Route 66 Centennial Kickoff
Date: July 2026
Location: Joliet Airport
Experience the spirit of Route 66 on our Centennial Air Tour. Fly over iconic landmarks, visit historic airports, and join special events that celebrate the legendary Mother Road’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
As we lay out the route we will take there will be updates on the events associated with the tour at the selected cities. There will be many exciting memories to be made at places like the Tulsa Air Museum, Stafford Air Museum and several other historical and educational stops along the way. There will be also a major stop at the Charles Lindbergh Winslow Airport in Winslow Arizona. This will be one of the big highlights of the tour. Each stop will be connected by those who also choose to drive the route and meet up and showcase the cars that also made this very special.
Journey Overview
Discover the detailed itinerary and exciting highlights to fully experience the 2026 Route 66 Centennial Air Tour.
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Step One: Departure and Takeoff
Begin your adventure from the historic Joliet Airport, setting the stage for an unforgettable Route 66 journey across iconic landmarks.
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Step Two: Scenic Route Highlights
Fly over cherished Route 66 sites and stop at historic airports, enjoying special events celebrating the centennial legacy.
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Step Three: Grand Finale
Conclude the tour in Santa Monica with a commemorative celebration, reflecting on the journey’s rich history and shared memories.
Complete Itinerary and Highlights
Explore the planned route, key stops, and memorable events marking the Route 66 Centennial Air Tour.
July 2026
Starting Point
Kick off the celebration from the historic Joliet Airport, the iconic beginning state of Route 66. This will be after celebrating our nations 250th Birthday and the newest NASCAR track on the 2026 schedule at Chicagoland Speedway.
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Historic Stops
Visit renowned airports, cities, and landmarks along Route 66, from Illinois to California , each rich with aviation and automotive cultural history. This is how we built our nation, now you can be part of that history again.
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Special Events
Enjoy commemorative gatherings, airshows, car shows, and community festivities celebrating the centennial journey.
Begin Your Route 66 Adventure Now
Join us to uncover the full Route 66 Centennial Air Tour itinerary, connect with historic airports, and celebrate this iconic journey in 2026. Discover how to participate and make the most of this unforgettable experience.
