Route 66's 100th Anniversary Kicks Off with a Historic 19-Day Caravan
Route 66 will mark its 100th anniversary in November 2025. The historic road, stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, remains one of America’s most famous drives. A major 19-day caravan will kick off celebrations in June, starting at the Pacific coast and winding through eight states. The route cuts across diverse landscapes, climbing from sea level to 7,000 feet. Travellers pass through Midwest farmland, arid Southwest deserts, and small towns before reaching the ocean. Much of the original path survives as rural highways, main streets, and frontage roads, though some sections now follow Interstate 40.
Many businesses along the route are preparing for the centennial. Owners—including immigrants who settled in the area over the past 50 years—are funding upgrades and events. Most visitors today come from overseas, drawn by the road’s nostalgic appeal. Rising fuel costs and political shifts could affect travel in 2025. Despite challenges, the centennial caravan will begin on June 6 in Santa Monica, retracing the route’s full length over nearly three weeks.
The 100th anniversary will highlight Route 66’s enduring role in American culture. Businesses along the way are banking on the celebrations to attract tourists. The event will also test how modern pressures shape the road’s future.
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