Last 100 Miles of Route 66
Where can you find giant pink elephants, the world's tallest catsup bottle and a ranch filled with rabbits? Only on the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois!
Celebrating 100 Years
The Mother Road will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026 and the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is joining forces with other tourism bureaus across Illinois to honor the nation's first interstate highway. Southwest Illinois is home to the final 100 mile stretch of Route 66 in Illinois.
Over the next few years, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau will be working to highlight existing attractions along historic Route 66. Stay tuned for new projects, public displays of art and interactive exhibits as part of this work.
Last 100 Miles Steering Committee
To aid in the new project plans, the "Last 100 Miles" Steering Committee has been formed including members from key communities along Route 66.
The committee will create a collaborative approach to the project and committee members will work with their home community on behalf of this initiative and the tourism bureau. Having direct representation with all Route 66 communities in the Great Rivers & Routes region will help create a regional Route 66 destination for travelers during the Centennial celebration in 2026.
Committee Members
Girard/Virden: Casey Claypool, Executive Director, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
Carlinville: Brian Zilm, Economic Development Administrator, City of Carlinville
Gillespie/Benld: Dave Tucker, Curator, Illinois Coal Museum
Litchfield: Steve Dougherty, Mayor, City of Litchfield
Hamel: Karen Luster, Owner, Route 66 Creamery
Edwardsville: Rich Walker, Wildey Theatre
Collinsville: Derek Reiser, Owner, Old Herald Brewery & Distillery
Granite City: Brenda Whittaker
At Large Member: Cheryl Jett