Representatives from the Illinois Campground Association (ICA) joined over 160 attendees from across the country in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the Mother Road Summit held April 24–25.
Organized by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission, the summit brought together stakeholders from all eight Route 66 states to discuss plans for the historic road’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2026.
The Illinois delegation included BJ Davis, ICA past president and owner of Rustic Acres Jellystone Park in New Douglas; Jeff Bladdick, ICA secretary and owner of I-55 RV Park in Edwardsville; Randy Greenman II, ICA member liaison and owner of Double J Campground in Chatham; and Suzanne Hopkins, ICA director of member services and communications.
The summit agenda featured speakers highlighting local and regional centennial planning efforts, opportunities for interstate collaboration, vendor booths showcasing memorabilia and resources, and sessions with PBS filmmakers working on a Route 66 documentary. Officials, tourism advocates, and grassroots organizers also participated in the event.
According to Suzanne Hopkins, the ICA was invited to attend and saw the summit as a valuable opportunity for learning and networking.
“This could be very lucrative for the outdoor hospitality and tourism industries in Illinois,” she said. “We anticipate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 will bring a wave of travelers from the US and abroad to our state, where the route begins, and our parks want to be ready to connect with them.”
BJ Davis noted the potential for a significant boost in tourism.
“Travelers from across the U.S. and around the world are already beginning to plan their journeys along the Mother Road—and it all begins right here in Illinois,” Davis said.
He emphasized the potential economic benefits for campgrounds and related local businesses as travel interest grows.
Jeff Bladdick described the event as both celebratory and strategic.
“This was more than a planning session—it was a celebration of Route 66’s impact on our culture and communities,” he said. “The energy and collaboration here show just how special this road still is to so many people.”
Hopkins added that the summit was helpful for gathering ideas and aligning Illinois’ marketing strategies with other Route 66 states. “I took a lot of notes and photos for inspiration and to ensure our efforts align with branding by other states and organizations.”
The Route 66 Centennial Commission, formed by Congress, has identified strategic priorities for the centennial, including tourism development, preservation, and national collaboration. More information is available at route66-centennial.com.
The official kickoff for the Route 66 Centennial Celebration is scheduled for April 2026 in Springfield, Missouri. A global livestream concert will take place on April 30, marking the date of a 1926 telegram that contributed to naming the highway.
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, was established on November 11, 1926. The 2,448-mile route begins in Chicago, Illinois, and stretches through seven additional states, ending in Santa Monica, California.For information about camping in Illinois, visit IllinoisGoCamping.com. Details on the Illinois portion of Route 66 can be found at illinoisroute66.org.
Featured image by Illinois Campground Association