The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration is slated for Nov. 11, 2026, at Motorheads in Springfield. The event will mark the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road as enthusiasts, Byway members, and nonmembers participate in a day of education, recognition, and celebration.
The goal of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is to enhance and promote economic opportunities for each Illinois Route 66 community by preserving the road’s heritage and by sustaining and increasing cultural tourism. The Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration will immerse attendees in history and offer a glimpse into the future of Route 66. Conference sessions will focus on preservation, economic development, and more. A celebrity keynote speaker will kick off the conference.
Also planned is an Awards Gala Luncheon—which will honor individuals, communities, and businesses that have made significant contributions to Route 66’s legacy—and an Epic Centennial Celebration, which will feature live entertainment in the Motordome at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum; special guests; classic cars; and networking opportunities. All events are ticketed, with discounts for Byway members.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone,” says Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, in a prepared statement, “and we’re excited to bring together the Route 66 community to celebrate the history of the Mother Road, recognize its champions, and share its enduring legacy with the world.” illinoisroute66.org
Main Image: Route 66 in Illinois; Credit: Adobe/Rawf8
