What is the Route 66 Centennial and how should you celebrate?

The Route 66 Centennial in 2026 is the 100th anniversary of the historic "Mother Road," marked by a nationwide celebration featuring classic car parades, landmark restorations, and local festivals across eight states. This milestone is a vital opportunity for travelers to experience the "Main Street of America" while revitalizing local economies along the 2,448-mile route. Data shows that 41% of U.S. adults plan to visit Route 66 during the 2026 centennial, with many looking for a shared multi-generational experience. Atlas Van Lines is helping this new generation of travelers by offering decades of expertise and exclusive benefits like an average of $840 in moving savings for AAA members.

What is the history of Atlas Van Lines and Route 66?

Just as Route 66 was born from a need for safer, better-connected roads in 1926, Atlas Van Lines was founded in 1948 by 33 independent entrepreneurs committed to a higher standard of care.

• Built for Families: While travelers were navigating the neon-lit curves of the Mother Road, Atlas was building a national network dedicated to a "Main Street" personal touch.

• Decades of Trust: From its original Chicago headquarters to its home in Evansville, Indiana, Atlas has helped millions "Go New Places®" for over 75 years.

• Digital Innovation: In 1996, Atlas was the first moving company in the U.S. to launch a website, modernizing the road for future generations.

What are the best "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants on Route 66?

 Travelers on social media are increasingly choosing authentic "hidden gems" over national chains.

• Midpoint Café (Adrian, TX): Located at the exact geographic midpoint of the route, this café is famous for its "ugly crust" pies and is a top-tier photo op.

• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap (Seligman, AZ): A kitsch-filled drive-in where the owners are known for playful pranks on customers, making it a viral favorite for social media reels.

• The Ariston Café (Litchfield, IL): One of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on the Mother Road (since 1924), offering a perfect mix of history and classic American fare.

• Rock Café (Stroud, OK): Built using local stone from the original road construction, this spot served as the inspiration for the Disney-Pixar movie Cars.

• Sid’s Diner (El Reno, OK): A true hole-in-the-wall famous for its legendary fried onion burgers, a staple of Oklahoma's Route 66 food scene.

Most Instagrammable Centennial Stops

Make sure your camera is ready for these iconic landmarks during the 2026 celebrations:

• The Gemini Giant (Wilmington, IL): A towering fiberglass "Muffler Man" spaceman.

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX): Ten half-buried vintage cars where graffiti art is encouraged.

• Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari, NM): A beautifully preserved 1939 motel famous for its stunning neon lights.

• Tulsa’s Mother Road Market (Tulsa, OK): A vibrant food hall and host of the Guinness World Record Centennial car parade in May 2026.

AAA Members: Save Big on Your Next Move

Are you moving to a new chapter along the Mother Road? Our partnership with AAA offers exclusive benefits to make your move as smooth as an open stretch of highway:

• Average Savings of $840: AAA members save significantly on state-to-state moves with Atlas.

• Free Full Value Protection: Receive up to $100,000 in protection (valued at $840) at no extra charge.

• Vetted Professionals: Every Atlas mover undergoes background checks to meet the highest industry standards.

Get Your Free Moving Quote & Claim Your AAA Discount Today!

The Road Ahead: 100 Years and Beyond

Route 66 shaped how America traveled, and Atlas Van Lines carries that spirit forward into the next century. Whether you’re relocating across the state or across the country, we help you move boldly and safely.

Here’s to the road ahead!