The 2026 Route 66 Centennial has officially kicked off, celebrating 100 years since the historic highway’s creation.

Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs through the heart of Illinois. Throughout 2026, the state will host celebrations and events honoring the highway’s legacy.

In recognition of the centennial, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has awarded nearly $4 million in grant funding to local tourism bureaus to support development, education, preservation, and promotion efforts of Route 66 activities throughout Illinois.

Funded projects include new Lincoln-themed sculptures in Lincoln and Granite City, renovations to Springfield’s Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, and transforming the old Joliet prison grounds into a baseball field for events.

Since 2021, Illinois has invested $19 million in Route 66 initiatives to support tourism. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission has also planned statewide events to highlight historic attractions, local businesses, and community traditions through the coming year.