Dedication Ceremony for Historic Route 66 New Starting Point at Navy Pier

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway. “This move symbolizes how Route 66 continues to evolve while honoring its roots,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “From the shores of Lake Michigan to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Route 66 represents the ultimate American journey.” The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its enduring role in American history, culture, and adventure will take place on March 25, 2026. The new Route 66 starting point sign will be dedicated at 10:30am on Navy Pier’s South Dock (N Breakwater Access, Chicago Loop, IL). It will be open to the public and free to attend. After the dignitaries speak, they will unveil the sign.

Attendees will include:
• 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, sponsor of the initiative
• 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, member of Illinois’ first Route 66 Commission
• Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier, Inc., home to the new Route 66 starting point
• Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago
• Cory Jobe, Chair of Illinois’ Route 66 Centennial Celebration Commission
• Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray’s, who was instrumental in the initiative to move Route 66’s starting point to Navy Pier
• White Sox legend Ron Kittle, who rode his Harley the entire 2,448 miles of Route 66
• Cubs legend Ryan Dempster performing his hilarious Harry Caray impersonation
• Former Bulls announcer Tom Dore (7’2”) appearing as the Gemini Giant (a fiberglass roadside statue located in Wilmington, IL along Route 66)
• Tom Higgenson, lead singer of the Plain White T’s
• Abraham Lincoln portrayed by Illinois’ own Richard Klein

After the unveiling, the band The Plain White T’s will perform. The Plain White T’s are from Illinois and are inducted into the Illinois’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – which is located on Route 66 in Joliet.

WGN Radio will be going live from Harry Caray’s Navy Pier from 2-6pm as part of the 28th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray. The toast is at 5:30pm.

Throughout the day, guests can look forward to a full lineup of “roadside attractions,” including live music and entertainment featuring special performances by Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s; classic car displays from the Volo Auto Museum; vintage Route 66 memorabilia; and alpacas from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, representing those found along Route 66 in Arizona.

The designation was approved through a resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly and adopted by the Chicago City Council in recognition of Route 66’s centennial anniversary and Chicago’s historic role as the route’s eastern anchor. “Route 66 has always been about dreams and possibility,” said 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly. “Designating Navy Pier as the eastern terminus honors Chicago’s historic role while creating a powerful pier-to-pier connection that captures the true spirit of the American journey.”

Pier-to-Pier In 2009, the endpoint of Route 66 was moved one mile west to the Santa Monica Pier. With the starting point moving to Chicago’s Navy Pier, the road, and it’s travelers, will now run Pier to Pier. An impressive new Route 66 sign will be installed at Navy Pier marking it as the Beginning of the Trail. The Pier-to-Pier connection creates a symbolic bookend to one of America’s most storied highways, linking Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean and reinforcing Chicago’s role as both a historic origin point and a modern gateway for exploration.

“Route 66 has long represented connection and possibility, and we’re proud that its journey now begins at Navy Pier,” said Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier. “As Chicago’s front porch and a gateway to the city, Navy Pier is a fitting starting point to honor 100 years of American history, culture, and travel.”

The announcement date also coincides with Opening Day of the baseball season, fittingly uniting two great American traditions: America’s road and America’s pastime. As part of the day-long celebration, the 28th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray will be hosted at Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier—an annual event celebrating the life of the beloved Hall-of-Fame announcer.

“Harry Caray’s life perfectly embodied the spirit of Route 66 — freedom, optimism, and the joy of the journey,” said Harry Caray’s CEO Grant DePorter, who was instrumental in the City’s decision to make Navy Pier the starting point for Route 66. “Harry grew up along Route 66 in St. Louis, learned to drive on Route 66, and took route 66 to Wrigley Field to announce his very first baseball game. It’s incredibly meaningful that the road now begins at Navy Pier, where we gather each year to celebrate him.”

For updates on event programming and travel information, visit navypier.com and harrycarays.com.

ABOUT HARRY CARAY
Beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray brought his infectious enthusiasm and love of baseball to fans for more than 50 years. Born and raised along Route 66, Caray’s larger-than-life spirit continues to bring people together through the annual Worldwide Toast held in his honor. Harry Caray grew up on Route 66 in St Louis, learned to drive on Route 66, announced his first Major League Game by taking Route 66 up to Wrigley Field, he also decided to change his name from Carabina to Caray while work at WLCS radio in Joliet located on Route 66.

ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurant and retail partnerships, and thrilling attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free, year-round cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Navy Pier is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.