Route 66 turns 100 years old on Nov. 11, 2026! On Feb. 9, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Agriculture joined the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and tourism partners from across the state to celebrate the official kickoff of the Route 66 Centennial, marking 100 years since the creation of the highway. Also known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs through the heart of Illinois — connecting communities and travelers for a century.

The Mother Road is one of the original highways within the National Highway System. The importance of the route is rooted within its cultural and historical impact, beginning in 1926 when it received its numerical designation. The highway was intended to connect rural main streets and urban communities so that small towns could have access to a national thoroughfare. Illinois is both the start of this storied road and the first state to have paved the road across the entire state. Running nearly 300 miles across the Land of Lincoln, Route 66 eventually reaches Missouri and makes its way across the country, ending in Santa Monica, California.

A road trip on Route 66 through Illinois would have you witness iconic and historic locations, including the Gemini Giant, Motorheads Museum and a Route 66 mural trail. Springfield will be at the heart of the yearlong celebrations, hosting The Great Race, the Route 66 Centennial Conference and taking center stage at the Illinois State Fair.

From kitschy roadside attractions such as a pink elephant, neon signs and Cozy Dogs to stunning scenic beauty and presidential historic sites, Route 66 offers visitors the very best of America’s heartland right here in Illinois.

Celebrations will take place up and down the entire state from now until November. See a celebratory event calendar on the Route 66 centennial website.