Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 (1926–2026) with Gearhead Getaways on the ultimate American road trip! This hosted journey takes you from the Chicago area to the Santa Monica Pier in true Mother Road style—packed with iconic Route 66 landmarks, classic roadside photo ops, historic lodging, and unforgettable small-town charm. We’ll keep the driving days comfortable so you can enjoy the adventure without feeling rushed. Our travel services ensure you have everything you need for a memorable experience.
Included in the trip are 11 nights of hotel accommodations, 3 dinners (welcome reception, halfway dinner, and farewell celebration), and attractions outlined in the itinerary.
From neon signs and diners to legendary attractions like Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest, and the famous “End of the Trail,” this is more than a trip—it’s a rolling celebration of America’s most famous highway. Spots are limited, so grab yours and let’s hit the road for an unforgettable adventure! 🛣️🚘✨

October 4 - 15, 2026

October 4
We kick things off near Chicago with a welcome night in Burr Ridge, then hit the road at the iconic Route 66 “Begin” sign to start our 100th Anniversary adventure! 🏁🚗
Lodging: Hampton Inn Burr Ridge

October 5
We leave Chicago and hit the official Route 66 starting point, then roll through iconic roadside towns like Pontiac for Route 66 history and photo ops before arriving in Springfield, IL—home of classic diners, vintage vibes, and Lincoln landmarks. 🛣️🏁📸
Lodging: Route 66 Hotel

October 6
St. Louis offers plenty for car enthusiasts. Snap a Corvette photo at the iconic Gateway Arch, then explore the National Museum of Transportation, featuring rare classics and historic vehicles. A drive across the old Chain of Rocks Bridge connects you to Route 66 nostalgia, while great food and riverfront views make this stop a highlight on the road.
Lodging: The Cheshire

October 7
Springfield is where Route 66 was officially named in 1926, earning it the title “Birthplace of Route 66.”
Today, travelers can enjoy its nostalgic diners, vintage motels, and landmarks celebrating the Mother Road’s rich history.
Lodging: Route 66 Rail Haven

October 8
The drive to Tulsa takes you into the rolling hills and scenic beauty of northeast Oklahoma.
Along the way, you’ll experience wide-open highways, charming small towns, and a taste of true Americana before arriving in Tulsa—known for its warm hospitality, route 66 heritage, and entertainment.
Lodging: The Campbell Hotel on Rt 66

October 9
Amarillo is pure Route 66 fun—snap the ultimate pics at Cadillac Ranch, then cap the night with a hosted group dinner at the legendary Big Texan, where the steaks are huge and the memories even bigger. 🛻🎨🥩🔥
Lodging: The Big Texan

October 10
Santa Fe is where Route 66 meets Southwest magic—stroll the historic Plaza, soak up the adobe charm, and enjoy the vibrant art and culture that make this stop unforgettable (plus plenty of iconic photo ops along the Mother Road). 🌵🏜️📸✨
Lodging: La Fonda on the Plaza

October 11
Gallup is classic Route 66 with a Southwest twist—along the way we’ll catch neon and roadside sights, then roll into town for trading posts, Route 66 history, and a stay at the legendary El Rancho Hotel, famous for its old Hollywood charm. 🌵🛣️✨
Lodging: Hotel El Rancho

October 12
Winslow is a Route 66 bucket-list stop—grab the perfect photo at Standin’ on the Corner, soak up the charm of La Posada, and enjoy the nostalgic small-town vibes that make this stretch of the Mother Road unforgettable. 🎸🛣️📸✨
Lodging: La Posada Hotel

October 13
Kingman is classic Route 66 fun—after rolling through iconic stops like Seligman and the scenic roads near Oatman, we’ll land in one of the most historic Mother Road towns for neon nights, diner vibes, and a stay at the Ramblin’ Rose. 🛣️✨🐴
Lodging: Ramblin Rose

October 14
Santa Monica is the grand finale—cruise the last stretch of Route 66 and finish at the legendary Santa Monica Pier “End of the Trail” sign, then celebrate with a hosted group dinner on the pier and an overnight stay at The Pierside Santa Monica. 🌊🏁🍔✨
Lodging: The Pierside Santa Monica
Trip Cost: $5,395 total per couple/car (double occupancy)
This price includes 11 nights of hotel accommodations, 3 breakfasts (hotel), 3 hosted group dinners, and a variety of Route 66 attractions, iconic stops, and photo-worthy points of interest along the Mother Road, making this an unforgettable experience for all road trips enthusiasts.
You’ll also receive a Gearhead Getaways swag bag featuring an event t-shirt plus other fun goodies to enhance your 100th Anniversary Route 66 adventure with our travel services, ensuring it’s even more memorable! 🛣️🏨🍽️🎁👕✨
Payment information:
$250 deposit to reserve your spot
Final payment: due no later than July 4, 2026
All payments are non-refundable
Enjoy the ultimate worry-free road trip with 11 nights of hotel accommodations included, featuring comfortable stays each night along historic Route 66—from our Chicago-area kickoff to our final night in Santa Monica. After a full day of cruising and exploring, you’ll check in, unwind, and rest up for the next stretch of the Mother Road. 🏨🛣️✨ With our travel services, you can also enjoy optional add-on evenings for your trip to Chicago or your journey home from Santa Monica. Please let us know your needs, and we can make the arrangements.
Your registration includes a lineup of classic Route 66 activities and attractions, perfect for unforgettable road trips. From iconic photo stops and historic landmarks to can’t-miss roadside gems like Cadillac Ranch, Meramec Caverns, Petrified Forest, and the legendary Santa Monica Pier “End of the Trail” finish—our travel services provide a curated daily route that keeps the fun rolling from start to finish. 🛣️📸✨
Registration includes three hotel breakfasts, three hosted group dinners—our Chicago-area welcome dinner to kick things off, the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, and a final celebratory dinner on the Santa Monica Pier to toast an unforgettable Route 66 finish. This journey is perfect for those who love road trips and want to experience exceptional travel services along the way. 🍽️🥩🌊🏁✨
As an additional benefit, we will be traveling with you as your trip host on these exciting road trips. While we do not anticipate any issues arising, our travel services ensure that we will be available and onsite if something were to arise.
We highly recommend purchasing trip protection to safeguard your investment during your road trips. With a multi-day, multi-state road trip like Route 66, this coverage can help protect you from unexpected cancellations, interruptions, medical needs, or travel delays—providing you with peace of mind from start to finish.
Gearhead Getaways is pleased to offer travel services that include trip protection options for this event, assisting you in selecting the coverage that best fits your needs.
Gearhead Getaways
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path - Psalm 119:105
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