Next year marks the centennial anniversary of the iconic Route 66, an American roadway known for its nostalgic charm, characterized by neon lights, classic motels, and retro diners. As travel agencies and local tourism boards gear up to celebrate this milestone, travelers can look forward to a host of special events and tours along this historical route.
Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield’s historic Route 66 district. Photo Credit: Visit Springfield
Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. It attracts both domestic and international tourists who are drawn to its captivating history and nostalgic aura. Sam Murray, founder of Gilligans Route 66 Tours, caters primarily to international travelers seeking an authentic slice of 1950s and ’60s America.
Murray, a native New Zealander, was first inspired to explore Route 66 in 2005 and founded his tour company in 2014. He emphasizes that the route’s ongoing allure is bolstered by its extensive representation in songs, movies, and media, making it a quintessential road trip for those looking to experience Heartland America.
To commemorate the centennial, Gilligans will offer an extensive 26-day group tour in April, focusing exclusively on Route 66. Additionally, a September tour will span various U.S. highways, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the entire U.S. highway system.
Self-drive options are also available, taking travelers 21 days to traverse the route, complete with a rental car, a comprehensive 165-page guidebook, and an iPhone equipped with a turn-by-turn navigation app. Highlights include visits to the Grand Canyon and three nights in Las Vegas. Inquiries for centennial tours have already been promising, according to Murray.
Cosmos, a respected operator in the Globus family of brands, will present two unique itineraries for eager travelers: the 16-day “Highlights of Route 66” and a special edition that includes attending the Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Missouri, as well as the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Describing Route 66 as “epic Americana,” Steve Born, Globus’ chief marketing officer, highlights that these tours will cover notable stops such as the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, and the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Due to overwhelming initial demand, Cosmos has already added a second departure for the special itinerary scheduled for September 24.
For those preferring an alternate mode of travel, Amtrak Vacations will launch a 14-day “Route 66 by Rail” itinerary. This tour includes two overnight legs aboard Amtrak and 11 nights in hotels, with options for a hop-on, hop-off tour in Chicago and excursions on the Grand Canyon Railway. Originally tailored for international markets, this conveniently restructured itinerary coincides with both the Route 66 centennial and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Destination marketing organizations view this centennial celebration as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome significant tourism influxes to their cities. Springfield, identified as the birthplace of Route 66, is anticipating a major uptick in visitors, driven by its historical significance, including a telegram sent in 1926 to propose the route’s naming.
Andrea Copeland, vice president of marketing for Visit Springfield, noted a promising increase in website traffic, indicating heightened interest in the centennial events. Similarly, Visit Oklahoma City is preparing for a larger crowd, as travel discussions with tour operators have reached an exciting peak.
“Travelers seeking to experience Route 66 are drawn by a desire for genuine Americana,” said Angel Green, director of leisure sales for Oklahoma City. “They want to experience the iconic spots they’ve seen in movies, including the famous Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier.” As we approach this historic milestone, Route 66 promises to unleash a myriad of memories and adventures for both first-time travelers and nostalgia-seeking enthusiasts alike.
