Route 66 Centennial 2026: Celebrate the Mother Road with Special Tours and Events

Route 66, the iconic “Mother Road” that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. In recognition of this milestone, travel destinations and operators are unveiling special tours, events, and packages to honour the centennial and attract both new and returning travellers. The route, famed for its neon lights, vintage motels, and retro diners, has become synonymous with Americana, drawing road-trip enthusiasts and history buffs from around the world.

As the centennial approaches, several travel operators have already announced new itineraries and events to tap into the nostalgia surrounding Route 66. These special tours promise to showcase the highway’s cultural, historic, and scenic highlights, while also celebrating the quintessential American road trip.

Tour Operators Offering Commemorative Itineraries

Several renowned tour operators are capitalising on the Route 66 centennial with unique itineraries designed to provide an immersive experience along the historic route. Among the most notable are Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours, Cosmos, and Amtrak Vacations. These operators are catering to both domestic and international markets, with tailored offerings that evoke the charm and nostalgia of mid-20th century America.

• Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours will offer a 26-day group tour in April 2026 to mark the centennial. This guided tour will focus on key stops along Route 66, including historical landmarks and quirky attractions. For those preferring a self-drive experience, Gilligan’s also offers a 21-day self-drive tour, which includes a detailed guidebook, an app for turn-by-turn navigation, and a rental car. The itinerary includes highlights such as the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
• Cosmos, part of the Globus family of brands, is offering two 16-day Route 66 itineraries. These tours will stop at iconic landmarks like the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, and the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. One of Cosmos’ itineraries will also feature the Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Missouri, and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, celebrating both the highway and the 2026 centennial celebrations.
• For those seeking a rail experience, Amtrak Vacations will offer a 14-day Route 66 by Rail itinerary, which includes overnight Amtrak travel and stays at select hotels along the route. This tour will also feature a hop-on, hop-off tour in Chicago and travel on the Grand Canyon Railway.

A Year of Celebrations and Revitalisation

The Route 66 Centennial 2026 is not just about special itineraries; it is also a time for celebration and rejuvenation of the route itself. Many local and state governments along the highway are investing in infrastructure and preservation projects to ensure that visitors experience the true charm of the road. Restorations of historic motels, neon signs, and roadside attractions are already underway in anticipation of the 100th anniversary. These efforts ensure that the nostalgic appeal of Route 66 remains intact for future generations.

Cities like Springfield, Illinois, where the Route 66 movement originated, are gearing up for major events. Springfield is set to host official centennial celebrations, while cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa are planning smaller festivals and exhibits to honour the road’s legacy.

The Route 66 centennial offers a rare opportunity for tourists to explore iconic landmarks that have defined American road-trip culture. For example, the famous Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Oklahoma, and the kitschy Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, have long been favourites for those seeking a snapshot of classic Americana. With many of these sites being restored and revitalised for the centennial, it is an ideal time to experience them in their original, unblemished form.

The Rising Popularity of Route 66 for International Visitors

While Route 66 has always been a popular domestic travel route, it is gaining increasing attention from international travellers seeking to explore authentic American culture. Many of the centennial tours, especially those organised by companies like Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours, are specifically designed for international visitors. According to tour operators, the nostalgic appeal of Route 66 resonates with travellers looking for a 1950s or 1960s-style road trip experience that showcases Heartland America.

This international interest has also led to increased flight capacity to U.S. gateway cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and St. Louis, as well as new services to Springfield and Tulsa. These cities will likely see a boost in tourism traffic as the centennial celebrations draw near.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Travellers

The Route 66 Centennial is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of travel. For those who have long wanted to experience the legendary highway in all its glory, 2026 will be the perfect time. From guided tours and self-drive adventures to train journeys, there are plenty of ways to explore the route. As tour operators offer special itineraries to coincide with the anniversary celebrations, Route 66 remains a quintessential American experience that continues to captivate the imagination of travellers from around the globe. With the restoration of historic landmarks, special events, and a new wave of international interest, the centennial celebrations will offer a unique opportunity to rediscover the charm of this historic American road trip.

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