State officials and tourism leaders have launched the Illinois celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, marking a century since the highway’s creation in 1926.
Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) joined members of the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and regional tourism partners to begin a yearlong series of events scheduled throughout 2026.
Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs southwest across Illinois, passing through Springfield and numerous small communities before continuing toward California.
“Throughout 2026, we’ll recognize 100 years of Route 66, a road that helped shape Illinois into what it is today. That’s why my administration is proud to provide attraction and site infrastructure along this iconic route and deliver millions in grant funding to local tourism bureaus,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“I invite all Illinoisans to take part in the many celebrations throughout the year — it’s a chance to check out the beauty of a truly American road and soak in all that Route 66 and our state have to offer.”
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said, “Across Illinois, our communities are showing up to celebrate 100 years of connection. From Michigan Avenue through Springfield and the small towns that line the route, Route 66 has shaped our history and identity.”
She added, “Illinois is home to sweeping prairie landscapes, welcoming Main Streets, rich cultural destinations, and world-class cities. I’m proud to welcome visitors from near and far to experience the people, places, and stories that make Illinois truly special.”
State officials cited recent tourism performance as context for the centennial investment. Illinois reported $367 million in hotel tax revenue in fiscal year 2025, a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24. The state also welcomed 113 million visitors in 2024, who spent $48.5 billion, representing increases in both visitation and spending over 2023.
As part of the centennial, DCEO is awarding nearly $4 million in grants to local tourism bureaus for Route 66-related development, education, preservation, and promotional initiatives.
Since 2021, DCEO’s Illinois Office of Tourism has invested $19 million in Route 66 projects, according to an article by WMOI.
Funded efforts for 2026 include the installation of an Abraham Lincoln penny sculpture in Lincoln, a 14-foot President Lincoln statue in Granite City, updates to the Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, and the redevelopment of part of the Old Joliet Prison grounds into a baseball field for events.
“Tourism is a powerful economic driver for Illinois, and Route 66 is one of our greatest assets,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “These grants will help communities tell their stories, preserve their history, and attract visitors from across the country, ensuring the legacy of Route 66 continues to shine statewide.”
The 2026 Illinois State Fair theme will be “Miles of Smiles,” recognizing the centennial. The theme will be featured at both the Springfield and Du Quoin fairs, with Route 66 exhibits and programming planned.
“The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield sit on the historic path of Route 66, making it a natural stop along the Mother Road,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “This year’s Illinois State Fair theme creates an opportunity for partnership with DCEO and the Illinois Office of Tourism, and our teams have exciting plans for that collaboration during the fair and throughout 2026.”
Additional events are scheduled across the state during 2026, with more announcements expected. Cory Jobe, President & CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, said, “The Centennial of Route 66 reminds us that America’s most iconic road was built mile by mile, town by town, and community by community. Its storied past inspires our shared future — a century behind us, a lifetime of journeys ahead — that’s the promise Route 66 has in Illinois.”
State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) said, “I’m looking forward to celebrating the grandeur and nostalgia of Route 66 this year and seeing the importance this route played in the American experience.”
State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) said, “Celebrating its legacy honors the generations who built this region.” State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) said, “I welcome everyone from around the globe to come see all we have to offer.”
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) said, “For a century, Route 66 has connected communities, told the story of our region, and inspired travelers to explore the people and places that make the 56th District truly unique.”
For campground operators, RV park owners, and other outdoor hospitality businesses along or near historic travel corridors, the centennial presents potential opportunities to align marketing, events, and capital improvements with expected increases in heritage tourism traffic in 2026.
Coordinating promotions with regional tourism bureaus and fair programming could help operators capture extended stays from travelers planning multi-stop Route 66 itineraries.