A once in a lifetime road trip invitation from Jim Hinckley’s America. Join us and legions of passionate road trip enthusiasts as we celebrate the Route 66 centennial in 2026. Need ideas, tips, or a bit of inspiration? Read on!

The Jim Hinckley’s America network is built on a passion for sharing the American story, and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. And so as we draw closer to this historic milestone we invite you to share the adventure.

Through a series of posts in coming months we will be exploring the history of this highway that became a community. And we will look at what towns and cities are planning to celebrate legendary Route 66 — the Main Street of America.

Introduction

Adventurers, history buffs and passionate fans of the great American road trip, this will be your once in a lifetime opportunity. The Mother Road, iconic Route 66, turns 100 years old next year. And what better way is there to immerse yourself in America’s story than by taking to the open road?

An adventure on Route 66 during the highways centennial will be a sensory experience of epic proportions. It will be a rich and colorful tapestry of small town diners, cultural festivals, neon lit motels, awe inspiring landscapes, and big city vibrancy. The U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission notes that this is not just a celebration. It is a once in a lifetime road trip invitation to enjoy the legacy of this iconic highway.

For Jim Hinckley the creator of Jim Hinckley’s America, this aligns beautifully with our mission of “sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go.” Together we will be writing a new chapter in Route 66 history. Let’s make this milestone count, if for no other reason than for the pure joy of adventure on the open road.

Why This Matters

• Route 66 did more than link Chicago to Los Angeles. It wove together shared experiences and dreams. Dust-covered migrants, families discovering America in station wagons and international adventurers seeking an authentic American experience. And this is what will be celebrated in the centennial.
• As the centennial approaches, communities are stepping up. Festivals, monuments, tourism development programs, and public art projects are being developed to celebrate the milestone. They will ensure Route 66 remains relevant, vibrant and economically meaningful for another century.
• For those who see tourism as a catalyst for economic development, historic-district revitalization and for fostering development of a sense of community, this moment is golden.

Recommended Centennial Events

Here are some highly recommended happenings where you can immerse yourself in a full Route 66 experience. Mark your calendar, plan ahead, and gear up for memory making adventures.

• Route 66 Info Fair – Needles, California. Date: February 14, 2026. Visit the City of Needles website for more details.
• AAA Route 66 Road Fest – Tulsa, Oklahoma. Date: June 27-28, 2026. Venue: SageNet Center / Expo Square, Tulsa. For more information.
• Texas Route 66 Festival – Texas Panhandle (Amarillo & Route 66 corridor). Date: June 4-13, 2026 (10-day festival). Full schedule online.
• Birthplace of Route 66 Festival – Springfield, Missouri. Date: August 7-8, 2026 (100th Anniversary edition). Historically this is one of the largest Route 66 celebrations, and early indications are that 2026 will break all records. More information.
• International Route 66 Mother Road Festival – Springfield, Illinois. Date: September 25-27, 2026. See event site for registration and schedule. More information.

If the whole 2,000 plus mile journey seems daunting (and it is!), pick a slice of the road and go deep. The stories and experiences will be rich in every town and city between Chicago and Santa Monica.

Communities Embracing the Spirit of Route 66

If you can’t drive the whole route (though we hope you will!), consider immersing yourself for a while in standout communities that truly “get it.” Here are a few places that we highly recommend. Each has blended progressive thinking, a strong sense of community, hospitality, and nostalgia to ensure the visitor experiences the magic of the Route 66 experience.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Home of the Route 66 Historical Village, an open-air museum with a 194-ft oil derrick, historic train locomotive and event centre honoring the road’s legacy.
• For a glimpse of the future of Route 66 and American diversity, the Mother Road Market is highly recommended. Think diversity that mirrors the American experience – gourmet burgers, tacos, authentic Nigerian and Korean food, vegetarian specialties, sushi and much, much more.
• Tip: Combine a day exploring the attractions along the Route 66 corridor with a fun night out in the city’s vibrant art district. And for lodging, the historic Campbell Hotel is at the heart of it all.

Joplin, Missouri

• The Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin features tile art, a classic-car photo stop and is a vibrant example of how Route 66 heritage is being woven into downtown revitalisation.
• CVB director Patrick Tuttle and his team are transforming Joplin into a destination city. This is a community that understands how to leverage Route 66 for cultural tourism and community identity. Tuttle and host Jim Hinckley had a lively conversation about Joplin and its shining future on a recent episode of Coffee With Jim.
• Tip: Plan your stop around an event and make time to visit attractions like SuperTam on 66 in neighboring communities. Learn more about SuperTam, and the people that infuse Route 66 with an infectious magic, on the October 26, 2025 episode of Coffee With Jim.

