Route 66

Roll down the car windows. Turn up the radio. And head on down the Last 100 Miles of Historic Route 66 in southwest Illinois for the mother of all road trips.

There are plenty of ways to get your kicks on Route 66 in the Great Rivers & Routes region. The final leg of the road in Illinois, 100-miles of it in fact, meander through the region from Virden, just outside Springfield, IL, to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge crossing the Mississippi River in to Missouri. In between those points are some fun, kitschy and Instagrammable stops on the famous Mother Road. Get ready to rock and roll!

Route 66 Centennial Celebration

Road Trip of a Lifetime

Take the road trip of a lifetime along America's most iconic highway -- Route 66 in 2026 -- the 100th anniversary of The Mother Road.

Southwest Illinois is chock full of Route 66 Centennial Celebrations. Home to The Last 100 Miles of Route 66, the region is full of the kitsch, history and pure Americana of the highway. Meet the stars of the highway from an original roadside diner to a classic drive-in theatre; from a giant pink elephant to a giant fork in the road. There's no shortage of adventures in the local communities infused with the charm of the highway.

Stop for the fun taking place at classic roadside attractions including the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, downtown Carlinville, West End Service Station in Edwardsville, It's Electric Neon Sign Park in Granite City and don't miss the return of The Catsup Bottle Festival in Collinsille. Plus there is so much more.

Want to know what we have planned for this Centennial year? Stay tuned for Centennial celebration updates.

On April 30, 1926, officials in Springfield, MO, received a telegram from the federal government designating the new national highway as Route 66.

Nov. 11, 1926 is the official date when Route 66 was commissioned, making 2026 the Centennial Anniversary of what has become known as The Mother Road.

Centennial Events Along the Mother Road

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Feb 7th, 2026

Self Love Party
Treat yourself this Valentine's Day! Shop for yourself and with friends at Hawthorn in Carlinville. There will be a variety of vendors all ready to bring a little Self Love to your…
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Feb 14th, 2026

Wordi Gras
Welcome to Wordi Gras! The self-proclaimed "Redneck Mardi Gras" brings all the pizazz and party atmosphere of Fat Tuesday to the tiny town of Worden with a parade, live music throughout the…
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Feb 28th, 2026

Choco-Lotta-Fun Crawl
Gather at the West End Service Station in Edwardsville and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Special treats and eats and a whole lot of fun make this event extra special.
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May 23rd, 2026

Pet Adoption Day
Gather at the West End Service Station in Edwardsville and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Special treats and eats and a whole lot of fun make this event extra special.
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Jun 5th, 2026

International Horseradish Festival
The International Horseradish Festival is the hottest event in Collinsville- celebrate the Horseradish Capitol of the World with food, fun, and music! The fest spans several city blocks where visitors will have…
There are future dates for this event
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Jun 13th, 2026

Edwardsville Route 66 Festival
Come and get your kicks on Route 66! The Edwardsville Route 66 Festival celebrates the nostalgia of America's most famous highway yet again at the annual festival June 13, 2026, with classic…
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Jun 20th, 2026

Route 66 Tractor Drive
Have a tractor? Want to drive it along Route 66?Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a 35-mile Tractor Drive along three different sections of the Mother Road! This convoy of…
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Jun 20th, 2026

Catsup Bottle Festival
Bring your family and friends to downtown Collinsville for the World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival! Celebrate the Brooks Route 66 icon in all its tangy red glory with food and drinks, live…
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Aug 19th, 2026

West End Wednesday
Gather at the West End Service Station in Edwardsville and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Special treats and eats and a whole lot of fun make this event extra special.
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Sep 16th, 2026

West End Wednesday
Gather at the West End Service Station in Edwardsville and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Special treats and eats and a whole lot of fun make this event extra special.
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Route 66 Treasures in Madison County Learn More
Route 66 Postcard Mural Trail Learn More
Get Your Dish on Route 66 Learn More
Legendary Ariston Café Is at Home on Route 66 Learn More
A Legendary Theatre: Meet The Wildey Learn More