Sprague’s Super Service station in Normal receives $150,000 grant

The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau won a $150,000 state tourism grant for further restorations to Sprague’s Super Service in Normal, Illinois, before Route 66's centennial next year. According to WGLT radio, the money comes from the Route 66 Grant Program, which aims to preserve and educate travelers along the state's Route 66 corridor. The funds … Continue reading Sprague’s Super Service station in Normal receives $150,000 grant

Five cities chosen as Official Satellite Cities for Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off

Five communities were designated as Official Satellite Cities for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026.  The five Official Satellite Cities are Joliet, Illinois; St. Louis; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque; and Santa Monica, California. Those cities will join the live, online media event combined with Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, which … Continue reading Five cities chosen as Official Satellite Cities for Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off

Tulsa to attempt world record with Route 66 classic-car parade set for May 30, 2026

The Tulsa Route 66 Commission recently announced the "Tulsa Route 66 Capital Cruise: World-Record Classic Car Centennial Parade," which aims to attract more than 3,000 participants. The commission said the cruise aims to set a world record, which a record-keeping organization would verify. The cruise is scheduled for May 30, 2026, during the highway's centennial … Continue reading Tulsa to attempt world record with Route 66 classic-car parade set for May 30, 2026

$25,000 grant awarded to support Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit

The Missouri Humanities Council awarded a $25,000 grant to the Route 66 Association of Missouri in support of a project titled “The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” and an $8,000 grant to support programs associated with the project. “The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” celebrates the legacy of the Mother Road and its role in … Continue reading $25,000 grant awarded to support Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit

Chicago Tribune reporters will travel Route 66, want your thoughts on the highway

Over the weekend, the Chicago Tribune announced it is sending two reporters on Route 66 from west to east before the highway's centennial in 2026. In an initial story titled "One Century, One Road," Jonathan Bullington and E. Jason Wambsgans said they will depart from the West Coast and head east on the Mother Road. … Continue reading Chicago Tribune reporters will travel Route 66, want your thoughts on the highway

Book review: “Route 66: The First 100 Years”

As Route 66's centennial next year approaches, the first book that takes a retrospective look at the highway and looks ahead at its next century has entered the market. That book is the sumptuously illustrated "Route 66: The First 100 Years" (Amazon affiliate link) by the husband-and-wife team of Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, both … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66: The First 100 Years”

Six satellite cities sought for Route 66 Centennial Kick-off in April

Cities along Route 66 are asked to submit proposals to participate in the official Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership will choose six official satellite cities for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off, starting with a live, online media event combined with celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, which is the … Continue reading Six satellite cities sought for Route 66 Centennial Kick-off in April

Route 66 Association of Arizona plans kickoff event for highway’s centennial on Nov. 15

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona announced an event to kick off the highway's centennial just a few days after its 99th birthday. "A Night at the Route 66 Museum," a one-time, special event, will be from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Arizona Route 66 Museum (aka Powerhouse) in Kingman, Arizona. … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Arizona plans kickoff event for highway’s centennial on Nov. 15

U.S. Route 66 Centennial website launched

The launching of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial website was announced earlier this week. It aims to commemorate "the historic milestone of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and honor the Mother Road by helping the millions who live, work, and travel along it," a news release from the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership stated. … Continue reading U.S. Route 66 Centennial website launched

Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced the third round of Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization grants totaling more than $5.5 million from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. Several grant recipients were already reported here, including to the town of Canute and the Bristow Historic Society. This is a complete list. "With the centennial fast approaching, more … Continue reading Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced