100 Years of Route 66 — The Ultimate Motorhome Road Trip

Route 66 Centennial 2026: Plan Your Motorhome Road Trip on the Mother Road

In 2026, the legendary Route 66 — known worldwide as the Mother Road or Main Street USA — celebrates its 100th anniversary. First commissioned in 1926, the highway stretched 2,448 miles (3,940 km) from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, linking the Midwest to the Pacific.

Route 66 is almost like a cult monument. Since the 1930s, it has introduced travellers to the USA through diverse and fascinating landscapes. Its east‑to‑west course allowed millions of Americans to head toward the Wild West in search of a better life. Drawing a great curve across the country, it begins in Chicago and ends on the shores of the Pacific in Los Angeles.

The road has inspired artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers, becoming a symbol of freedom and resilience:

• A lifeline for Dust Bowl migrants in the 1930s.

• A supply route during World War II.

• A postwar icon of the American road trip, immortalised in music, film, and neon.

Though decommissioned in 1985, Route 66 has been reborn as a cultural landmark. The Centennial in 2026 is the perfect moment to rediscover its history, roadside attractions, and small‑town hospitality — all from the comfort of your motorhome or campervan.

Route 66 at 100 - Events and Celebrations in 2026 

Across the eight Route 66 states, towns and cities are preparing parades, car shows, concerts, and heritage festivals. Expect:

• Illinois (Chicago, Springfield) → parades, jazz and blues concerts, neon restorations.

• Missouri (St. Louis, Springfield) → classic car rallies, Route 66 museums.

• Oklahoma (Tulsa, Oklahoma City) → cowboy culture, centennial fairs.

• Texas (Amarillo) → Cadillac Ranch art events, BBQ festivals.

• New Mexico (Albuquerque, Santa Fe) → Native American cultural showcases, art markets.

• Arizona (Flagstaff, Winslow, Kingman) → Route 66 parades, Grand Canyon detours.

• California (San Bernardino, Santa Monica) → beachside concerts, centennial finale at the Santa Monica Pier.

Route 66 Itinerary Ideas

Classic 2‑Week Highlights Trip

To explore the entire route, you’ll need around three weeks, though a highlights trip can be done in two. It’s best to travel in early autumn or late spring, avoiding the very cold winters in Illinois.

• Chicago → Santa Monica: drive the full route in 14–21 days, stopping at iconic diners, motels, and roadside attractions.

State‑by‑State Deep Dive

• Illinois: Begin your motorhome journey in Chicago, then head to Springfield to enjoy Route 66 museums and shops. Don’t miss Abraham Lincoln’s grave or the Salem State Historic Site.

• Missouri: St. Louis Gateway Arch, Ozark landscapes, Springfield’s neon.

• Oklahoma: Cross the heart of America to reach Oklahoma City. Stop in Tulsa, once the oil capital of the world, now home to the world’s largest collection of Western American art. Campsites are plentiful here.

• Texas: Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo steakhouse challenge, Panhandle plains.

• New Mexico: Don’t miss Albuquerque, with its galleries and art markets. Take the scenic route through the Santa Fe National Forest. From Albuquerque, detour to the Grand Canyon (410 miles) before heading to Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps.

• Arizona: Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, Wigwam Motel, Grand Canyon detour.

• California: Mojave Desert, San Bernardino, Hollywood Hills, and the Santa Monica Pier.

Thematic Itineraries

• Americana & Roadside Oddities: Blue Whale of Catoosa, Wigwam Motels, giant roadside statues.

• Music & Culture: Chicago blues, Tulsa jazz, Amarillo country, LA rock’n’roll.

• Nature & National Parks: Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon.

Culture Along the Mother Road

The famous Route 66 — stretching over 2,300 miles — is a backdrop for countless American films, notorious for its dust storms, Harley Davidson bikers, and legendary fast‑food establishments.

• Food: classic diners, BBQ in Missouri, Tex‑Mex in New Mexico, California coastal cuisine.

• Music: Nat King Cole’s “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”, live venues from Chicago to LA.

• Architecture: neon‑lit motels, Art Deco gas stations, mid‑century diners.

• Indigenous Heritage: pueblos in New Mexico, trading posts, cultural centers.

5 Essential Detours from Route 66

One of the great advantages of a Route 66 road trip by motorhome/RV is how close it runs to some of the USA’s most spectacular national parks and protected landscapes. These aren’t directly on the Mother Road, but they’re close enough to make 1–2 day detours that will transform your journey.

1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

• Distance from Route 66: ~60 miles north of Williams, AZ.