Pontiac, Illinois

• For my money Pontiac, Illinois is a template of how communities can be transformed into a destination by embracing Route 66, and fostering development of a strong sense of community. It begins with leadership that infuses the community with infectious enthusiasm.
• Unique museums, colorful murals with an historic context, and an authentic feel for the Route 66 experience.
• Pontiac rates high for visitor appeal around heritage and comfortable pacing.
• Tip: Consider spending two nights here, especially if the trip can be planned around a festival.

“Magic-Adding” Lodgings & Eateries Along Route 66

Part of the joy is the stay, the stop, the shared experience, and taking time to be in the moment. These spots come with a Jim Hinckley promise that they are more than just a place to sleep or grab a meal. They bring the Route 66 story alive.

• Tin Can Alley on 66 – Kingman, Arizona. Trendy vintage Airstream lodging on Route 66 in the heart of Kingman’s vibrant historic district framed by murals created by Ray Harvey. Plan your stay so you can experience a First Friday event on Beale Street, take in a program at the Beale Street theater performing arts center. And be sure to use the Kingman Tours website with ts expansive events calendar for some inspiration. Website: tincanalleyon66.com
• Cactus Inn Motel – McLean, Texas. Angela Moreland has transformed this 1950s relic into a an authentic Route 66 experience without the sacrificing of modern amenities. And for dinner, we suggest the Red River Steakhouse located next door. Website: cactusinnmclean.com
• Roadrunner Lodge Motel – Tucumcari, New Mexico. A painstaking attention to detail has transformed this property into an authentic 1960s-era time capsule. Website: roadrunnerlodge.com
• Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba, Missouri. This is the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66 that will be celebrating 90 years of providing a restful nights sleep to travelers in 2026. Hospitality and nostaglia blend perfectly to provide an authentic Route 66 expereince. Website: wagonwheel66cuba.com
• Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park – Albuquerque, New Mexico. A 1940s trading post, a modern RV Park with full amenities, and a must stop destination. This is a classic stop for road-trippers & RVers.
• Earl’s Restaurant – Gallup, New Mexico. Opened in 1948, this is the real deal. Classic American dishes, regional specialties, and Native American artisans on the portico make this one of our favorite stops in Gallup.
• Earl’s Motor Court – Winslow, Arizona. A renovated 1953 motel, this gem is not fancy, but it is authentic, and the owners greet every visitor as they they wereold friends.

Full-Service “Leave the Worries to Us” Route 66 Travel Options

Let’s be practical. If planning every detail feels overwhelming — or if your travel group prefers turnkey comfort — here are options to consider that come with our guarantee of satisfaction:

• Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours – Guided caravan trips or self drive options using the companies unique blending of tech and attention to detail ensure that you will only need to focus on the fun and making memories.
• RouteTrip USA – Bespoke custom route-planning equals an unforgetable worry free Route 66 odyssey.
• Two Lane America – With Austin Coop at the helm focusing on immersive Route 66 and Southwest tours, these are adventure that will provide a lifetime of memories.

These companies make your Centennial adventure not just possible — but memorable, stress-free, and deeply meaningful. As a bonus, each of these tours can include a visit with me, and that comes with a story or two.

What’s Next? How to Get Involved Now

• Follow the official Centennial portal for the most up-to-date information.
• Book early — accommodations along the road will be in high demand as 2026 approaches.
• Pick your segment (or go full-route) and plan stop-overs in the communities above — focus on quality over quantity.
• Use — Jim Hinckley’s America — to learn the stories of people, places and communities along the road.
• Stay tuned: We’ll be rolling out tips, recommendations, photo inspirations and road-trip toolkits right here via Jim Hinckley’s America.

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Join the Community — Listen & Subscribe

While you’re preparing for the big road, don’t miss the weekly podcast Coffee With Jim, hosted on Podbean. Each episode delivers travel stories, history nuggets, guest interviews and inspiration to fuel your road-trip dreams.
Be part of the Jim Hinckley’s America family — follow and subscribe across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Patreon. By joining, you’ll gain early access to content, behind-the-scenes insights and be part of a passionate community of road explorers and historic-tourism enthusiasts.

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Final Word

This isn’t a drive — it’s a journey. A journey through time, across landscapes, and into communities that embody the spirit of America. The centennial of Route 66 isn’t just for road-trip fans. It’s for people who believe in stories, in place-making, and in blurring the line between past and present, with a glimpse of the futre. So buckle up, pick your favourite section of the Mother Road, go deep, and let its magic touch you.

When you stop at that neon lit motel, bask in its retro charm, share a slice of pie and swap stories with a fellow traveler — that’s when history becomes alive.
And as the miles roll under your wheels, remember: you’re not just on Route 66 — you are writing a new chapter in America’s story.

Travel safe. Explore boldly. And keep on rolling.
— Jim Hinckley