Peoria Standard

Representative Tim Butler (R-Springfield) highlighted preparations for the 100th birthday of the Mother Road—Route 66—during a public policy breakfast. 

“Tremendous program this morning highlighting our region’s efforts along the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway as we plan for the 100th Birthday of the Mother Road in 2026,” Rep. Butler wrote on Facebook.

Illinois has an event established already that honors the history of Route 66. The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival will host its event from Sept. 23 to 25. The 100th birthday celebration is an opportunity to welcome visitors on a grand scale, according to Butler. 

How to celebrate the Route 66 centennial is the subject of a public policy breakfast at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. on July 22. | Representative Tim Butler/Facebook

To help make this happen, Butler joined the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission in January, HeraldNews reports. 

"Route 66 begins right here in Illinois, and I am proud that our state will be leading the way to celebrate the centennial of this world-famous byway," he said. "The Mother Road's 100th birthday celebration will be an international event that is a tremendous opportunity for us to welcome and entertain visitors from around the world, who want to experience the magic of Route 66 and also explore what our Illinois communities have to offer.”

One person honored the history behind the route by creating art.  According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Daniel Ricketts, owner of St. Louis Sign & Mural and an artist, painted murals that show colorful examples of how the route has influenced Edwardsville over time.

“Traveling along Route 66 is a huge draw for international travelers,” Stephanie Tate, marketing and communications director for Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, said to St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Butler sponsored House Bill 66, which created the Illinois Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, establishing the appointment of members, duties and meeting requirements. The commission's job will be planning and sponsoring Route 66 centennial events, programs and activities and encouraging programs that involve all citizens. The bill also requires the commission to deliver a final report of its activities to the governor no later than June 30, 2027 as one of its last acts.  

“I’m looking forward to working with the commission members as we lay out a path to (celebrating) the history of our 300-mile stretch of Route 66 with a year full of events in communities along its path, including music, artwork and folklore,” Butler said in the HeraldNews.

As a taste of activities to come, the Chicago Tribune reported the Illinois State Museum is planning a new exhibition focusing on Route 66.