Route 66 Turns 100

Route 66 is a taste of Americana. The highway, which spans 2,448 miles, was officially opened in 1926, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The highway took travelers through the heart of America. Visitors passed through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before completing their journey in sunny California. Along the way, travelers could soak up American culture by eating at diners, sleeping at quaint hotels and motels and enjoying the sites and sounds of the American Midwest and West.

Officially removed from the United States Highway System in 1985, Route 66 still exists in popular culture today. The Disney movieCars popularized the legendary highway for a whole new generation in 2006. Many people still say “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” after a 1946 song coined the phrase. Travelers in this modern area can still drive parts of the original highway, now demarcated as the National Scenic Byway, in almost all of the original states the road passed through. Indeed, Route 66, which turns 100 years old in 2026, lives on, even if only in a ceremonial way.

Ways to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in Missouri

• Centennial Kick Off Event. April 30, 2026. Springfield, Missouri. Kickoff this momentous occasion in a big way in Springfield. Guests to the Centennial kickoff can celebrate The Mother Road with a ball, live music, a drone show, a classic car show and so much more. Missouri’s third-largest city is ready to greet guests in a big way this spring.
• Route 66 Immersive Experience. Springfield, Missouri. Guests to this experience, projected for August 2026, can embark on a virtual journey along Route 66 that will leave them inspired. Gaze in wonder as the magic of this westward journey from yesteryear comes alive around you, perhaps inspiring you to travel the road yourself.
• Create your own adventure along Route 66 in Missouri. DIY your own adventure along Missouri’s stretch of iconic Route 66 starting in St. Louis and traveling 317 miles west to Joplin. There are so many beautiful sites, unique motels and delicious diners along the way, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this trip sooner. Craft your itinerary with a little help from Visit Missouri and don’t forget to craft a killer road trip playlist for your journey! 

For more information on Route 66’s Centennial Celebration, check out the website here. It’s never too late to get your kicks on this iconic stretch of roadway. 

Missouri RVs for your ultimate American roadtrip

Ready to hit the road? Make your first stop Camping World, with multiple locations across Missouri, for all of your RV needs. This trusted spot will help you find the RV that is right for you or help you fix up the one you’ve got and get you suited for your great American road trip in style. From RV service and repair to RV sales, this is your one-stop shop for all things RV since 1966. Hit the road and have fun!