Crossroads of past and future is a fitting way to describe Route 66 as we draw closer to the highway’s centennial. In St. Louis, Missouri the National Museum of Transportation houses a diverse collection of airplanes, trains and automobiles that chronicles the evolution of 20th century transportation. And in Kingman, Arizona a museum dedicated to the evolution of electric vehicles is taking shape.

Route 66 has evolved from highway to attraction. To the best of my knowledge it is the only highway in the world that is a destination for domestic as well as international travelers.

Crossroads of Past and Future

The annual Route 66 Fun Run, held on the first weekend in May in western Arizona, leaves little doubt. Route 66 is no mere highway. It is a time capsule as well as theme park. And it truly is the crossroads of past and future.

At the 2024 event, driving the old highway between Seligman and Kingman was an opportunity to experience it as it was before the dawning of the interstate. With more than 800 vehicles participating, cafes, service stations, and stores were once again crowded. A 1918 Cadillac shared the highway with vintage Corvette’s, Rivian trucks, rat roads, hot rods, dusty farm trucks, classic convertibles, and even vintage motorcycles.

The fun run is an excellent opportunity to experience the modern incarnation of this storied highway. And if you are not familiar with what makes this road special, the fun run is infused with its infectious magic.

To The Centennial and Beyond

We are less than two years away from the Route 66 centennial. And it looks like the highways popularity is growing exponentially.

Bob Boze Bell of True West magazine grew up on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona. His father owned or operated stages along the highway in the 1950s. And now Bell has launched the 66 Kids project. It includes a road show, a podcast, a website, and merchandise.

In a recent issue of AARP magazine a section was dedicated to Route 66 attractions, and how to plan a trip on this iconic highway. Foreign journalist’s, bloggers and podcasters are encountered on Route 66 in ever increasing numbers.

Networks of cooperative partnerships to market the highway and develop events are expanding. Tour companies have already started marketing centennial specials. Communities are investing in Route 66 corridor revitalization. And the excitement is building!

Jim Hinckley’s America

You can bet that Jim Hinckley’s America will be in the thick of things. After all, inspiring road trips by telling people where to go and sharing America’s story is our stock in trade.

So, we are gathering video for more episodes of In Search of Lost Highways, our YouTube series. And we are looking to book informative guests for Coffee With Jim, the Jim Hinckley’s America podcast. The list of recent guests include Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Angela Moreland, owner of the vintage Cactus Inn Motel in McLean Texas, and Ron Romero of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.

Work is underway on a Route 66 anthology. The book will chronicle the highways evolution from its prehistory to the era of renaissance.

And we are in search of a suitable candidate for a Route 66 centennial vehicle. It will be a rolling billboard for the highway as well as information center.

We also will be accepting more requests for appearances. When confirmed these events will be added to the Jim Hinckley schedule section of our website.

Stay tuned. Things are about to get very interesting!