Centennial hype hits Route 66

As Route 66 prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, longtime Wilmington historian John Weiss is already seeing the results of years of planning.
Weiss, widely known throughout the region for his decades of work promoting the Mother Road, said the buildup to the centennial has brought travelers earlier than usual — and from far beyond the United States.
“The advertising that's been done, not just by the Heritage Corridor but throughout all eight states, has been paying off,” Weiss said. “Everybody that's open right now — there's a lot of people traveling already. More than we would normally have this time of year. And it's from all over numerous countries.”
For Weiss, who has spent more than three decades guiding visitors along Route 66 and sharing its history, the international interest comes as no surprise. He said many travelers — particularly those from overseas — are drawn by a distinctly American experience.
“In most of the foreign people that come through, they're looking for Americana,” he said. “That's what they always say. I've been doing this for 36 years, and that's what they always say in one form or another.”
Chasing Americana
Those who seek Americana via the 2,448 ribbon of Route 66 find it in abundance –– not in hyped-up tourist traps, but through the quirky sites locals take for granted.
“The things that they find so fascinating is all our open space,” Weiss said. “They can drive down the roads and see cornfields and stuff — stuff we take for granted.”
Events like the Red Carpet Corridor Festival — scheduled as part of the Route 66 Centennial celebration on Saturday and Sunday— serve as key moments to bring communities together and showcase the historic route.
Weiss said visitors often assume the centennial year is uniquely special, but the appeal of Route 66 exists year after year.
“They think it's something special going on now,” he said. “But unless they're there for a specific thing like the Red Carpet Corridor, they're having a good time all the time — stopping at this place and that place, taking pictures and having food. That's what it always is.”
“You don't really need it to be the 100-year,” he added. “You'll always have a great time on 66 all the time.”
Surge of visitors
Weiss said businesses and attractions along the corridor are already seeing a surge in visitors, long before the official festival weekend.
While visiting a friend’s business in Gardner recently, he saw firsthand how widespread the interest has become.
“He had about 12 different countries that already stopped at his place just that day,” Weiss said. “It's amazing.”
That increase in visitors is being noticed at one of the corridor’s best-known landmarks — the Polk-A-Dot Drive in Braidwood.
Judy Ann Chinski said the restaurant has seen increased tourism tied to the centennial excitement, resulting in an uptick in restaurant sales.
“I mean, there's definitely a lot of tours happening and there's a lot of stuff going on in the neighborhood,” Chinski said. “There's definitely people who are very excited about the 100 years and are doing this because of the 100 years of Route 66.”
While the restaurant typically sees strong traffic during warmer months, she said this year feels especially active.
“We have seen a lot more tourism,” she said. “We see a lot of tourists at this time of year, but there's definitely been more people around.”
Not all visitors are stopping for meals — some simply want to mug for the camera with Elvis or Superman. So, if you deny your craving for chili cheese fries due to the crowd, take a chance. Lines may be much shorter than anticipated.
“Some of those people are really just here to take pictures and some of them are inside getting food,” she said. “Sometimes people are just staying outside taking pictures, especially with their RVs.”
Chinski added that not all visitors are visiting from across the globe.
“We've seen a lot of local tourists lately too — people who are maybe from nearby towns but decided to come see this part of Route 66,” she said. “So it's been good. There's been a lot of people around.”
Root beer floats
and memorabilia
In Wilmington, activity is building at South Island Park where the Gemini Giant stands sentinel. The park district operates the souvenir shop known as The Landing, where Gemini Giant bobbleheads are selling like hot cakes.
Wilmington Island Park District Director Kirsten VanDuyne said traffic has noticeably increased.
“Every time we go to The Landing, there are people there,” VanDuyne said. “Tours are calling to ask for extended hours. There's just so much happening over there.”
The shop’s most popular item reflects Wilmington’s most recognizable landmark.
“Our biggest item is the bobblehead, hands down,” VanDuyne said,
Demand has been so strong that additional inventory is being ordered ahead of the Red Carpet Corridor weekend.
“We're getting low right now and doing a whole restock for this weekend,” she said.
The park district is planning several activities to coincide with the weekend crowds, particularly near the Gemini Giant.
On Saturday, visitors can expect appearances by an ice cream truck offering special Route 66-themed floats served in commemorative centennial cups. Face painting is also planned beginning late morning to welcome visitors walking between parking areas and the downtown flea market.
Sunday events will include the Rotary Club’s Sip and Stroll at the Gemini Giant site, featuring raffles, live music, art displays and beverage tastings.
“We've got a big weekend at the Giant coming up and the town can be proud of the display,” VanDuyne said.
Looking to the
future of Route 66
As a patriarch of the Mother Road, John Weiss worries about her future. Despite his enthusiasm for the centennial, Weiss said his thoughts are already turning to what happens after the celebration ends.
Many communities have spent years preparing for the milestone year, building anticipation and attracting new visitors. But Weiss worries the intense focus on the anniversary may lead to a drop-off once the celebrations pass.
“So many people have been planning now for this 100-year, and they're coming,” Weiss said. “I don't know what's going to happen next year when it's back to normal — and yet it's the same thing.”
That perspective reflects his dedication to preserving the road’s legacy — not just during milestone celebrations, but year after year.