Route 66 Begins in Chicago: Navy Pier Named Official Start
- In celebration of Route 66’s centennial in 2026, the City of Chicago has officially recognized Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway.
- The designation, approved through a resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly and adopted by the Chicago City Council, reaffirms Chicago’s role as the eastern terminus of Route 66,...
- Historically, the western endpoint of Route 66 was moved in 2009 to the Santa Monica Pier.
Destination USA: Route 66 Makes a Break in Chicago
In celebration of Route 66’s centennial in 2026, the City of Chicago has officially recognized Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stated this move symbolizes the highway’s continued evolution while honoring its deep roots.
The designation, approved through a resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly and adopted by the Chicago City Council, reaffirms Chicago’s role as the eastern terminus of Route 66, creating a symbolic connection between the shores of Lake Michigan and the Pacific Ocean.
Historically, the western endpoint of Route 66 was moved in 2009 to the Santa Monica Pier. With the starting point now located at Navy Pier, travelers will now experience the road as a “Pier-to-Pier” journey, reinforcing the image of Route 66 as a pathway to dreams and possibilities.
A dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point and the highway’s enduring role in American history, culture, and adventure is scheduled for March 25, 2026. The event will include the installation of a new Route 66 sign marking the “Beginning of the Trail.”
Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier, expressed pride in hosting the start of Route 66, viewing the Pier as an ideal gateway to celebrate a century of American culture and exploration.
The dedication will coincide with another American tradition: the opening day of baseball season, uniting the heritage of the road with the nation’s pastime.
Harry Caray’s restaurant on Navy Pier will host the 28th annual Toast to Harry Caray, honoring the famed baseball commentator and further linking Chicago’s spirit to the history of “The Mother Road.”
Alderman Brendan Reilly emphasized that designating Navy Pier as the eastern terminus honors Chicago’s historic role while creating a powerful connection that captures the true spirit of the American journey. He added, “Route 66 has always been about dreams and possibility.”
By reaffirming its role as both a historic origin point and a modern gateway, Chicago ensures that the centennial of Route 66 is not merely a commemoration of the past, but the launch of a new chapter for the American adventure, where every mile traveled between the two coasts continues to enrich the nation’s social and cultural landscape.