As Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary, the City of Chicago has designated a new starting point for the highway. With Navy Pier, the historic route is set to become a real coast-to-coast journey.
On 11 February 2026, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly introduced a resolution to change the Chicago-based starting point of the historic Route 66. Instead of being situated at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Adams Street, as it has been since 1955, the starting point will now be at Navy Pier. Part of Chicago’s lakefront, the new start will turn Route 66 into a journey travelling from coast to coast, ending at the Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Coast.
“Route 66 has always been about dreams and possibility. Designating Navy Pier as the eastern terminus honours Chicago’s historic role while creating a powerful Pier-to-Pier connection that captures the true spirit of the American journey”, said 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly.
Route 66 was first established in 1926, spanning some 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It played an important role for those migrating west during the so-called Dust Bowl (a period of severe dust storms in the 1930s), figured in many classic American novels, and was an economic artery for decades before the introduction of the Interstate Highway System. Since the 1980s, Historic Route 66 designations have been able to revive the historic journey.
“This move symbolises how Route 66 continues to evolve while honouring its roots. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Route 66 represents the ultimate American journey”, stated Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
A new start
Over the years, the starting and end point of Route 66 have shifted several times. The last notable change was made in 2009, when its western endpoint was relocated from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica Pier.
“Route 66 has long represented connection and possibility, and we’re proud that its journey now begins at Navy Pier,” said Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier. “As Chicago’s front porch and a gateway to the city, Navy Pier is a fitting starting point to honor 100 years of American history, culture, and travel.”
An official sign indicating the new starting point at Navy Pier will be inaugurated on 25 March 2026. The event will take place on the 28th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray, a broadcaster who grew up in St. Louis and took Route 66 to reach Wrigley Field for his first announcing job.
According to the City of Chicago, the daylong celebration will also feature a lineup of “roadside attractions” including live music and entertainment with special performances by Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s; classic car displays from Volo Auto Museum; alpacas from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, representing those found along Route 66 in Arizona; and more.
