Route 66 turns 100 – an iconic roadway, history and tips for the ultimate road trip

America’s most famous road will turn 100 in 2026, and the celebrations get underway in 2025. Route 66 is not just about nostalgia and the romance of road trips, it is also a living piece of US history. Why it still fascinates today and how it is reinventing itself.

Route 66, affectionately known as the ​‘Mother Road’ or the ​‘Main Street of America’, began as a pragmatic infrastructure project, but has long since developed into a cultural myth. This road, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica Pier, has become a symbol of freedom, adventure and the American dream. Millions of people around the world associate it with memories, desires and stories.

Oklahoma and New Mexico celebrate ahead of time

The celebrations will begin in 2025 and will officially culminate and conclude on the anniversary date of 11 November 2026. Oklahoma, the state with the longest stretch of Route 66 still drivable, is particularly active. A special state map has been published highlighting 20 iconic stops. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is also busy making preparations and will be hosting numerous events and its own anniversary website. With convoys, classic car meets, concerts and exhibitions, the entire length of this historic road will be celebrated.

From 1926 to the present day: the eventful history of Route 66

Route 66 was established on 11 November 1926. Its route through eight states connected the industrial north-east with the sunny west. During the Great Depression, it became an escape route for tens of thousands of people and later a lifeline for military transport during the Second World War.

The route experienced its heyday in the late 1940s: family holidays, the rise of the automobile, a unique Roadside Americana culture, and diners, motels and petrol stations shaped the landscape. However, the construction of the Interstate Highway System in the late 1950s signalled its decline. In 1985, the route was officially removed from the US Highway System.

However, it never died completely. The National Route 66 Preservation Bill (1999) and its inclusion in the World Monuments Fund’s list of most endangered cultural heritage sites (2008) testify to the ongoing commitment to its preservation.

The dark side of history

While for many Route 66 was the epitome of freedom, it also highlighted the social divides in US society. African American travellers in particular were subjected to discrimination. The Green Book, a special travel guide for black people, became an indispensable companion. These aspects of history are also being acknowledged in this anniversary.

Route 66 in film, music and pop culture

Route 66 lives on in literature, music and film. John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath gave the highway the nickname the ​‘Mother Road’. It plays a leading role in songs such as (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 and series such as Breaking Bad. And Pixar paid tribute to it with the film Cars.

Tourism reimagined: a sustainable future for the Mother Road

The 100th anniversary offers an opportunity to reimagine Route 66 as a model for sustainable cultural tourism. Local initiatives, such as those in Oklahoma and New Mexico, show how close cooperation between authorities, communities and tourism associations can be successful.

It’s about more than nostalgia: the Mother Road lives on because it is supported by the people along its route.

100 years of Route 66 represent a century of American history that is engraved not only on asphalt, but also in people’s hearts. Its past is a kaleidoscope of hope, change and resilience. Its anniversary is not just a celebration of memories, but a call to preserve, renew and pass on this unique heritage to future generations with dignity.

Miles & states at a glance

The information on the number of miles per state is invaluable for travellers, as it allows them to understand the relative length of each section, estimate travel times and decide which parts of the route they want to drive, especially if they cannot cover the entire stretch. The table provides a quick overview of the entire historic route, illustrates the distribution of the route across the eight states, and highlights which states are home to the longest sections of the ​‘Mother Road,’ which often correlates with more preserved and drivable sections.

Travel planning made easy – highlights along the Mother Road

Illinois – the legendary starting point

• Lou Mitchell’s (Chicago) – legendary diner at the start of Route 66, open since 1923 – famous for fresh doughnuts, coffee and free sweet treats.
• Gemini Giant (Wilmington) – larger-than-life astronaut, landmark of the ​‘Muffler Men’ era.
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield) – a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States.
• Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield) – home of the original corn dog, founded in 1946 – a real piece of fast food history.
• Ariston Cafe (Litchfield) – one of the oldest restaurants on the route. A place with soul.

Missouri – from the Gateway Arch to iconic custard 

• Gateway Arch (St. Louis) – symbol of westward expansion, 192 metres high with observation platform.
• Meramec Caverns (Sullivan) – a colourful cave world with Jesse James legends.
• Chain of Rocks Bridge – historic Mississippi bridge with an unusual bend; now a pedestrian and cycle path.
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis) – an iconic custard shop that has been open since 1930. Creamy, sweet, unforgettable.
• Rocking Chair (Fanning) – a huge rocking chair for a fun photo stop.

Kansas – on the trail of Cars

• Cars on the Route (Galena) – former petrol station that inspired Mater from Pixar’s Cars.
• Rainbow Bridge (Riverton) – last concrete arch bridge of its kind along Route 66; an architectural gem.
• Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Service Station – historic petrol station; visitor centre with historical exhibition on Route 66.

Oklahoma – the heart of Route 66

• Blue Whale (Catoosa) – grinning concrete whale by the water; an iconic selfie spot.
• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton) – a journey through the decades with a replica retro diner.
• Pops 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia) – modern diner with a giant illuminated soda bottle and over 700 types of soda.
• Arcadia Round Barn – round building from 1898; now a museum with Route 66 spirit.
• Rock Cafe (Stroud) – originally built from the same stone as Route 66, the owner inspired Sally in Cars.
• Totem Pole Park (Chelsea) – colourful, whimsical concrete art from the folk art movement.
• Clanton’s Cafe (Vinita) – family-owned since 1927 and a genuine Route 66 original.

Texas – graffiti, steak challenges and quirky advertising gimmicks

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) – half-buried Cadillacs; a public graffiti art installation.
• The Big Texan (Amarillo) – huge steak challenge: eat 72 ounces and you eat for free.
• Leaning Tower of Britten (Groom) – quirky water tower used as an advertising column and deliberately built at an angle.
• Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop (Adrian) – exactly halfway along the route; famous pie and 1950s diner flair.

New Mexico – from retro flair to Hollywood glamour

• Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari) – perfectly preserved motel with neon signs and 1940s charm.
• Tucumcari Murals – murals that pay colourful tribute to the city, its history and its place on Route 66.
• 66 Diner (Albuquerque) – authentic 1950s diner with milkshakes and jukebox.
• El Rancho Hotel (Gallup) – former Hollywood hangout with Western glamour.
• Blue Hole (Santa Rosa) – clear, 18-metre-deep natural pool; perfect for divers and swimmers.

Arizona – fascinating nature and legendary Western towns

• Petrified Forest National Park – colourful desert landscapes and tree fossils that are millions of years old.
• Wigwam Motel (Holbrook) – spend the night in a concrete tepee; an iconic classic.
• Standin’ on the Corner Park (Winslow) – an homage to the Eagles song with a bronze statue and red Ford.
• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-in (Seligman) – quirky diner with humour; built from scraps with love.
• Williams – last place to resist the I‑40 (Interstate 40) – with historic centre and train to the Grand Canyon.
• Oatman – old gold mining town with free-roaming donkeys; real Wild West flair.
• Meteor Crater – huge crater formed 50,000 years ago; now with visitor centre and observation areas.

California – the grand finale on the Pacific

• Santa Monica Pier – official end of the route with Ferris wheel and commemorative plaque.
• Roy’s Motel and Café (Amboy) – desert classic in Googie architecture; popular film location.
• Wigwam Village #7 (San Bernardino) – second wigwam complex; a retro overnight experience.
• Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande) – imaginative forest of bottles made from recycled glass. Magical.
• Bagdad Cafe (Newberry Springs) – made famous by the film of the same name; nostalgic and unique.
• Cucamonga Service Station – carefully restored 1930s-style petrol station; now a small museum.

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