Route 66 at 100: Arizona’s Timeless Journey Along the Mother Road

Route 66

Where a Century of Travel Came to Life

In 2026, Route 66 hits its remarkable 100-year milestone, and Arizona will stand at the heart of the celebration. Home to the longest preserved stretch of the legendary highway, spanning more than 385 miles across the state, Arizona’s Route 66 tells a powerful story of freedom, migration and the enduring romance of the open road. From desert towns to pine-covered high country, this centennial year will honour a route that shaped American travel and continues to inspire road trippers from around the world.

Arizona’s stretch of the Mother Road remains a living museum, where classic diners, neon signs and roadside curiosities invite travellers to step back in time while still enjoying contemporary comforts.

A Culinary Journey Along the Mother Road

Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner

As the centennial celebrations unfold, food lovers will follow Route 66 through Arizona’s most iconic towns, discovering flavours that reflected generations of travellers who once passed through. Historic eateries in Kingman, Seligman, Williams, Flagstaff, Winslow and Holbrook will become part of the experience, each offering a distinct taste of Route 66 heritage.

These restaurants are more than places to eat. They serve as cultural landmarks where stories are shared, memories are made and the spirit of classic American road travel remains alive. The centenary year will highlight how food continues to connect travellers to the communities that grew alongside the highway.

Route 66 by Moonlight in Arizona

scenic rail adventures

When the sun sets, Route 66 reveals a different kind of magic. Arizona’s dark skies transforms familiar stops into atmospheric night-time destinations. From glowing vintage signage to evening dining experiences and unforgettable stargazing, the route proves that its appeal extends well beyond daylight hours.

Night journeys include unique experiences such as scenic rail adventures and clear-sky astronomy in towns renowned for their dark-sky credentials. Even after a century, Route 66 continues to shine, offering travellers moments of wonder long after dusk.

Flagstaff’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

Flagstaff

One of the standout centennial events will take place in Flagstaff on Saturday 6 June 2026. The free, family-friendly celebration will bring the community together for a full day of nostalgia and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy classic car displays, historical re-enactments, streetscape chalk art and a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Set in the only city on Route 66 sitting at 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff’s pine-scented air and dark-sky setting provided a memorable backdrop to honouring the Mother Road’s legacy.

Meteor Crater: A Natural Wonder Near Route 66

Meteor Crater 

Just minutes from Route 66 near Winslow, Meteor Crater stands as one of Arizona’s most awe-inspiring attractions during the centennial year. Known as the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site, the crater tells a story far older than the highway itself.

Visitors can explore the vast site where a meteor struck the earth around 50,000 years ago with extraordinary force. The Meteor Crater Visitor Center offers immersive, family-friendly exhibits set beneath the wide skies of the Arizona High Desert, making it a must-see stop along the historic route.

A Century Celebrated, a Legacy Continued

Celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in Arizona is more than a milestone. It is a tribute to a road that shaped travel culture, connected communities and continues to invite discovery. As travellers journey east or west, Arizona’s preserved towns, landscapes and stories ensure the Mother Road remains as relevant and captivating as ever.

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