ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Announces Statewide Conference & Epic Route 66 Centennial Celebration!

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is thrilled to announce its Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration taking place on November 11, 2026, at Motorheads in Springfield, Illinois. This momentous event marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 and invites enthusiasts, roadies, Byway members, and non-members to join in a full day of education, recognition, and celebration.

Schedule of Events:

Statewide Conference: Engage with industry leaders, Route 66 advocates, and community members to explore the rich history and promising future of Illinois Route 66. Sessions will feature updates, resources, and insights to celebrate and preserve the Mother Road. Conference sessions will focus on Preservation, Economic Development & the Future of Route 66. A celebrity keynote speaker will kick-off the conference.

Awards Gala Luncheon: Honoring individuals, businesses and communities making significant contributions to Route 66’s legacy. This midday gathering includes a ticketed luncheon.

Epic Centennial Celebration: A grand celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary featuring live entertainment in the Motordome at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, special guests, classic cars and networking opportunities.

Both the Conference and Centennial Celebration will be ticketed events. Discounts will be available exclusively for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and we’re excited to bring together the Route 66 community to celebrate the history of the Mother Road, recognize its champions, and share its enduring legacy with the world,” said Casey Claypool, Executive Director.

Join us at Motorheads in Springfield for this historic event that honors the past while paving the way for the next 100 years of adventure on the Mother Road.

For regular updates and additional details as they become available, please visit the event page.

About the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway –

The mission of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is to enhance and promote economic opportunities for each Illinois Route 66 community by preserving Illinois Route 66 Heritage and by sustaining and increasing heritage and cultural tourism.

2026 Will Mark the Centennial of the Creation of Route 66!

The centennial is an opportunity to promote the preservation and commemoration of Route 66 including, but not limited to, existing roadways, buildings, and attractions along the route. The centennial is also an opportunity to celebrate the important history of Route 66 in Illinois through commemorative, educational, and community events. The centennial celebration may include events about the history of how local communities grew and changed with the construction of Route 66, the cultural impact of Route 66 within the United States and internationally, the portrayal of Route 66 in music, artwork, and folklore, and how to maintain the mystique and appeal of Route 66 for future generations. - Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, 2019