Navy Pier Officially Designated as Route 66 Starting Point, Commemorating Centennial Anniversary

CHICAGO (WLS) — Navy Pier in Chicago has been designated as the fresh starting point for the iconic Route 66!

This legendary highway begins in the heart of the Midwest and stretches all the way to the western shores at Santa Monica Pier.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Marking its centennial, Route 66 has long been a symbol of hope, adventure, and the promise of new beginnings for countless travelers.

Known affectionately as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 serves as a vital link, weaving together communities from coast to coast.

This anniversary is also a nod to America’s upcoming 250th birthday, which will be celebrated on the Fourth of July.

“With its presence in songs, films, and even animated features, Route 66 remains unforgettable,” said Ryan Dempster, the master of ceremonies. “Its iconic status lies in its connection between the Midwest and the West.”

Stretching more than 2,400 miles, the highway winds through eight states, connecting small towns and big cities. White Sox legend Ron Kittle conquered the drive on a Harley Davidson- over a span of eight days.

“I took the route just on a whim,” Kittle said. “I took off and did it I mean I had time, it’s an experience, would I do it again, I said I don’t know but I probably would.”

The CEO of Harry Carey’s restaurant group helped kick off the effort to move Route 66’s starting point from Adams and Michigan to Navy Pierin part because of Chicago’s Hall of fame baseball broadcaster Harry Carey’s ties to the road.

“Harry grew up on route 66 in St. Louis he drove to announce his very first game ever up Route 66 to Wrigley Field,” Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group. “Even changed his name to Caribina to Carey while working on Route 66 in Joilet.”

From the Dust Bowl migration to the golden age of road trips, Route 66 helped define how Americans move.

From Chicago to California, 100 years later, Route 66 is still bringing people together. You can even get acquainted with a few alpaca along the way.

And the celebration will continue at Santa Monica Pier, marking not just the end of a highway, but also the continuation of a dream.