Route 66 Centennial Spurs Road Trip Interest
What happened
The 100th anniversary of Route 66 has renewed interest in the classic American road trip. To mark the centennial, USA TODAY has published a comprehensive guide and new interactive maps to help travelers plan journeys along the historic highway.
Why it matters
- A U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by federal law in 2020 to recommend commemorative activities to Congress; however, the commission has no implementation authority or budget. Much of the planning and funding is happening at the state level, with Oklahoma's Route 66 Centennial Commission launching grant programs to help communities revitalize local attractions. - In February 2026, a resolution was introduced to officially change the highway's eastern starting point in Chicago from its longtime location on Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier. This creates a symbolic "Pier-to-Pier" journey, connecting the lakefront with the route's western terminus at the Santa Monica Pier. - Tourism along the eight states of Route 66 generates significant economic activity, with one 2015 study estimating $14.5 billion in annual spending directly related to heritage travel. A separate analysis noted that a conservative estimate of $132 million in direct annual spending from tourism and related activities creates a total national economic output of $262 million. - Oklahoma, which contains the longest drivable stretch of the original highway, has allocated millions for revitalization projects ahead of the centennial. State and local commissions are funding projects ranging from restoring historic neon signs to improving infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience. - A national kick-off for the centennial is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. Other major events planned include Tulsa's "Route 66 Capital Cruise" on May 30, 2026, which aims to feature the world's largest classic car parade. - The official numerical designation "U.S. Route 66" was assigned on April 30, 1926, and the highway was commissioned on November 11, 1926, eventually stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It became one of the country's first continuous stretches of paved highway.
Key numbers
- The 100th anniversary of Route 66 has renewed interest in the classic American road trip.
- Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by federal law in 2020 to recommend commemorative activities to Congress; however, the commission has no implementation authority or budget.
- Much of the planning and funding is happening at the state level, with Oklahoma's Route 66 Centennial Commission launching grant programs to help communities revitalize local attractions.
- In February 2026, a resolution was introduced to officially change the highway's eastern starting point in Chicago from its longtime location on Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier.
What happens next
- A national kick-off for the centennial is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri.
- Other major events planned include Tulsa's "Route 66 Capital Cruise" on May 30, 2026, which aims to feature the world's largest classic car parade.
- To mark the centennial, USA TODAY has published a comprehensive guide and new interactive maps to help travelers plan journeys along the historic highway.
Quick answers
What happened in Route 66 Centennial Spurs Road Trip Interest?
The 100th anniversary of Route 66 has renewed interest in the classic American road trip. To mark the centennial, USA TODAY has published a comprehensive guide and new interactive maps to help travelers plan journeys along the historic highway.
Why does Route 66 Centennial Spurs Road Trip Interest matter?
A U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by federal law in 2020 to recommend commemorative activities to Congress; however, the commission has no implementation authority or budget. Much of the planning and funding is happening at the state level, with Oklahoma's Route 66 Centennial Commission launching grant programs to help communities revitalize local attractions. In February 2026, a resolution was introduced to officially change the highway's eastern starting point in Chicago from its longtime location on Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier. This creates a symbolic "Pier-to-Pier" journey, connecting the lakefront with the route's western terminus at the Santa Monica Pier. Tourism along the eight states of Route 66 generates significant economic activity, with one 2015 study estimating $14.5 billion in annual spending directly related to heritage travel. A separate analysis noted that a conservative estimate of $132 million in direct annual spending from tourism and related activities creates a total national economic output of $262 million. Oklahoma, which contains the longest drivable stretch of the original highway, has allocated millions for revitalization projects ahead of the centennial. State and local commissions are funding projects ranging from restoring historic neon signs to improving infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience. A national kick-off for the centennial is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. Other major events planned include Tulsa's "Route 66 Capital Cruise" on May 30, 2026, which aims to feature the world's largest classic car parade. The official numerical designation "U.S. Route 66" was assigned on April 30, 1926, and the highway was commissioned on November 11, 1926, eventually stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It became one of the country's first continuous stretches of paved highway.
