The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, along with like groups in all the states that Route 66 travels through, are commissioned to continue to work tirelessly to preserve, protect and promote Route 66, ensuring that the Mother Road will be HISTORIC ROUTE 66, also named, THE MOTHER ROAD OR THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA. Route 66 is a 2400-mile-long highway that runs from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, Ca. It was commissioned in 1926 as a connection between the Midwest and the American West.
2026 will mark the centennial anniversary of Route 66. There are many activities planned to celebrate this historic milestone.
Route 66 symbolizes an age of discovery and freedom, when mobile America hit the road and drove deep into her heartland discovering the sights, attractions and historical significance found along the two-lane highway. No other road in the world hosts as many interesting and unusual sights as Route 66 and Arizona’s stretch of this famous highway showcases some of the most beautiful scenery in America. You can marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon, visit historical attractions featuring relics from early settlers and Native Americans and sleep in a teepee. Drive the longest driveable section of Route 66 and experience quirky Americana in towns bypassed by the interstate.
Created by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, in partnership with communities and attractions, The Arizona Route 66 Passport program was started. You can stop at visitor centers and pick up your copy of the passport, then as you travel the highway, you can receive a stamp from each place you stop. Featuring pictures and brief descriptions of selected attractions and sights, organized by sections this Passport offers an excellent itinerary to guide you to making memories of your adventure on the Mother Road. Participation is free, and completion of the passport earns each participant a commemorative certificate.
Passports are available at all locations where stamps are given and at visitors centers across the state. The highway passes through many Arizona towns, including Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams and Kingman.
Although it is no longer possible to drive continuously from Chicago to Los Angeles, about 85% of the road is still drivable.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation will develop an interactive online map. The map will include 2026 stories from the public about their experiences on the Highway including roadside attractions,small businesses, family histories and personal memories. The site will include maps for each state that shows locations of interest. The sidebar of each states page has links to other interactive pages that divide the route into segments.
Be sure and stop by the Clifton Visitors Center to pick up copies of the ARIZONA PASSPORT.
by Leslie Ray | Manager | Clifton Visitors Center