• Why go: One of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, with breathtaking South Rim views.

• Tips: Stay overnight for sunrise/sunset; book RV campsites early; combine with Flagstaff or Williams.

2. Monument Valley (Arizona/Utah border)

• Distance from Route 66: ~175 miles northeast of Flagstaff.

• Why go: Towering sandstone buttes and mesas, immortalised in Western films and Navajo culture.

• Tips: Take a Navajo‑guided tour; allow 1–2 days; combine with Grand Canyon or Page/Lake Powell.

3. Death Valley National Park (California/Nevada)

• Distance from Route 66: ~120 miles northwest of Barstow, CA.

• Why go: Surreal desert extremes — salt flats, sand dunes, colourful canyons, and star‑filled skies.

• Tips: Visit in spring/fall to avoid extreme heat; carry extra water and fuel; RV camping at Furnace Creek.

4. Las Vegas (Nevada)

• Distance from Route 66: ~100 miles north of Kingman, AZ.

• Why go: The neon capital of the world — casinos, shows, nightlife, and a cultural counterpoint to Route 66’s Americana.

• Tips: Easy 2‑day detour; combine with Hoover Dam; book accommodation early during centennial year.

5. Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon (Arizona)

• Distance from Route 66: ~30 miles south of Flagstaff.

• Why go: Stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and a vibrant arts scene.

• Tips: Ideal for a 1‑day stop; combine with Flagstaff and Grand Canyon; RV‑friendly campgrounds nearby

Practical Tips for 2026 Travellers

Book Early

The Route 66 Centennial in 2026 will attract travellers from around the world. Expect higher demand for:

• RV parks and campgrounds: Popular stops near Chicago, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Santa Monica will book out months in advance.

• Guided tours and events: Centennial parades, car shows, and concerts will draw large crowds. Reserve tickets and accommodation early.

• Historic motels: Wigwam Motels, neon‑lit diners, and restored roadside inns are iconic — and will be in high demand.

Best Seasons to Travel

• Spring (April–June) → Mild weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds before peak summer.

• Summer (July–August) → Hotter temperatures, but the best time for festivals, parades, and centennial events. Expect busier roads and higher prices.

• Fall (September–October) → Ideal for motorhome travel: cooler weather, autumn colours in the Midwest, and quieter campgrounds.

• Winter (Nov–March) → Avoid if possible: Illinois and Missouri can be icy, and some attractions close seasonally.

Motorhome / RV Travel Essentials

• Fuel Planning:

  • Route 66 crosses long rural stretches, especially in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

  • Fill up before leaving major towns — don’t rely on small stations being open.

• Overnight Options:

  • RV parks & campgrounds: Full‑service, with hookups and amenities.

  • State parks: Scenic, affordable, often with hiking trails.

  • Boondocking: Free camping on public land (especially in the Southwest).

  • Aires (European travellers): Closest US equivalent = rest areas, RV parks, or boondocking sites.

• Distances: The full route is ~2,300 miles (3,700 km). Break it into manageable daily drives of 150–250 miles to allow for sightseeing.

• National Park Detours:

  • Grand Canyon (Arizona), Petrified Forest (Arizona), Painted Desert (New Mexico), Mojave Desert (California).

  • Add at least 1–2 extra days for each major detour.

Navigation & Route Planning

• Historic vs. Modern Alignments: Route 66 has been rerouted many times. Some original stretches are bypassed by interstates.

• Maps & Apps:

  • Use dedicated Route 66 guidebooks or apps to stay on the historic road.

  • GPS alone may default to faster highways.

• Signage: Look for brown “Historic Route 66” signs — but note they’re not always consistent.

• Local Tips: Visitor centres and Route 66 museums often provide updated maps and event info.

Extra Centennial‑Year Advice

• Crowds: Popular stops like Cadillac Ranch, Santa Monica Pier, and Albuquerque Old Town will be busier than usual.

• Events: Build flexibility into your itinerary to join centennial parades, car rallies, or concerts.

• Photography: Neon signs, diners, and roadside oddities will be restored and lit up for the centennial — perfect for travellers who want iconic photos.

Ready to Hit the Mother Road in 2026?

The Route 66 Centennial is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration — and the best way to experience it is in a motorhome. Don’t wait until the most iconic stops are fully booked.

⇒  Request your free, fast online quote now and find the right motorhome for your Route 66 adventure.

⇒  Schedule a Call With Our Travel Experts - plan your itinerary, detours, and must‑see events with guidance from specialists.

Make 2026 the year you celebrate 100 years of Route 66 — with a road trip you’ll never forget.