The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City

The City of Springfield, Missouri, which is famously known as the birthplace of Route 66, has been selected as the host city for the national kickoff of America's Route 66 Centennial Celebration in 2026. The designation was awarded by the U.S. National Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Road Ahead Partnership, honoring Springfield's historic legacy and its modern-day transformation as a premier Route 66 destination.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City for National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff

Springfield submitted its bid on behalf of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, which was established by the Governor of Missouri to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road. The Commission is leading the state's centennial efforts by preparing cities for the celebration, encouraging community engagement, and promoting Route 66-themed activities.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City for National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff

On April 30, 2026 — the 100th anniversary of the telegram that officially proposed the Route 66 name from Springfield to Washington, D.C. — a high-profile kickoff concert featuring A-list entertainment will take place at the Historic Shrine Mosque. The event will be livestreamed worldwide with cross-country cut-ins from other Route 66 cities, celebrating the enduring spirit of the American road trip.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City for National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff

Governor Mike Kehoe praised the designation, saying, “This recognition is a testament to Missouri's deep roots in the history of America's most iconic highway and to the vibrant spirit of the communities that keep that legacy alive today. There's no better place to begin the centennial celebration than right here in the city where it all began: Springfield, Missouri.”

The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City for National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff

While the city honors its nostalgic past, Springfield is also undergoing an exciting transformation which blends its classic Americana charm with a bold, creative energy. From the retro appeal of Red's Giant Hamburg (the first drive-thru restaurant), vintage neon signs, and the Route 66 Car Museum, to a revitalized downtown bursting with chef-driven restaurants, street art, and boutique shops, Springfield exemplifies how towns along the Mother Road are evolving without losing their identity.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City for National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff

The city's unique attractions include Fantastic Caverns- America's only ride-thru cave, the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and cultural landmarks like the restored 1926 Gillioz Theatre. Meanwhile, new experiences like the Ozarks Coffee Trail and the Cashew Chicken Trail highlight the city's culinary creativity and growing café culture.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Is Named Host City for National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff

As the Route 66 Centennial approaches, Springfield stands at the intersection of history and innovation and remains a city that preserves its legacy while reimagining the road ahead.