Route 66 Towns Look to the Future as Historic Highway Turns 100

Communities along America’s historic Route 66 are welcoming visitors from around the world as the famous highway celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The road, often known as the “Mother Road,” has become a symbol of American travel and nostalgia. Towns along the route are now hoping renewed interest can help support local businesses and preserve historic attractions.

A Century of History

Route 66 was established in 1926 and once connected Chicago with Santa Monica, California, across more than 2,000 miles.

Although the highway was officially removed from the U.S. highway system in 1985, many communities have continued to preserve sections of the historic route, along with motels, diners, gas stations and roadside signs.

Visitors Return to the Mother Road

The centennial celebrations have brought renewed attention to the towns along Route 66.

Local businesses, museums and tourism operators are welcoming travelers interested in experiencing the historic road and its distinctive roadside culture.

Some businesses have reported increased visitor numbers during the anniversary year, giving small communities an opportunity to benefit from international tourism.

Keeping Small Towns Alive

For many communities, Route 66 is more than a historic landmark. Tourism connected to the road provides an important source of income for restaurants, gift shops, museums and accommodation providers.

Local residents are also working to preserve buildings and businesses that help maintain the character of the historic route.

Nostalgia Meets a New Generation

The renewed interest is not limited to travelers who remember Route 66 from earlier generations.

Younger visitors are also discovering the road through social media, road trips and interest in vintage American culture.

Looking Beyond the Centennial

As the anniversary celebrations continue, communities along Route 66 are considering how to maintain the attention after the centennial year ends.

For many towns, the challenge is turning temporary interest into long-term tourism while protecting the historic character that attracts visitors in the first place.

Sources

• BBC World Service — “Can Route 66 towns survive on nostalgia?” — September 28, 2026.
• BBC Business Daily — Reporting on Route 66’s centennial and the communities along the historic highway.