100 Years of the Mother Road: A Guide to the Route 66 Centennial
- Ren Gudino
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
In 1926, the nation's second highway running from Chicago to Los Angeles was officially opened. Unlike the Lincoln Highway, which aimed to create a time-efficient transcontinental route, Route 66 connected hundreds of rural communities, boosting commerce first for farmers and later for truckers. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beloved Route 66. Today we're talking about how the nation is celebrating this year, and the best way for you to explore this historic highway.
The Birth of Route 66
In 1857, Lt. Edward Beale, of the U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, was ordered to create a wagon road along the 35th Parallel. This route, tested with camels to cross the southwestern desert, became wholly assumed into what would later become Route 66.
Private organizations marked other frequented auto-trails, as they were called at the time. Three of the most popular of the time also became a part of making up Route 66:
The Lone Star Route, which ran from Chicago to Cameron, Louisiana
The Ozark Trails system, a part of the transcontinental National Old Trails Road, running from St. Louis to New Mexico
The National Old Trails Road from New Mexico to Los Angeles
Inspired by Cyrus Avery (from Tulsa, OK) and John T. Woodruff (from Springfield, MO), they lobbied for a road to be created between Chicago and Los Angeles, according to plans drafted in 1925. When Congress completed their national highway construction plan, they also enacted comprehensive legislation for public highways in 1925. The following year, the Chicago-to-Los Angeles route was given the number "66," requested via a telegram sent from Springfield, Missouri, on April 30, 1926.
The "Main Street of America"
Unlike the Lincoln Highway, the nation's first transcontinental highway, Route 66 consisted of a mostly flat route that traveled between hundreds of small businesses, communities, and attractions. This earned the route the name, "The Main Street of America." This also contributed to its growing popularity in the southwestern United States, as truckers utilized the route because of its ease. Farmers also benefited from the convenience of travel, transporting their grain and produce between communities.
Route 66 started out as gravel and dirt, like the other highways of the time. However, its popularity granted it the notoriety of being the first highway that would be entirely paved, and it was by 1938.
By the '50s, the interstate was born.
Though Route 66's original route was changed and updated, it was ultimately decommissioned by 1985. The infamous Route 66, which inspired songs and books of the time, operated for 60 years before being replaced by the Interstate Highway System. This change hit communities along the old route right in the gut.
The Historic Route 66 - A Travel Guide
The 2,448 miles of winding roads have been a favorite route for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and book-lovers alike to navigate. With this year marking 100 years of history, the historic Route 66 is sure to have a little more flair than any other year.
A combination of travel blogs, the National Park Service, and Road Trip USAÂ have given their best Historic Route 66 trip tips. We've gone ahead and compiled the best ones for you:
First off, Route 66 is not as straightforward as one would think. Planning your trip in advance makes sure you stay on the route and see places you actually want to see.
You can go to this National Park Service resource that lists all National Register Sites and National Parks to help map out your trip.
Utilize multiple maps: The Route 66 Navigation app is a great tool for logging all the sites you want to see. Google Maps will also let you map out a whole trip. Use both so you have a backup.
Decide if you want to go east to west or west to east. If you'd like to start the trip in Los Angeles, you can get the California traffic and expenses out of the way, and have the rest of the trip be slower paced. If you want to start in Chicago, you can build up the energy as you near Los Angeles.
The trip will take a minimum of 2 weeks. This allows for breaks, manageable driving days, and time to see a number of attractions along the way.
With this being the Centennial year, booking or reserving stays in advance might be better than deciding in the moment where you want to stay. This also gives you an end point every night for you to build your daily itinerary and makes sure you get in the sights you want to see, but also the rest you need for the trip.
The best time for this trip is between May and October—which lines up with the national celebration officially starting on April 30th in Springfield, Missouri. This is also when most attractions are open and the weather is more predictable.
If you're renting a car for the trip, remember that Route 66 gained its popularity through having a mostly flat route: SUVs and 4-wheel drive are not necessary. Companies may charge a "One Way Fee" if you're planning on dropping it off in a different city. Depending on your plans, this may be worth it.
Fuel up whenever you can: there are long stretches without any gas stations. (With that in mind, also load up on snacks and possible emergency items.) Gas Buddy is a great resource for checking fuel prices along the way.
Celebrating the Route 66 Centennial
Finally, we'll close out this tribute to Route 66 with national celebrations!
April 30, 2026 — Springfield, MO: The national kickoff of America's Route 66 Centennial Celebration! Cities across Missouri are ready to host events that include special tourist attractions, concerts, car parades, a classic car show, and much more. For more details on this event, go here or here.
June 20–28, 2026 - Springfield, IL: The Route 66 Centennial Great Race. This is a 9-day rally with 130 vintage cars from 1911–1974, stopping across 17 cities. This unique event starts in Springfield, Illinois and ends in Pasadena, California.
October 3–11, 2026 - Albuquerque, NM: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! In combination with the Route 66 Centennial and the 66th anniversary of the Village of Los Ranchos, the Balloon Fiesta is featuring an event called the "Globito Glow in the Village"—the first of its kind, focused on remote-controlled hot air balloons. This is in addition to the release of the Centennial balloon that was released last year and will only be released again this year.
These aren't the only places hosting special events this year. Illinois, Oklahoma, and Arizona will also be partying throughout the state (click on each one's link to learn more).
Tip: Drivers don't always stick to the original Historic Route 66—this is difficult to do with so much of it having been decommissioned. If you map your stops and stays along the original route, you'll know you're sticking to Route 66 even if you hop onto the Interstate and off again. Doing this can make your trip much faster, but will cut out scenic stretches of the old road.
Either way, Interstate Signways is here to make sure you plan your trip the right way. Whether you stick to the interstate or head down the highway, in the troublesome winter weather or bright summer sunshine, remember that Interstate Signways made the signs that guided the way.