With the historic 100th-anniversary milestone of U.S. Route 66 underway, the “National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66” has been officially designated as a Centennial-recognized project. This innovative tourism initiative pairs the timeless appeal of golf with the legendary journey of America’s Main Street, inviting travelers to tee of at distinctive, designated courses along the Mother Road corridor. “National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66” invites communities along the eight-state Route 66 corridor to integrate golf-tourism into the Centennial celebration by: • Highlighting local golf courses, mini-courses, putting greens, and golf-related events situated near historic Route 66 alignments. 

 Encouraging themed travel packages that link Route 66 heritage stops with golf-friendly amenities, thereby boosting overnight stays, regional visitation, and economic impact. • Integrating interpretive signage, photo opportunities, and digital (mobile app) components that tie each “stick on 66” stop to the broader centennial story of the road and local heritage. “Route 66 has always been about discovery, about open horizons and community connection,” said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner for the U.S. 

Route 66 Centennial Commission. “By officially designating National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66, we’re creating a fresh-faced way to celebrate the road’s Centennial — not just by driving it, but by playing it. From tee-to-green to motels and diners, this project brings the spirit of Route 66 into new fairways and new communities.” Gary Sparks, founder of The National Route 66 Golf Trail, said, “It is an honor to be endorsed by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as one of the projects to be celebrated on Route 66 in 2026. Playing these designated courses will create lasting memories for millions of golfers as they travel this iconic highway.” As an oFicially designated Centennial project, “National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66” will be featured on the Centennial's oFicial digital channels, have access to the trademarked Centennial logo for promotional use, and be included in national marketing eForts for the 2026 celebration year. In addition, participating golf courses and communities along the Route 66 corridor are encouraged to coordinate with Ken Busby, the project's administrator, and local tourism oFices to amplify their linkage to the centennial moment. Interested parties can email Ken at culturalczarok@gmail.com. 

The Route 66 Neon Park, located within George M. Reed Roadside Park, is now open! Park hours are from sunrise until midnight.

The Lighting Ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, 2025, featuring the official lighting of eight signs. Storyboards will be installed in the coming weeks, and an additional sign will be added later this summer, with two more "pods" planned for future expansion.

Once left to decay in roadside fields, buried under piles of junk in dusty sheds, or at risk of being dismantled, these beautifully crafted neon signs that once attracted travelers along the Mother Road have been given a new lease on life. Each sign has been meticulously restored to its mid-century modern glory and donated to the City of Saint Robert. Now revitalized, these vintage signs are proudly displayed at George M. Reed Roadside Park, located along Historic Route 66, just west of the Route 66/Highway Z/Missouri Avenue junction.

The restored signs illuminate the evening sky above lighted pathways, allowing visitors to appreciate them up close. Lighted storyboards provide the history of each sign. Plan your visit today to experience the Route 66 Neon Park both during the day and at night—the experiences are completely different!