Springfield, Illinois – This week the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference gathered at Motorheads in downtown Springfield to mark the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road. The event, held on November 11, 2026, brought together historians, preservationists, and local business owners to reflect on the highway’s legacy and to discuss how communities can leverage the centennial to boost tourism and local pride.
Preserving a national treasure
Rhys Martin, Preserve Route 66 manager for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, addressed the audience. Martin emphasized that Route 66 is more than a stretch of pavement; it is a cultural corridor that connects small towns across eight states.
“Anyone can put a gift shop in their town,” Martin said, “but if you embrace what makes you unique and what your story is, that’s what gets people’s attention, and that’s what gets them to stay.” He urged municipalities to focus on authentic experiences rather than generic roadside attractions.
Slow travel versus the interstate
Martin contrasted Route 66 with modern interstates, noting that the historic highway encourages travelers to slow down, interact with locals, and appreciate the surrounding landscape. “It really shows you that there is more in this country that unites us than divides us,” he added, highlighting the road’s role in fostering community bonds.
He reminded attendees that author John Steinbeck coined the phrase “Mother Road” in his classic novel The Grapes of Wrath, cementing the highway’s place in American literature and collective memory.
Local towns can benefit
Springfield officials see the centennial as an opportunity to promote the city’s own Route 66 heritage sites, including the historic downtown district and nearby motels that once served weary travelers. The city’s tourism board plans a series of events, such as classic car shows, vintage diner pop‑ups, and guided tours of historic landmarks, to attract both longtime enthusiasts and new visitors.
Business owners expressed optimism. A local café owner noted that “the centennial gives us a reason to tell our story, to bring families together, and to remind people why this road matters.”
Looking ahead
While celebrating a century of travel, speakers also discussed preservation challenges. Funding for road‑side signage, restoration of historic structures, and promotion of safe driving practices remain top priorities. Martin called on state legislators and private donors to support these efforts, arguing that protecting Route 66 is an investment in America’s cultural and economic future.
As the conference concluded, participants left with a shared sense of purpose: to keep the Mother Road alive for the next hundred years by honoring its past, supporting its present communities, and inviting travelers to experience the unique charm of each town along the way.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
