Route 66 Ceremonial Start
Where the Mother Road Begins
There’s no better place to start an American journey than at Navy Pier.
With the unveiling of Chicago’s new symbolic starting point of the historic Route 66 sign, Navy Pier now marks the beginning of the Trail, creating a powerful pier to pier connection from the shores of Lake Michigan to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Start your journey by visiting this landmark and experiencing Route 66–inspired activations, discovering exclusive merchandise, and exploring the stories, spirit, and nostalgia that define this legendary road.