Heritage Corridor Destinations Partners with Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to Celebrate 18 Route 66 Communities During Centennial Year

Heritage Corridor Destinations and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway celebrated Route 66 communities along The First Hundred Miles of the Mother Road with new Route 66 Centennial road signs and flags. The signage was distributed ahead of National Scenic Byway Day on Sept. 22, 2026.

The centennial signage was created by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and provided to destination marketing organizations for distribution to communities along the historic highway. Heritage Corridor Destinations proudly recognized 18 partner communities along The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. 

“These Centennial Gateway signs are more than markers along the highway; they are a celebration of 100 years of Route 66 and the Illinois communities that have kept the Mother Road alive,” said Casey Claypool, Executive Director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. “The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is proud to partner with the Illinois Department of Transportation on a project that honors our past, welcomes today’s travelers, and will remain part of the Route 66 landscape well beyond the Centennial.” 

Communities receiving the Route 66 Centennial signage include Countryside, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lemont, Lockport, Plainfield, Shorewood, Joliet, Channahon, Elwood, Wilmington, Braidwood, Godley, Braceville, Gardner, Dwight, Odell, and Pontiac. 

“The centennial signs and flags are a simple but meaningful way for our communities to show their Route 66 pride during this historic centennial year,” said Robert Navarro, President & CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “The First Hundred Miles is home to communities with deep connections to Route 66. Their history and passion for the future of the Mother Road helps create a sense of place for visitors traveling the route.” 

Communities have incorporated the road signs and flags into locations that connect visitors with their own Route 66 roots. In Joliet, a Route 66 Centennial sign is displayed at Route 66 Park near the Rich & Creamy ice cream shop. Pontiac added its sign along the original Route 66 alignment, just across from the historic Old Log Cabin Restaurant. In Dwight, Ambler Becker’s Texaco Station has hung a Route 66 Centennial flag inside the historic service station. 

The Route 66 Centennial signs and flags are part of statewide efforts to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and highlight the historic highway as it enters its next century. 

For more information about The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 and Route 66 Centennial experiences throughout the Heritage Corridor region, visit TheFirstHundredMiles.com.