Summary: The Route 66 starting point has been relocated to Navy Pier in Chicago. The City Council passed a resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly, and a dedication ceremony is scheduled for March 25, 2026, aligning with centennial celebrations.

Chicago has officially designated Navy Pier as the Route 66 starting point as part of plans for the highway’s 100th anniversary. The Route 66 starting point move places the beginning of the nearly 2,500-mile corridor on Lake Michigan, connecting the historic road’s origin in Chicago to its terminus at Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific coast.

City Council vote and the new Pier-to-Pier symbolism

The relocation was formalised through a City Council resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly and passed by council members. City leaders framed the move as a way to preserve Route 66’s historic meaning while updating how the route is presented to modern visitors.

New marker and dedication plans

A Route 66 sign will be installed at Navy Pier to mark the official beginning of the famed highway. The city has scheduled a dedication ceremony for March 25, 2026, which will formally unveil the new starting point and launch centennial activities.

  • Dedication ceremony date: March 25, 2026
  • City Council resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly
  • Event tie-in: 28th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier

Cultural links and the Harry Caray connection

Organisers note that the dedication will coincide with the 28th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier. Leaders say the association with the beloved baseball broadcaster strengthens the event’s cultural resonance, tying Route 66 to familiar Chicago traditions.

Navy Pier with Lake Michigan and concept Route 66 sign, showing Chicago waterfront
Navy Pier will host the new Route 66 starting sign and centennial events beginning March 25, 2026

Tourism impact for Chicago and visitors

City officials expect the relocation to boost visitation around the pier and nearby attractions. With Navy Pier’s lakefront setting and proximity to Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, the new start point is intended to provide travellers with a full, accessible experience before they begin the cross-country drive.

Route 66’s enduring legacy

Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 stretches nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. The highway passes through small towns, national parks and major cities, and remains a symbol of freedom and adventure in American travel culture.

For many travellers, beginning the journey at Navy Pier adds a waterfront starting point and greater visibility for Chicago’s role in the route’s story.

What this means for travellers and the industry

The move positions Chicago as a focal point for Route 66 centennial tourism and creates new opportunities for operators, local businesses, and cultural events. Visitors planning a Route 66 trip can now expect an official, high-profile send-off at a major waterfront attraction.

So what? The designation of Navy Pier as the Route 66 starting point gives travellers a more accessible and scenic launch for cross-country drives, and it amplifies Chicago’s tourism appeal during the centennial year. For the travel industry, the change is likely to increase footfall around the lakefront, benefit nearby attractions, and create fresh programming and promotional opportunities tied to Route 66 history and celebrations.