As Route 66, one of the most iconic highways in the United States, is set to become 100 years old in 2026, a multi-state coalition is trying to educate people on the history and significance of the roadway while preparing to celebrate its centennial.
The Road Ahead Partnership, comprised of representatives from eight states through which Route 66 runs, hopes to revitalize the roadway by boosting tourism and attracting businesses.
“Route 66 is more than just a road,” Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, said. “It represented adventure. Our spirit of freedom along the open road. And it’s just been so important in the development of our nation.”
Known as “The Mother Road,” Route 66 was established on Nov. 11, 1926, initially stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Despite contributing immensely during the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s by helping people migrate west, Route 66 was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System as interstate highways were developed.
Over the years, while interstates offered drivers a new, faster way to cross the country, tons and tourists traps along the route slowly disappeared.
The roadway also faced criticism for motels refusing to serve Black families and watering down indigenous culture as caricatures.
Despite Route 66 fading away in people’s memories, some quirky tourist spots remain in place, including the historic Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, known for its unique teepee-shamed rooms.
RIALTO, CA – JUNE 15: The Wigwam Motel, built in 1949 on old Route 66, consists of teepee-shaped individual rooms on June 15, 2007 in Rialto, California. Route 66 opened in 1926 stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles and became a western migration route for people looking for work during the great depression of the 1930’s or to escape the Dust Bowl disaster. Later it offered vacation getaways and driving adventures until 1985 when it was decommissioned as a federal highway. Due to neglect and commercial development Route 66, the first highway to connect the Midwest with the West Coast, has recently been added to the biennially compiled list of the world’s most endangered landmarks by the World Monuments Fund and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s yearly list of the 11 most endangered historic places in America. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
After first being built in 1947, the Wigwam Motel branched out with a chain of hotels in the 1950s. Out of seven that were originally built, three, including the San Bernardino location, are still operating.
“It’s a great place to stay.It gives you that feel of being in 1950, that roadside attraction, that old unique feeling, like those old school road trips that people used to take,” said Samir Patel, whose family bought the Wigwam Motel back in 2003.
Ahead of the centennial celebrations, the Road Head Partnership is trying to create a renaissance and rebirth in interest. Next April, various events will kick off to celebrate the anniversary. See here to find Route 66 events.
“We want to preserve those so that future generations can enjoy them, just as folks throughout the past have,” Thomas said.
The celebration is set to start on April 30, 2026 with a national kickoff in the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield, Missouri.