Chicago moved the eastern terminus of Route 66 (US-66) on Mar 25, 2026

Original Terminus: (Satellite)

New Beginning: (Satellite, the beginning was moved from Jackson to Adams when the streets were made one-way.)

2026 Terminus: (Satellite)

US-66 Overview

2 of 25 photos posted by The Launching Pad with the comment:

What an amazing time this morning on Navy pier for the unveiling of the new starting point of Route 66.

I bumped into so many people I felt like I was at a high school reunion.

Every time I took a step, somebody was tapping me on the shoulder saying hi or wanting pictures or wanting just to talk about the good old days.  It was such a warm feeling this morning.

Route 66 it’s such a warm and inviting community.

To celebrate such a historic event and to be there and witness it even better.

Long Live Route 66!

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Jessica Lynn commented on the above post
It was nice to see you. Wish I had posed with ya.

The Launching Pad used to be in Wilmington, IL.

20160603 3347 via Dennis DeBruler

In this day and age of selfies, you have to have a big sign.

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https://www.choosechicago.com/route66/

All Things Chicago posted

The new starting point for the historic Route 66 was unveiled today at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The iconic highway stretches more than 2,400 miles through eight states before ending at Santa Monica Pier in California. (WBBM News Radio) 🏙️🎡6️⃣6️⃣ 

📸: @theelginphotog

Brent Barron: This was done so a restaurant at Navy Pier could cash in on the 100th year anniversary crowd. The actual starting point was Jackson and Michigan Av, but was moved to Adams and Michigan Av, when the streets were made one-ways. Adams goes west, so it is the beginning point for those travelers going to California. For the travelers coming from California, the end point is Jackson and Michigan Av. There were signs at both intersections, but knuckleheads, plastered them over with stickers, obliterating them.

Richard Wynkoop: I have traveled route 66 73 times. 74 will happen on April 9th, 2026.

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant & Bakery in Chicago, Illinois, is widely recognized as the iconic starting restaurant on Route 66, serving travelers since 1923 near the historic start of the Mother Road at Jackson Boulevard. It is famously known as the first stop for breakfast before embarking on the westward journey.

[This comment was in the context of comments pointing out that the Navy Pier location has restaurants.]

James O'Neill posted
Chicago, right now.— at Navy Pier.

Dale Findlay commented on James' post

Metha Mogel commented on James' post
Emmmmm, I thought it starts downtown. E. Adams St at S. Michigan Ave. What’s this Navy Pier sign?

James O'Neill: Netha Mogel Speakers at the ceremony unveiling the new sign said it marked a “symbolic” starting point. Same thing Santa Monica did in 2009. Neither pier ever was a real stop on Route 66.

I wonder what the name of Jessica's character is. She and Gemini Giant are on the left in this video of the signs unveiling.

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The Chicago Tribune had an article with the headline: "Get your Kicks ... on Navy Pier?". It explains that the western terminus was moved from Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Now one can do a pier to pier road trip.