Happy Centennial Eve! We’re just days away from the last double digit birthday Route 66 will ever experience. The Centennial is practically upon us. For that reason, the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona has been sending out these supplemental newsletters each and every month to keep all Mother Road travelers informed.
I’m Roger Naylor, an Arizona author and travel writer, happily spreading the word. Please note that you can find all Centennial information and events on the Association's website.
And just like that, the iconic highway celebrates an anniversary for the ages. On November 11, Route 66 turns 99 years young. From that moment, we begin our yearlong march toward 100.
The Centennial celebration is not just to honor a road. It is to honor the very best of America. There’s a reason Route 66 became so ingrained in our consciousness—why it appeared so often in literature, film, music, and television. Not only did Route 66 play a significant role in multiple chapters of 20th century American history, it also came to symbolize freedom, adventure, and resilience.
Route 66 doesn’t just represent the past, it represents hope. From its very beginning, it has offered the hope of opportunity, the hope of better days and better lives. And it still does. Because as long as the winding ribbon of pavement exists, we know that all the components that make it special still have value. We know that there’s still a place in this world for mom-and-pop businesses and neon signs and historic hotels and motor courts and goofy roadside attractions and small towns and hospitality and wide-open spaces.
Arizona is a better place, America is a better place, and the world is a better place, with a vibrant and thriving Route 66.
Of course, the reason we’re able to celebrate such a monumental event began right here in Arizona. The original highway, US 66, didn’t last long enough to blow the candles out on its 60th birthday cake. It ceased to exist in 1985. Yet it was reborn in 1987, right here, in the town of Seligman on a chilly February morning in 1987.
No need to go into the whole story again right now, but we’ll certainly save it for some time in 2026. Suffice it to say, the slice of history that is Route 66 was given new life by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, led by Angel Delgadillo. This is where the preservation movement began, this is where the tide of history turned.
Make no mistake. The Centennial celebration is very personal around these parts. Arizona is the beating heart of Historic Route 66.
Here’s your final reminder. You have a chance to be part of history. The Route 66 Centennial officially kicks off in Arizona with a lavish party on November 15, 2025 in Kingman, A Night at the Route 66 Museum.
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona becomes a time capsule for a 1920s-style bash. The Night at the Route 66 Museum is a fundraising event in the Powerhouse featuring live jazz music, casino-style games in a speakeasy atmosphere, food, magic, and guided tours of the Route 66 Museum’s new exhibits. Guests are encouraged to dress in appropriate attire to get in the swing of things.
Night at the Museum will mark the beginning of the year-long celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary. It also coincides with the unveiling of the newly completed Route 66 Museum Centennial Renovation Project, with vibrant new exhibits and unbridled passion for the Mother Road. Tickets for the event cost $100 and proceeds benefit the Route 66 Museum so they can continue their work with preservation projects and educational outreach. This is the party you don’t want to miss! Purchase your tickets today!
In late September, five U.S. senators—including Arizona’s Sen. Mark Kelly—introduced bipartisan legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. Similar legislation was brought to the U.S. House of Representatives as well. This has been attempted before in Congress without success. Hopefully, the hoopla surrounding the Centennial will push it across the finish line this time.
National trails are linear parklands that encompass historic, scenic, and recreational trails. Unlike some other types of national park units, the federal government does not step forward to purchase or own the land. The designation simply authorizes the National Park Service to recognize and help preserve this piece of our history. It provides an extra layer of protection. Being declared Route 66 National Historic Trail would come with certain perks including technical assistance, interpretive signage, and eligibility for federal preservation grants.
Arizona already has four national trails, one scenic and the others, historic. Arizona National Trail, our 800-mile-long hiking path that cuts through the state from Mexico to Utah, falls into the scenic category. Others include the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail, and our newest, the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail. That’s a lot of amazing chapters of our past protected. The Route 66 National Historic Trail would fit right in with this bunch.
Better start stretching those hamstrings. Route 66 UltraRun is back. The fourth annual challenging race will take place November 7-10. This is Fun Run without the cars and with more blisters. Participants cover 140 miles on foot! These incredible athletes will run Historic Route 66 from Seligman to Topock. It’s a great challenge for serious runners, and for those that want to move at a slower pace. Route 66 UltraRun is open to solo runners and relay teams. Or just come out and cheer them on.
Ultrarunning legend Marshall Ulrich and his wife Heather organized the Route 66 UltraRun. The race celebrates the joy of the journey so many have experienced on the Mother Road. And it pays homage to the rich history of Route 66, quite notably the Trans-American Footrace, nicknamed the Bunion Derby. In 1928, the grueling cross-country Bunion Derby traveled the length of Route 66 and beyond from Los Angeles to New York. Entry fees for this epic event helps raise funds for the non-profit Alzheimer’s Association.
This is the month that the seasons (and activities) change at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams. Starting in mid-November, snow tubing is back! Zip down the slope on freshly packed snow for some throwback thrills. Remember how much fun that was when you were a kid? Now you and the family can experience it again starting in mid-November, all the way through Easter. Hopefully, Mother Nature does her part in the moisture department but the park also uses four snowmakers to assure there will be plenty of the white stuff available. And with two conveyor lifts, no need to worry about your aching knees trudging up the hills. There is even a bar and grill when you want to come in and warm up for a while. All and all, it sounds like a great way start your winter.
While many of us grownup-types are caught up in the Centennial festivities, let’s not forget November also kicks off the traditional holiday season. And for a lot of families, that means trips to Route 66 for some special magic. Because in Arizona, Santa Claus practically lives on the Mother Road.
First up is the Polar Express in Williams. When the little ones hop aboard Grand Canyon Railway, the beloved children’s book springs to life. Beginning November 7, the Polar Express chugs out of Williams and travels through a magic tunnel to soon reach the North Pole. Squirmy, pajama-clad kids barely have time to finish hot chocolate and cookies before they’re arriving at Santa’s doorstep where he waits with his reindeer. Mr. Kringle boards the train and passes out gifts to each child. Overnight packages are also available at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
Then there’s the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff, which is a hands-on, interactive childhood fantasy come true. Visit and tour Santa’s 400-year-old workshop, meet the elves, help make some toys, the whole magilla. It opens on November 21 and lasts through the Christmas season.
The North Pole Experience starts from Little America Hotel with a short trolley ride, whisking you through a magic portal to the North Pole. Step inside the wonderland of Santa’s lair. You get to see it all—the Toy Factory, Elf University, the Mailroom, and the top-secret Sleigh Hangar. Then enjoy a snack at Mrs. Claus’ Bakery—I can practically smell the cookies! Of course, there will be time with the Santa himself. Tours are offered during the day and in the evenings.
Well, that’s it for now. As you can tell, there’s never a dull moment on Route 66 in Arizona. Look for one more newsletter to arrive in 2025. After that, it will be the Centennial Edition!
If you have items of interest you’d like to share in upcoming newsletters, you can email them to me, Roger Naylor, at [email protected], or to Nikki Terlesky, Director of Operations at Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona at [email protected].
Thanks for being part of the Route 66 family. Happy motoring!