2027 Gathering On Route 66 Information - August, 2026 Update

While we’re still over a year out from the 2026 Gathering (expected in September, 2027), I know many of you are hungry for details, as well as wanting to be able to cement plans around dates. I can give you details of what we expect to see, but I can’t yet specify dates. I can tell you that currently, the target date has us starting just outside of Chicago on Tuesday morning, 9/21/27, but there are many pieces to coordinate with sites, restaurants, and hotels. Already, I've had a key stop become complicated due to a restaurant management change. I plan to be continuously working on this between now and early spring. Once I can lock in these dates with a majority of the destinations, I’ll work with Adam and team to do a complete announcement.

Please also note that due to the nature of making a Road our gathering "point," not only will we change hotels each night, in order to even cover three (possibly three and a quarter) states, this gathering will be longer than most. However, the design of the event will allow folks to join any, or all days as your calendar sees fit. We'll start in NE Illinois, near the start of the route in downtown Chicago and end in NE Oklahoma (Tulsa) as the proposed farthest point. I'll be glad to share info or help planning for anyone wishing to go farther.

I have travelled the Route extensively over time, and these are the sites I believe to be the most interesting and/or significant on the beginning half. "Key Sites" listed are not the only sites - we will see others. You'll notice two glaring omissions - Chicago, and St Louis (including the Arch). This is due to a combination of time constraints and/or logistics of cleanly getting 20-30 cars in and out. I'll suggest that you visit what you'd like on your way to the start or on your way home, and I'll gladly give more info as time goes on or as people have questions.

Day 0, Monday night - I have a hotel and gathering point in mind for folks who will arrive the evening before we start Route 66

Day 1, Tuesday

Starting Point: Joliet, IL

End Point: Pontiac, IL

Daily miles: 75

Key Sites: Gemini Giant (Muffler Man); multiple old, restored gas stations; Sites in Pontiac; Wally's (midwestern version of Buc-Ees). We will arrive mid-afternoon in Pontiac and stay there for the night. There is too much to see to just pass thru

Day 2, Wednesday

Starting Point: Pontiac, IL

End Point: Springfield, IL

Daily miles: 120

Key Sites: Lexington, IL (Memory Lane); Two Story Gas Station; American Giants (Muffler Man) museum; Neon Park at Night (Springfield)

Day 3, Thursday

Starting Point: Springfield, IL

End Point: TBD

Daily miles: 150 or less

Key Sites: Original Brick Road; Turkey Tracks; Old Gas Station; Chain Of Rocks Bridge (could shift to the next day)

Day 4, Friday

Starting Point: TBD

End Point: St Robert, MO

Daily miles: ~150

Key Sites: Shamrock Court Motel; Wagon Wheel Motel; John's Modern Cabins; Uranus Fudge (Tourist Trap); Neon Park at Night (St Robert)

Day 5, Saturday

Starting Point: St Robert, MO

End Point: Carthage, MO

Daily miles: 170

Key Sites: Lebanon, MO; Munger Moss Motel (closed); Buc-Ees; Multiple Restored Gas Stations

Day 6, Sunday - This day is TBD Depending on how many folks are interested

Starting Point: Carthage, MO

End Point: Tulsa, OK

Daily miles: 150

Key Sites: Galena, KS - Gearhead Curios; Cars movie inspirations; March Arch Bridge; Giant Rt 66 Shield, Catoosa Whale

Hopefully, this whets your appetite for what I expect will be a truly fun and historic look at the mother road. I will continue to give additional info as it's available and I'm open to any questions either in these threads or via PM.

Are we there yet?

Marshall