Chicago Announces New Starting Point for Historic Route 66 at Navy Pier | News
In celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary, the city of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway. “This move symbolizes how Route 66 continues to evolve while honoring its roots,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “From the shores of Lake Michigan to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Route 66 represents the ultimate American journey.”
The dedication ceremony honoring the new trailhead of Route 66 and its enduring role in American history, culture and adventure will take place on March 25, 2026.
The designation was approved via a resolution introduced by Councilman Brendan Reilly and passed by the Chicago City Council in recognition of Route 66’s centennial anniversary and Chicago’s historic role as the route’s eastern anchor. “Route 66 has always been about dreams and possibilities,” said 42nd Ward Councilman Brendan Reilly. “Designating Navy Pier as the eastern terminus honors Chicago’s historic role while creating a powerful Pier-to-Pier connection that captures the true spirit of the American journey.”
From pier to pier
In 2009, the terminus of Route 66 was moved a mile west to the Santa Monica Pier. With the starting point moving to Chicago’s Navy Pier, the road and its travelers now run from Pier to Pier. An impressive new Route 66 sign will be installed at Navy Pier, marking this as the start of the route. The Pier-to-Pier connection creates a symbolic bookend for one of America’s most storied highways, connecting Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean and cementing Chicago’s role as both a historic origin point and a modern gateway for exploration.
“Route 66 has long represented connections and possibilities, and we are proud that the journey now begins at Navy Pier,” said Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier. “As Chicago’s front porch and gateway to the city, Navy Pier is a fitting starting point to celebrate 100 years of American history, culture and travel.”
A whole day of partying
The celebration also coincides with the opening day of the baseball season, fittingly uniting two great American traditions: America’s Way and America’s Pastime. As part of the daylong festivities, Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier will host the 28th annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray – an annual event celebrating the life of the beloved Hall-of-Fame announcer.
“Harry Caray’s life perfectly embodied the spirit of Route 66: freedom, optimism and the joy of the journey,” said Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray, who was instrumental in the city’s decision to make Navy Pier the starting point for Route 66. “Harry grew up along Route 66 in St. Louis, learned to drive on Route 66 and took Route 66 to Wrigley Field to announce his very first baseball game. It is incredibly meaningful that the road now begins at Navy Pier, where we gather every year to celebrate him.
The Route 66-themed Toast will feature a series of “roadside attractions,” including live music and entertainment with special performances by Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s; classic car displays from the Volo Auto Museum; alpacas from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, representing the animals found along Route 66 in Arizona; and more.
For updates on event programming and travel information, visit navypier.com and harrycarays.com.
