Published on
January 21, 2026
The area of Bloomington-Normal in McLean County, Illinois, is planning to pay tribute to the 100th birthday of Historic Route 66, popularly known as Mother Road, marking the event with a bunch of special centennial-themed events spread over 2026. In line with this celebration, the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, VisitBN, is conducting a zonking series of activities for the whole year where people can enjoy the exhibits, parties, and community events that focus on the history and cultural importance of Route 66 in Illinois.
The events will span from Chenoa to McLean, honouring each community’s connection to Route 66 and its vital role in shaping the American travel landscape. A highlight of the yearlong celebrations will be the two-day Cruisin’ Through the Century party weekend in June, where each town along McLean County’s stretch of Route 66 will host themed celebrations to mark this monumental milestone.
Historic Route 66: A Century of American Travel and Culture
Since its commissioning in 1926, Route 66 has become an iconic symbol of American culture, representing the spirit of exploration, freedom, and resilience. Spanning 2,448 miles, it was the first major highway linking the Midwest to the West Coast, providing essential access to a broad range of communities across the United States. Over the decades, Route 66 has seen the rise of popular roadside attractions, motels, diners, and service stations that have become intrinsic to the American road trip experience.
For the communities of McLean County, Route 66 has played a defining role in local history, influencing the g …