Route 66 Turns 100: A Century of Neon, Diners and Open Highways
Route 66 Turns 100: A Century of Neon, Diners and Open Highways
Route 66 marks its centennial as travelers rediscover iconic stops from Chicago to Santa Monica, celebrating a road trip that prioritizes the journey over the destination.
Route 66 is more than asphalt. This year, the highway marks its 100th birthday, turning back the clock for a new generation of travelers who want to slow down and savor the journey.
Starting in Chicago and winding through eight states across three time zones, the route has long been a test of patience and a passport to American pop culture.
Fans flock to iconic stops—from neon-drenched diners in the Midwest to desert motels and roadside attractions in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California—searching for old signs, vintage gas pumps, and photo backdrops.
Local museums are lining exhibits about the road's history, while car clubs host vintage car rallies and guided tours that show how the highway helped shape generations of travelers.
For many, the centennial isn't about a destination but a memory lane of road trips and roadside hospitality, a reminder that the journey can be as meaningful as the miles.
As communities celebrate, preservation groups emphasize keeping the signage, landmarks, and diners operating for future travelers who still want that sense of discovery.
