Route 66 Celebrates 100 Years of Iconic American Road Trips

The historic highway traverses eight states and three time zones, offering travelers a glimpse into the country's past and present

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping curves of a desert highway cutting through the landscape, with towering roadside attractions and neon signs in the distance, capturing the grand scale and romantic spirit of travel along Route 66.The iconic Route 66 highway celebrates 100 years of quintessential American road trips, with its vintage signs, classic diners, and enduring spirit of adventure.Springfield Today

As Route 66 turns 100 this year, the iconic 'Mother Road' continues to captivate travelers with its vintage charm, quirky roadside attractions, and enduring cultural significance. From the Windy City of Chicago to the Pacific shores of Santa Monica, the historic highway winds through eight states and three time zones, offering a quintessential American road trip experience.

Why it matters

Route 66 has evolved over the decades from a practical escape route for Dust Bowl farmers to a beloved symbol of American car culture and the spirit of the open road. Despite the construction of faster, more direct interstates, the highway's neon signs, classic diners, and unique roadside attractions continue to draw visitors, preserving the legacy of this iconic route and the communities that have thrived along it.

The details

The highway was the vision of Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery, who recognized the growing importance of automobiles in the 1920s and lobbied to have the route numbered 66 for its marketing potential. Along the way, travelers can experience a diverse array of attractions, from the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, to the Cadillac Ranch art installation in Amarillo, Texas. The highway also played a significant role in the lives of Black motorists during the Jim Crow era, with the publication of the Green Book guiding them to welcoming establishments.

  • Route 66 was commissioned in 1926.
  • The Tee Pee Drive-In Theater in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, officially opened in the spring of 1950.
  • The Cadillac Ranch public art installation in Amarillo, Texas, was created in 1974.

The players

Cyrus Avery

An Oklahoma businessman known as the 'Father of Route 66' who lobbied to have the route numbered 66 for its marketing potential.

Victor Hugo Green

The publisher of the Green Book, a guide that listed hotels, restaurants, and gas stations that would serve Black customers during the Jim Crow era.

John Steinbeck

The author who dubbed Route 66 the 'Mother Road'.

John Lasseter

The director of the 2006 Pixar film 'Cars', which drew inspiration from the history and landmarks of Route 66.

Jackson Browne

The musician whose car breakdown in Winslow, Arizona, inspired the lyrics to the Eagles' hit song 'Take It Easy'.

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What they’re saying

“If you've ever planned to motor west and take the highway that's the best, this might be the time: Route 66 turns 100 this year.”

— Susan Montoya Bryan, Author

“The Mother Road, as author John Steinbeck dubbed it, has evolved over the years from an escape for poor farmers fleeing the devastating dust storms of the 1930s to perhaps the quintessential American road trip that's still delivering kicks.”

— Susan Montoya Bryan, Author

What’s next

As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, travelers can look forward to a variety of special events and celebrations along the historic highway throughout the year, including festivals, car shows, and the unveiling of new roadside attractions and restored landmarks.

The takeaway

Route 66 remains a beloved symbol of American freedom and the spirit of the open road, offering travelers a unique opportunity to explore the country's past and present through its quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and enduring cultural significance.