Rolling Down Route 66: The Tin Can Tourists Celebrate 100 Years on the Mother Road

In 2026, the legendary Route 66 turns 100 years old — and the Tin Can Tourists (TCT) are marking the milestone the best way they know how: by hitting the road! The TCT Route 66 Centennial Caravan will celebrate America’s most famous highway with not one, but two caravans converging in Amarillo, Texas for a grand rally and celebration.

From June 7–14, 2026, vintage trailers and motorcoaches from across the country will retrace portions of the Mother Road, connecting the communities, diners, and roadside icons that made Route 66 famous. The trip isn’t just about the miles — it’s about the memories, the people, and the spirit of travel that has defined the Tin Can Tourists for over a century.

Two Routes, One Destination

The Eastern Caravan will roll out from Springfield, Illinois, with planned stops in Waynesville, Missouri, Claremore, Oklahoma, and Foss, Oklahoma, before arriving in Amarillo for the big event. The Western Caravan will begin its journey at the Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, then make its way through Seligman, Arizona, Gallup, and Santa Rosa, New Mexico, before meeting up with the Eastern group in Texas. More information on how to join the event.

Each caravan is intentionally designed for a relaxed pace — about 200 to 250 miles a day — leaving plenty of time to stop for photos, visit roadside attractions, and soak in the nostalgia of classic Route 66.

Photo from https://www.traveltexas.com/articles/post/explore-amarillo/

The Grand Rally in Amarillo

The adventure culminates in Amarillo, Texas, during the Route 66 Festival (June 11–14). It’s here that both caravans — and many more TCT members joining along the way — will gather for a weekend of vintage camaraderie, sightseeing, and celebration. Expect plenty of vintage rigs, retro décor, and the unmistakable hum of highway stories being shared under the awnings.

Join the Journey

While the Eastern and Western caravans are nearly full, TCT members can still join the fun by meeting up at any point along the route or by registering for the final rally in Amarillo. Even if you’re not part of the official caravan, there’s room for everyone at the celebration’s final stop.

This once-in-a-lifetime journey will honor a century of Route 66 — and the adventurous spirit that continues to drive the Tin Can Tourists community.

So, polish the chrome, pack your cooler, and get ready to roll. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate 100 years of Route 66 than behind the wheel of a vintage trailer.

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