display, early day and international woodworking tools, displays of furniture and toys used by first settlers. The Dobson Museum’s Route 66 Centennial Display will begin September 1 and continue through November 30, 2026.
Texas The Texas Route 66 Centennial will spotlight the bold western spirit that makes the Lone Star State’s stretch of the Mother Road unlike anywhere else. In 2026, travelers can look forward to a year filled with iconic stops, community celebrations, and special programming that brings the history and culture of Texas Route 66 to life. “Route 66 in Texas is more than a road; it’s a living piece of who we are,” says Kashion Smith, Executive
Director of Visit Amarillo. “Travelers come here to feel the real West, meet real people, and experience the kind of hospitality you can’t find anywhere else.” Throughout the Centennial, visitors can explore icons like Cadillac Ranch, The Big Texan Steak Ranch, the Amarillo Route 66 Historic District, and take a short detour to Palo Duro Canyon — the largest drivable canyon in the United States.
The Texas Route 66 Festival returns June 4–13, 2026, with a rodeo, cattle drive, concerts, car shows and community celebrations along the entire Texas stretch of the Mother Road, culminating with a grand finale in Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District. As the only official Route 66 festival in Texas, it’s the marquee celebration of the Centennial and the ultimate invitation to experience Texas Route 66 at its most vibrant. ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER
15
ROUTE 66:
ONE OF A KIND
ROAD TRIP
Plan your trip at ENJOYILLINOIS.COM/ROUTE66
16
ROUTE 66 2026 TOUR PLANNER