By Kelly Maue
The year 2026 marks America’s 250th birthday, also known as the United States Semiquincentennial. It’s a milestone that’s hard to miss.
But there’s another big anniversary you may not be aware of. A legendary piece of Americana, the iconic highway Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 spans 2,448 miles and connects the eight states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Linking scads of small towns, the birth of “America’s Main Street” was an early partnership project between the government and the private sector.
In 1926, the federal government created the route that became Highway No. 66, while businessmen from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Springfield, Missouri, created maps, billboards, and advertising to support the project. While they wanted to boost tourism in certain towns, the entire Route 66 benefited. Its position along the 35th parallel helped to avoid long stretches of extreme heat or cold, making it an all-weather highway.
The Great Depression hit at the end of 1929, and the “Mother Road” served as the main route for Midwesterners seeking a new start out west during the 30’s. In the 1940’s, the highway was instrumental in World War II mobilization efforts. And it was during the 50’s that Route 66 became known for road trips and adventure. But in 1956, the Federal-Aid Highway Act funded a massive number of modern freeways, diverting traffic away from the iconic highway.
The original starting point of Route 66 remains in downtown Chicago at the intersection of East Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, where the “begin historic route” signage points the way. After winding its way through the small towns and big cities of eight states, the trek officially ends in Santa Monica. And while much has changed through the years, approximately 85% of the original Route 66 is still drivable today. Although it is not the most efficient or direct means of travel, it offers tourists nostalgia and Americana.
From diners and motels to neon and quirky landmarks, many of the original sights and attractions remain.
In Illinois, check out Lou Mitchell’s Diner. This Chicago hot spot has been serving up breakfast since 1923. Just an hour or two south in Wilmington, a 28-foot-tall fiberglass statue, the Gemini Giant, is a Route 66 icon and favorite photo opp.
Crossing the river into Missouri, the Route 66 State Park, with museum and gift shop, sits on the outer edge of St. Louis. Legendary stops to grab a bite include the 16-stool counter at Carl’s Drive-In and Spencer’s Grill, which offers classic comfort food. For a sweet treat, a neon arrow signals onlookers to the historic Donut Drive-In.
Only 13 miles of Route 66 meander through Kansas. But in that stretch, Galena is home to the vehicle that inspired the Tow Mater character from Pixar’s movie, Cars.
Oklahoma holds the title for the longest drivable original stretch of Route 66 at over 400 miles. And don’t miss the Blue Whale of Catoosa; this iconic 80-foot-long cement structure is an often-photographed roadside attraction.
Amarillo, Texas is home to Cadillac Ranch, a famous public art display where 10 vintage Cadillacs are buried nose-first. Travel west a short bit, and you’ll find the Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas. Exactly as it sounds, it is the mathematical halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles.
While in New Mexico, take a quick dip in the Santa Rosa Blue Hole, a natural artesian spring. And the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is a fully restored motor court and tourist hotspot.
One simply can’t cruise Route 66 in Arizona without stopping at the majestic Grand Canyon. California features a 300-plus-mile stretch, with almost the entire original route is still intact. Route 66 ends in Santa Monica on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, complete with the bookend sign, “end of the trail.”
Nationwide festivities are planned throughout the year to celebrate Route 66’s centennial anniversary. Car shows, festivals, special exhibits, landmark dedications, and more can be found in all eight states. In the St. Louis area, there are several ways to pay homage to the big event.
Learn about America’s iconic highway at the National Museum of Transportation with the special exhibition, “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels.” Or go retro at Crestwood Bowl, the historic bowling alley with 24 lanes and a restored neon sign that’s a Route 66 landmark. Grab a messy slinger at Courtesy Diner or a signature “concrete” shake at Ted Drewes. Then head to downtown Kirkwood for the perfect photo op with the new roadside landmark, a 12-foot Route 66 sign and interactive sculpture.
Experiencing the entire 2,400 miles of Route 66 is truly a bucket list item. This historic highway has become part of the fabric of 20th-century American culture and a symbol of adventure. Find a way to celebrate the centennial anniversary of this national treasure.
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