We’ve probably exhausted you with our coverage of Route 66—sorry, but it’s the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary, and everyone is celebrating, including Navy Pier and Santa Monica Pier.
The two iconic tourist spots are coming together tomorrow, Saturday, June 6, for Route 66 Day: Pier-to-Pier. This coast-to-coast celebration honors the legendary roadway stretching from Chicago to the California coast.
The celebration kicks off at Navy Pier, the starting point of Route 66, where visitors will be treated to an unforgettable experience—free rides on the famed Centennial Wheel for the first 66 minutes of the day!
Similarly, Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier, the western endpoint, will offer free rides on its Ferris wheels.
From 10 AM to 11:06 AM, Chicagoans can enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and lakefront. This exclusive one-day event will also feature a variety of Route 66-themed offers and specials available throughout Navy Pier.
RSVP right now to get free rides at Navy Pier
To get your free ride, Chicagoans must RSVP via Navy Pier. Due to limited capacity, access will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to secure your spot early.
Beyond the 66-Route anniversary, the Navy Pier celebrated its own milestone—the Centennial Wheel marked its 10th anniversary on May 27, 2026. This is also the place where George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. introduced the first-ever Ferris wheel at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The current pier, which spans more than six city blocks, originally opened in 1916.
