There is no better way to discover the USA than by hitting the road — especially along the legendary Route 66. Turning 100 in 2026, this iconic highway has long captured the imagination of travelers and the American spirit. Affectionately known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 traverses the heart of the USA — passing through the plains and cornfields of the Midwest, crossing the Mississippi River, winding through the deserts and canyons of the Southwest, and culminating at the Pacific Coast.
First established in 1926, Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states and over 3,900 kilometers. Though it was decommissioned as a federal highway decades ago, the route’s spirit of freedom and exploration has never faded. Retro diners still serve up slices of Americana. Restored motels glow in the soft neon of another era. And each quirky roadside stop tells a story — one of discovery and connections with the people and landscapes of the USA.
As the USA prepares for a year of milestones in 2026 — the Route 66 centennial and America’s 250th anniversary — there’s never been a more inspiring time to discover the road that introduced the world to the American road trip.
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