Officials gathered at the State Capitol Monday to reveal the 2025-2026 state map soon to be available to travelers. The bi-fold map highlights Route 66 in anticipation of the Mother Road turning 100 in 2026. Next year, the nation will celebrate the anniversary with a year-long series of events, promotions, concerts and birthday parties from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier.
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. and Chairman of the Route 66 Centennial Commission Matt Pinnell, joined by Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director and member of the Route 66 Centennial Commission Tim Gatz, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Sterling Zearley, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Executive Director Joe Echelle and dignitaries, celebrated the occasion.
The map’s cover features a motorcyclist traversing Route 66, symbolically having crossed the Bridgeport Bridge to pass by the 50s-era iconography of Stella Atom at Buck Atom’s in Tulsa, Pop’s in Arcadia and the Beckham County Courthouse in Sayre, among others.
“Oklahoma is proudly leading the way for Route 66 Centennial celebrations across the nation, and our 2025-2026 State Map will be a warm welcome and helpful navigation tool for visitors," said Pinnell. "With more than 400 drivable miles of Route 66 - the longest stretch of highway of any state, Oklahoma is the world's destination for the ultimate Route 66 experience. I'm proud to showcase that in this new, free resource."
The map’s retro design features 20 unique stops along and near the route from Elk City to Miami. Bright reds, greens and blues of the period illustrate the destinations. Drivers can use the state map to find roadside motels, quirky attractions and delicious diners that have popped up along the highway since its inception.
“We are excited to be celebrating the anniversary of Route 66 along with our partners and dedicating the state map to such a unique stretch of roadway with so much history. The department takes pride in its transportation leadership having had a hand in creating the Mother Road,” said Gatz.
In the 1920s, Oklahoma State Highway Commissioner and Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery was appointed to a board tasked with creating the federal highway system and in that position, he created the famous Route 66, which was established on November 11, 1926.
The route quickly became a point of pride in America’s national consciousness. Pop songs, television shows, movies and endless iconography celebrated the midcentury feeling of freedom and upward mobility.
“This map is another tool in our toolbelt to market and celebrate Oklahoma. Route 66 is about economic development but it’s also about our history. I hope everyone will take the time to plan a trip and experience the charming towns and exceptional roadside stops along Route 66,” said Zearley.
Also included in the map is general traveler information such as a state parks facilities guide, helpful phone numbers and website addresses, detailed maps of several cities and all OTA PIKEPASS routes.
“With a new interchange recently opened on the I-44/Turner Turnpike at Route 66 near Kellyville and an iconic bridge project underway where the Turner Turnpike crosses over Route 66 in Wellston, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is pleased to be a partner in highlighting and supporting the Mother Road,” said Echelle. “These projects show how today’s infrastructure can connect us with our past while also honoring and supporting it.”
Design and development of the state map was a process involving ODOT, OTRD, OTA the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Maps are free of charge and will be available statewide mid-Spring at any Tourism Welcome Center, by calling 1-800-652-6552 or by visiting TravelOK.com/Brochures. The map can be viewed on the ODOT website www.oklahoma.gov/odot under Business Center>Map & Data Portal>General Maps.
PHOTO: Map cover
Officials gathered at the State Capitol Monday to reveal the 2025-2026 state map. The bi-fold map highlights Route 66 in celebration of the Mother Road turning 100 in 2026.
PHOTO: Officials at event
Officials gathered at the State Capitol Monday to reveal the 2025-2026 state map. The bi-fold map highlights Route 66 in anticipation of the Mother Road turning 100 in 2026. Next year, the nation will celebrate the anniversary with a year-long series of events, promotions, concerts and birthday parties from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier.
Pictured are Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director and member of the Route 66 Centennial Commission Tim Gatz, Rep. Chris Kannady, Rep. Nick Archer, Sen. Darcy Jech, Rep. Mark Lawson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Sterling Zearley, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. and Chairman of the Route 66 Centennial Commission Matt Pinnell, former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh, Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert, Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin, Rep. Mike Osburn, President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, Senator Ally Seifried, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Executive Director Joe Echelle, Oklahoma Department of Commerce Route 66 Program Coordinator Kerry Barrick and Executive Director of Oklahoma Humanities Caroline Lowery.
