Route 66 Centennial

Just 3 Miles off Historic Route 66 — Rustic Acres Jellystone Park in New Douglas, Illinois is your Campground Gateway to Nostalgia

Tucked just 3 miles off legendary Route 66, our campground is perfectly placed for travelers who crave adventure mixed with Americana charm. Whether you’re a road-tripper chasing neon signs or a camper seeking peaceful nights under the stars, we’re proud to share that we sit mere minutes from what’s often called America’s Main Street.

Why Camp With Us?

📍 Location: Just minutes from Route 66, you can explore the road’s history and nostalgia by day, and relax at our campground by night. Located at 12246 Binney Road, New Douglas, Il, 62074

🎨 Culture: Visit nearby attractions like neon signs, vintage motels, historic diners, and one-of-a-kind roadside oddities.

🚗 Convenience: We’re the perfect home base for exploring centennial events, scenic drives, and cultural landmarks.

Whether you're reliving family road trips or making brand-new memories, there’s no better place to stay than right here—just a stone’s throw from America’s most legendary highway.

A Journey Through Route 66 History

Established in 1926, Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and exploration, connecting Chicago to Santa Monica through eight states. Famously called the “Mother Road” by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath, it was the main path west for Dust Bowl-era families seeking new beginnings.¹

Over the decades, Route 66 helped shape America’s car culture—lined with neon-lit diners, roadside motels, quirky attractions like Muffler Men and Cadillac Ranch, and the unforgettable charm of mid-century Americana.²

Historic gems still exist today, including:

• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, AZ – a humorous, kitschy stop for burgers and shakes³

• Whiting Brothers service stations – abandoned but iconic symbols of Route 66’s past⁴

• Countless murals, restored motels, and nostalgic signage dotting the route

  
  

Explore the Route 66 Stops Around Us

We’re lucky to be surrounded by some famous and fun Route 66 landmarks right here in our area! When you camp with us, you’re within a short drive of several must-see attractions, including:

• 🍦 The Creamery in Hamel – a Route 66 fan favorite for delicious treats and photo ops

• 🐘 The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston – known for its giant pink elephant, UFO, and other quirky roadside statues

  

• 🎨 Granite City – filled with colorful public art and charming small-town Route 66 shops

• 🥤 The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville – a towering 170-ft bottle and true Route 66 icon

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  RT. 66 Skyview Drive-in in Litchfield, Il- The Rt 66 Skyview Drive-In Theater in Litchfield, IL is in its 75th consecutive season of bringing you big-screen entertainment. This outdoor movie theater opened in the spring of 1950 and is located on Historic Route 66.

• ⛰️ Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site – the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• 🏛️ The Gateway Arch in St. Louis – an iconic symbol of westward expansion and a perfect day trip from the campground

There’s so much to explore—and it’s all just a short drive away.

Route 66 Turns 100 in 2026!

Mark your calendars: 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and celebrations are already being planned across all eight states the highway runs through.

🎉 Centennial events include:

• A statewide “Fun Run” car rally and bike ride in Arizona – May 2026⁵

• Centennial Kickoff in Springfield, IL – April 30, 2026 at the Historic Shrine Mosque⁶

• Roaring Twenties Party – November 2025 in Arizona to kick off the centennial year⁵

• Mother Road Classic Car Show – Flagstaff, AZ, August 2026⁵

• Standin’ on the Corner Festival – Winslow, AZ, September 2026⁵

• Kingman Route 66 Fest – October 2026⁵

• Route 66 UltraRun – November 2026 between Seligman and Kingman⁵

Stay tuned for more announcements and updates from the official centennial organizations

Don’t Miss These Tips for Exploring Route 66

• Drive local stretches to discover murals, restored signage, and quirky roadside attractions

• Stop at nostalgic favorites like classic diners, gift shops, and vintage gas stations

• Be camera-ready—Route 66 is full of picture-perfect moments!

We can't wait to welcome you. Here’s to 100 years of memories on the Mother Road!

Sources:¹ The Guardian – Route 66’s Past and Future² My Journal Courier – Art Installations on Route 66³ Wikipedia – Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In⁴ Wikipedia – Whiting Brothers⁵ Historic66AZ – Centennial Events⁶ Facebook – Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Event

Rt. 66 Photo's- Full rights to the brand are owned exclusively by the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission.

All rights to the Route 66 brand, including those depicted in Rt. 66 Photos, are exclusively owned by the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission.