Route 66 Centennial in Springfield
Springfield, Illinois will be at the center of Route 66 centennial celebrations this year, drawing car enthusiasts and road trippers from across the country. Meanwhile, Mental Floss highlighted 5 scenic U.S. road trips that rival Route 66 for those seeking alternative epic drives.
The upcoming 100th anniversary of Route 66 is anchored by a series of events in Springfield, which boasts a rich history with the iconic highway. The city was part of the original 1926 alignment, and portions of the early road are still visible near Carpenter Park and Lake Springfield. A 1.25-mile stretch of the original brick road can be driven on near Auburn. Over the years, the path of Route 66 through Springfield shifted. The initial 1926 to 1930 alignment followed what is now Illinois Route 4. A later alignment, from 1930 to 1977, moved the route further east. This history of changing paths reflects the evolution of the American highway system. Springfield is home to several classic Route 66 landmarks, including the Cozy Dog Drive-In, which has been serving its signature corn dogs since 1949. Other notable stops include the Route 66 Drive-In Theater and Mahan's Filling Station. A new attraction, the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, features a walking tour and a neon sign park. The city's annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival provides a preview of the centennial's potential draw, with past events attracting up to 80,000 spectators and over 1,000 classic cars. For the centennial year, a statewide conference and celebration is planned for November 11, 2026, at the Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum. Nationally, the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission, established by Congress, is coordinating activities across the eight states the highway traverses. The commission's goal is to honor the road's legacy through preservation, tourism, and economic development initiatives. The economic significance of Route 66 tourism is substantial for the communities along its path. In 2022, visitor spending in Springfield and Sangamon County generated $536.8 million in economic impact and supported 4,700 jobs. In preparation for the 2026 celebration, Springfield has received over $730,000 in grants for projects that include the creation of 12 murals and upgrades to historic sites like Shea's Gas Station. These efforts aim to enhance the visitor experience for the expected influx of tourists. A new museum and visitor center, Route History, has opened to share the stories of African Americans along Route 66 in Springfield and beyond. This initiative, along with others, is part of a broader effort to tell a more complete and inclusive history of the Mother Road.
