Route 66 centennial is looming

What may well be the best-known highway in the United States is gearing up for a lengthy and lively birthday bash — and you’re invited. U.S. Route 66, which stretches from Chicago to coastal Santa Monica, California, and is a famed showcase for Americana, will mark its 100th year in 2026, but centennial celebrations will actually begin before then.

“It’s such an exciting time for the region,” Lyn Pilch, head of Mississippi River Country, which promotes 10 Mississippi River-linked states to tourists, said during a recent Toronto visit.

Among the states Route 66 works its way through is Illinois, a Mississippi River Country member. Cory Jobe, president of Illinois’ Great Rivers & Routes region, and among the Toronto delegation, said international tourists visiting the United States have a “love affair” with the “iconic” highway. “It’s the ultimate bucket-list road destination.”

Underscoring Route 66’s ability to showcase the America of yesteryear are Great Rivers & Routes opportunities to visit a drive-in theatre and chow down in the oldest continuously running diner in the United States. Dining options also include farm-to-table dishes and restaurants lauded by James Beard.

“Were very excited [over the anniversary celebrations] because it’s going to be an opportunity to share the stories of our small towns,” Jobe added.

Bob Navarro of Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau noted his part of Illinois includes Joliet, home to a prison which gained prominence in the movie The Blues Brothers.

Another highlight is the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, home to thousands of pieces of memorabilia from “the glory days of the Mother Road.”

Route 66’s first 100 miles are in the Heritage Corridor, Navarro noted.

Sarah Waggoner of Visit Springfield said that Illinois city’s claims to fame include its being the home of former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln, with visitors able to see the “only home Lincoln ever owned,” and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.

Other notable Springfield aspects include the tomb where Lincoln was buried and the Illinois state capitol.

“Tourists want to travel Route 66. They want to see the neon lights and eat the local cuisine,” continued Waggoner, noting Route 66 goes through Springfield and enables visitors to experience “classic Americana.”

The Illinois Office of Tourism’s’ Mary Twomey labelled Chicago the “birthplace of the skyscraper” and added Illinois serves as a gateway for those wanting to explore the United States.

Those who travel the entire highway will find varying landscapes, cultures and cuisine, with Pilch saying they will come across “quintessential small-town America.”

Meanwhile, Pilch labelled Mississippi River Country the “heart of America,” adding the Great River Road follows the Mississippi through 10 states.

Those on hand for the Toronto event were also told by Lauren Berry of Memphis Tourism that Memphis is the “home of blues, soul and rock and roll” music.

“Music is our primary travel motivator,” she said, noting Memphis is home to the Elvis Presley estate of Graceland.

Kim Williams of Arkansas Tourism noted her state has a park home to the world’s only public diamond mine. “You can dig for diamonds and whatever you find you can keep.”

April 8, 2024, will see the Great North American Eclipse, with the eclipse’s path of totality running through Arkansas.

Katie Coats of Mississippi’s Visit Ridgeland said those interested in the Southern U.S. will appreciate her state. “There is no more authentic area than the South and nothing is more Southern than Mississippi.”

Coats said Mississippi has spawned different types of music while noting the state has a Country Music Trail. She added her region will be appreciated by outdoors enthusiasts, such as cyclists.

Visitors can also easily visit Mississippi’s capital of Jackson, Coats continued. “We’re just a great, diverse option.”

Fellow Mississippi resident Ashley Gatian of Visit Vicksburg also said her destination has “lots of great things to do outdoors.”

She said there are many historical sites but added Vicksburg’s appeal isn’t all rooted in the past.

“We’re ‘hipstoric’ because we’re hip as well,” she continued.

Marie Stagg of the Louisiana Office of Tourism said glamping — upscale camping — is available to Louisiana visitors, who can view the largest freshwater swamp in the United States.

Adventurous Louisiana visitors can zipline over alligators, she continued.

Area museums include one devoted to outlaws Bonnie and Clyde and another telling of entertainer Britney Spears.

More information can be found at MississippiRiverCountry.com.