Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 with an RV Road Trip

2026 isn’t just another year of travel – it’s the Route 66 Centennial. And there’s no better way to celebrate 100 years of Route 66 than with an RV road trip.

Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, the “Mother Road” is 2,448 miles of history, kitsch, and incredible landscapes. To help you celebrate America’s spirit of adventure, we’ve put together a guide of must-see stops and celebrations along the way.

Why Take an RV Road Trip to Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66?

Taking an RV road trip for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 gives you a front-row seat to history. With the Route 66 Centennial Commission coordinating festivals, neon sign relightings, and classic car shows nationwide, you can celebrate nostalgic Americana in modern comfort all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica.

The Grand Kick-Off: Chicago to Springfield

The celebration of 100 years of Route 66 officially begins in the Midwest. Chicago’s Navy Pier now serves as the official, symbolic starting point of the Main Street of America. As you head southwest through the Illinois cornfields, you’ll find the first of three 6.6K races and car shows in towns like Joliet and Pontiac.

The true heart of the early stretch of the iconic route, though, is Springfield, Missouri. Recognized as the birthplace of Route 66, the city will host the National Centennial Kick-Off in late April. This massive festival will feature a Times Square-style atmosphere with live music and the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) National Convention. Anyone who loves big rigs as much as they love RVs won’t want to miss seeing nearly 1,000 historic trucks all gathered in one place.

Iconic Roadside Attractions and Neon Revivals

One of the most exciting parts of the centennial celebration is the restoration of iconic landmarks. In Bristow, Oklahoma, they’re turning the neon lights back on the historic Chrysler Tower – the tallest freestanding neon sign along the route. At 10 stories tall, the icon has been dark since the 1950s, but has undergone a complete restoration to celebrate 100 years of Route 66.

Further west, don’t miss:

• The Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa, OK): A quintessential photo op for any RVer.
• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX): Home to the Texas Route 66 Festival with parades and classic car shows in June.
• The Midpoint Cafe (Adrian, TX): Exactly 1,139 miles from Chicago and Los Angeles.

High Desert Havens: Arizona’s Longest Stretch

At 158 miles, Arizona is the longest continuous stretch of the Mother Road. The route runs from just outside Ash Fork to Topock and is where you’ll find the fun run that’s the oldest Route 66 celebration in the country. More than 800 vehicles will caravan 140 miles from Seligman to Kingman with events planned along the way.

The Finish Line: Santa Monica Pier

Your 100 years of Route 66 journey wraps at the Santa Monica Pier. At the end of April, a Centennial Convergence will bring travelers from around the globe together to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Whether you followed the Official Centennial Caravan or took your own side quests along the way, reaching the iconic End of the Trail sign is a rite of passage for every RVer.

Protecting Your Investment on the Mother Road

While the nostalgia is high, the road conditions vary. Historic Route 66 is a patchwork of original concrete, modern asphalt, and gravel turnouts. When you’re driving a Fleetwood, Winnebago, or a custom coach, those vintage ribbons of road can kick up some non-vintage debris.

Make sure your centennial celebration memories don’t include a chipped paint job or a cracked tow vehicle windshield. Our drill-less custom mud flaps are made right here in the USA and designed to provide the most protection for your RV or tow rig.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for a Route 66 Centennial road trip?

While events are scheduled throughout 2026, the peak season is May through September. If you want to be part of the official kickoff, though, aim for late April in Springfield, Missouri.

Is Route 66 fully drivable in a large RV or motorhome?

Approximately 85% of the original route is still drivable. However, some segments are narrow or have low-clearance bridges. We recommend sticking to the locally maintained frontage roads and using an RV-specific GPS.

Should I drive in a specific direction?

Heading eastbound is an option, but the traditional Route 66 experience is westbound. This follows the path of Dust Bowl migrants and post-war vacationers, culminating in the iconic sunset at the Santa Monica Pier.

Ready to Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66?

At DuraFlap, we’re proud to support the travelers who keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. Before you head out to celebrate 100 years of history, make sure your RV or tow rig is ready for the long haul. Visit our website to find custom-fit protection for your model. Let’s make the next 100 years of the open road just as legendary as the last.