Springfield, IL (WAND) – As Illinois celebrates the 100th anniversary of the historic Route 66, state tourism leaders are encouraging travelers to experience the Mother Road one stop at a time through a Route 66 passport program.
The passport is part of a much larger effort years in the making.
The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission was created by the Illinois Legislature roughly eight years ago to prepare for the highway’s centennial celebration. Four years ago, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office appointed Jobe to chair the commission, which has worked alongside tourism organizations and local communities to transform the Route 66 experience across Illinois.
“We’ve been very active in terms of planning events,” Jobe said. “Illinois has more bookable products, roadside attractions, restaurants, diners, drive-ins and unique experiences than all other states combined.”
According to Jobe, the state has invested more than $20 million over the past four years to restore historic sites, create new museums and exhibits, develop roadside attractions and improve tourism infrastructure. The commission also received an additional $1 million this year to help communities host Route 66 centennial festivals and events.
Those investments, he said, are paying off not only for visitors but for local businesses.
“What it means is new people through their doors,” Jobe said of businesses participating in the passport program. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating awareness, but also creating opportunity for these small business owners who have been on the road doing business for decades.”
One featured destination is the Ariston Café in Litchfield, which Jobe said is now 102 years old and remains the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Route 66 in America. The passport encourages travelers to visit landmarks like the Ariston while discovering hidden gems throughout Illinois.
While international tourists have long been drawn to Route 66, Jobe believes the centennial celebration is inspiring more Illinois residents to rediscover the historic highway in their own backyard.
“I think the 100th anniversary gives us that new opportunity,” he said.
Celebrations are taking place across the state throughout the year, including the Mother Road Festival in Springfield, community festivals, educational programs and a series of large-scale drone shows.
Jobe said the state’s investment extends beyond preserving history. Grant funding has also helped communities install electric vehicle charging stations along Route 66, ensuring the historic highway remains relevant for future generations.
“We’re looking toward the future, too,” he said.
Tourism officials expect the centennial celebration to have a lasting impact, with international tour operators already booking Route 66 travel for 2027 and beyond.
Travelers can find Route 66 passports at participating businesses, visitor centers and tourism offices while supplies last. Information about upcoming events and attractions is available through the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Association.
