Chicago And Santa Monica Unite For Route 66 'Pier To Pier' Celebration

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago's Navy Pier will join the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday for a Route 66 “Pier to Pier” celebration tied to the centennial anniversary of the highway connecting the two cities.

Beginning at 10 a.m. local time, free rides will be offered for 66 minutes on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier and the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park.

The one-day event marks the historic link between Chicago and Santa Monica, including the recent dedication of Navy Pier as the new symbolic eastern starting point of Historic Route 66. Santa Monica is home to the highway's western terminus and the “End of the Trail” at the Santa Monica Pier.

“Like Navy Pier, Route 66 has always represented adventure, discovery, and the spirit of exploration,” said Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. “As the symbolic starting point of Historic Route 66, Navy Pier is proud to join Santa Monica Pier in celebrating the road that has connected generations of travelers from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean.”

The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year, continues Chicago’s historic legacy as the birthplace of the Ferris wheel, first introduced by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

“The connection between Chicago and Santa Monica has always been at the heart of Route 66,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian at the Santa Monica Pier. “This celebration brings together two iconic destinations linked by history, nostalgia, and the timeless excitement of reaching the end — or beginning — of America’s most famous highway.”

At the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park recently marked its 30th anniversary on May 26. The park's Route 66 West Coaster roller coaster includes vintage gas pumps and license plates in the loading zone, and its ride vehicles are designed to resemble classic American touring cars, according to the announcement. The pier is also home to the “End of the Trail” sign, and Pacific Park has two Route 66 photo spots for visitors.

Free Centennial Wheel rides will be offered during the 66 minutes from 10 to 11:06 a.m., local time to guests who RSVP. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To commemorate the occasion, guests who ride the Centennial Wheel or Pacific Wheel during the complimentary 66-minute celebration may purchase souvenir ride photos for just $6 from 10 to 11:06 a.m. local time.