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In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary! We’re hitting the Mother Road to celebrate a century of American road trips!
Established on November 11, 1926, Route 66 stretched approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Although the highway was officially decommissioned in 1985, its legacy lives on through historic towns, quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and the travelers who continue to explore it.
In this episode of Beyond the Wheel, we take listeners on a virtual road trip from California to Illinois. Along the way, we share the history, nostalgia, and unforgettable stops that make Route 66 one of America’s most iconic highways.
We explore some of the Mother Road’s most memorable attractions, including Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, the Petrified Forest in Arizona, and historic downtown Williams. From giant roadside sculptures to old-fashioned soda fountains, you’ll find plenty of interesting places to discover.
Kenny also shares stories from traveling the historic road in his Winnebago Vista with Sabrina and Belle, including favorite attractions, unexpected discoveries, and why two weeks wasn’t nearly enough time to experience everything the highway has to offer.
Of course, we couldn’t talk about Route 66 without discussing RV travel! We highlight campgrounds, boondocking spots, and convenient overnight stops along the route, plus a few tips for navigating historic sections of the highway in a larger RV.
We’ll also uncover some fun Route 66 history, explore its influence on American pop culture, and discuss why slowing down to experience small-town America is still one of the best parts of any road trip.
Whether you’ve traveled the Mother Road before or are planning your first adventure on this iconic American landmark, this episode celebrates the people, places, and experiences that have kept this legendary highway alive for 100 years.
We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite Route 66 stop, or which roadside attraction is on your bucket list?
Join Kenny and Sean as we celebrate 100 years of getting our kicks on Route 66!
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