
November 2026 marks the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of Route 66. This iconic road was officially recognized and added to the federal highway network on Nov. 11, 1926. In 1933, Route 66 was rerouted through the town of Times Beach. Following the discovery of dioxin contamination at Times Beach in the 1980s, the town was evacuated, and a massive cleanup followed. In 1999, with the cleanup complete, a portion of the former town – and a section of old Route 66 – reopened to the public as Route 66 State Park.
Join us at the park on Saturday, Nov. 7, for this centennial celebration of the original route. The event will go from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities. Admission is free and open to the public.