Route 66 is more than a road trip. It is a microcosm of the American experience. And for a century it has served as the stage where the dynamic American story unfolded. It truly is the Main Street of America.

Route 66 may have started as a highway. But with a bit of a push from visionaries it quickly evolved into something much more. To was transformed inot America’s Main Street. And today, in the year of that iconic highways centennial, even though it no longer officially exists as a U.S. highway, Route 66 may be more popular than at any time in its history.

The Route 66 of today is quite different from the Route 66 of 1930, or even 1960. In 1930, the highway wasn’t fully paved. In 1960 this iconic highway was slowly being replaced by the interstate highway system. And today, the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation is in the process of establishing the world’s first EV mueum along Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona.

Route 66: More Than A Road Trip

One thing has remained unchanged in the Route 66 story. It is still a mirror that reflects the America experience.

In the 1920s it mirrored the nations optimism with the “Bunion Derby” and the establishment of the U.S. Highway 66 Association. Even though the clouds of an economic storm were forming, in 1932 Route 66 was promoted as the scenic highway to the Olympics in Los Angeles. As the decade closed The Grapes of Wrath, the book and the movie, mirrored the hard times that were the Great Depression. And Route 66 was labled the Mother Road.

WWII dramatically transformed the nation, and that too was refelected in the Route 66 experience. The sprawling Kingman Army Airfield was established along U.S. 66 east of Kingman, Arizona. Hooker Cut, the deepest highway cut in America and the first four lane segment of Route 66 in Missouri, was built to bypass the antiquated alignment through Devil’s Elbow.

Post war prosperity and optimism was reflected in a song about getting your kicks on Route 66. Many pioneering chain motels and restaurants were established along Route 66. And the generic age ushered in with the creation of the interstate highway began in earnest on Route 66. One of the first segments of the new system bypassed Route 66 at Lebanon, Missouri.

Fast Forward to 2026

Fast forward to 2026, the Route 66 centennial. Now this storied highway reflects our past and future. It has morphed into the American experience made manifest. And it is viewed as the quintesential American experience, the ultimate road trip.

Through Jim Hinckley’s America, I am fortunate to have a front row seat to the big show, and opportunities to help ensure that folks who embark on a Route 66 odyssey have an unforgetable experience. When I take time to give thought to the Route 66 legacy, I humbled to be a part of this milestone celebration of The Main Street of America.

This morning I lent a hand to an author working on a feature about Route 66 in WWII for the History Channel. Yesterday I recorded an interview for a UK travel program hosted by Sean Fletcher, and answered questions for New York Times journalists traveling Route 66 in search of centennial stories. And I also had a chance to visit with the Mother Road Media team, and Wolfgang and Anja, good friends that were leading a Route 66 Germany tour.

And the day before, I joined up with the The Main Street of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan that was organized by the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, and certified as an official Route 66 Centennial event.

Route 66 Centennial Caravan

The caravan was a near perfect blending of past and present. And each evening the caravan provided folks with an opportunity to experience the infectious magic that is the Route 66 experience.

A giant fiberglass cow and trailer towed by The Big Texan Steak Ranch of Amarillo, Texas was a hit. Each evening Bobby Lee and a team of volunteers from the Old Texas Route 66 Association of Texas set up to host the Steak Ranch’s world‑famous 72‑ounce steak challenge.

The caravan also included an array of vintage cars representing various state Route 66 associations and organizations. Even the Dutch Route 66 Association was represented by founding member Dries Bessels and Clemens Kauling.

A note on the caravan’s website provides insight into its origins. “In 1952, a caravan cruised US Highway 66 to honor the road’s nickname of the Will Rogers Highway. Now, as the road turns 100 years old, we’re cruising it again to mark the occasion! Route 66 fans from across the world are welcome to join our caravan for as long as they please as we pass through communities along the Main Street of America.”

It’s The People

But what makes Route 66 truly special is the people. The Route 66 community also mirrors America. That was also manifest in the centennial caravan.

For me it was an opportunity to enjoy a visit with many old friends such as Dries and Clemens, Renee Charles from Galena, Kansas, Rhys Martin, and Dr. T. Lindsay Baker that was once again driving his venerable Model Ford woody. Baker, an author and historian is the author of Eating Up Route 66.

As is often the case, there never seems to be enough time for a proper visit. Still, over dinner at the Dambar my dearest friend and I shared a few laughs with Brady Wilson, Gary Williams and his charming wife, Mike and Jessica May and many old friends.

Discover America

At Jim Hinckley’s America we encourage people to discover America through road trips. And we also let people know that Route 66 is more than a road trip. It is time travel and an opportunity to really experience America, and meet the people who are stewards of the Route 66 story.

Personally, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Unted States, I can’t think of a better place. After all, Route 66 is the Main Street of America.

A Route 66 road trip is a life changing experience. But a Route 66 adventure in the year of the highway’s centennial is a once in a life time opportunity.

So, gas up the car or truck, or like Joe Barr, air up the bicyle tire. Subscribe to Route 66 Naviagation app. Grab a copy of EZ 66 Guide For Travelrs by Jerry McClanahan.

Then take to the road. Don’t rush. Savor each moment. Take time for conversation over pie and coffee at the Mid Point Cafe. Make memories with every mile.

And if you happen to be in the neighborhood, give a holler. Perhaps I can join you for some of that pie and coffee. Or maybe I will see you on the road as we head for the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa.