Get ready to hit the open road for a historic celebration. On November 11, 2026, one of the world's most famous highways, Route 66, will mark an incredible milestone: its 100th birthday. Affectionately known as the "Mother Road," this nearly 4,000-kilometre stretch from Chicago to Santa Monica is gearing up for a year-long centenary celebration, honouring a century of journeys, dreams, and the enduring spirit of American adventure.
The Birth and Rise of an American Icon
Born in 1926, Route 66 was established during the dawn of the automobile age, fundamentally changing how Americans travelled. It served as a vital artery connecting the industrial heartland of the Midwest to the promise of the Pacific Coast, spurring economic growth in the eight states it traversed: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Its significance was cemented during the 1930s Dust Bowl, when it became the primary path for thousands of families migrating west in search of a better life. This monumental journey was immortalised in John Steinbeck's Pulitzer-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath, which bestowed upon the highway its enduring nickname, the "Mother Road."
From Cultural Phenomenon to Historic Revival
The post-war boom of the 1940s and 1950s saw Route 66 evolve into the ultimate symbol of the American road trip. A unique roadside culture flourished, defined by neon-lit motels, classic diners, and quirky attractions. It became a global icon of freedom, featured endlessly in music, film, and television.
However, the rise of the modern interstate system led to its eventual bypass and official decommissioning in 1985. But the story didn't end there. Thanks to the relentless efforts of communities and preservationists, over 80 percent of the original road was saved and reborn as "Historic Route 66." Museums opened, vintage motels were restored, and the road experienced a remarkable revival as a celebrated heritage destination.
The Centenary Celebration: A Journey Back to the Future
Today, as Route 66 approaches its centennial, it represents a philosophy of slow, meaningful travel in a world of high-speed highways. The 2026 centenary is not just a look back but a vibrant new beginning. Travellers from across the globe are expected to converge on the route, with classic cars and caravans flooding the pavement.
Special exhibitions at Route 66 museums and restored motels offering a vintage 1950s experience will mark the occasion. The celebration is a powerful catalyst for supporting small businesses, boosting local tourism, and introducing a new generation to the road's magic.
The route's legendary stops continue to draw visitors with their unique charm:
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
- The eccentric Cadillac Ranch in Texas
- The iconic Wigwam Motels in Arizona
- The living ghost town of Oatman with its roaming burros
Natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the deserts of the Southwest add to the epic journey.
As conversations about heritage conservation and sustainable tourism gain momentum, driving Route 66 in its centenary year transcends a mere bucket-list item. It becomes a participation in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of movement, memory, and the enduring search for meaning on the open road.
