Dedication Ceremony for Historic Route 66 New Starting Point at Navy Pier
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway. “This move symbolizes how Route 66 continues to evolve while honoring its roots,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “From the shores of Lake Michigan to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Route 66 represents the ultimate American journey.” The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its enduring role in American history, culture, and adventure will take place on March 25, 2026. The new Route 66 starting point sign will be dedicated at 10:30am on Navy Pier’s South Dock (N Breakwater Access, Chicago Loop, IL). It will be open to the public and free to attend. After the dignitaries speak, they will unveil the sign.
Attendees will include:
• 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, sponsor of the initiative
• 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, member of Illinois’ first Route 66 Commission
• Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier, Inc., home to the new Route 66 starting point
• Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago
• Cory Jobe, Chair of Illinois’ Route 66 Centennial Celebration Commission
• Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray’s, who was instrumental in the initiative to move Route 66’s starting point to Navy Pier
• White Sox legend Ron Kittle, who rode his Harley the entire 2,448 miles of Route 66
• Cubs legend Ryan Dempster performing his hilarious Harry Caray impersonation
• Former Bulls announcer Tom Dore (7’2”) appearing as the Gemini Giant (a fiberglass roadside statue located in Wilmington, IL along Route 66)
• Tom Higgenson, lead singer of the Plain White T’s
• Abraham Lincoln portrayed by Illinois’ own Richard Klein
After the unveiling, the band The Plain White T’s will perform. The Plain White T’s are from Illinois and are inducted into the Illinois’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – which is located on Route 66 in Joliet.
WGN Radio will be going live from Harry Caray’s Navy Pier from 2-6pm as part of the 28th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray. The toast is at 5:30pm.
Throughout the day, guests can look forward to a full lineup of “roadside attractions,” including live music and entertainment featuring special performances by Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s; classic car displays from the Volo Auto Museum; vintage Route 66 memorabilia; and alpacas from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, representing those found along Route 66 in Arizona.
More information here
