Rolling Through Time:
100 Years of Grants & Route 66

Grants & Route 66

As we celebrate a century of history, culture, and adventure, we invite you to honor the rich heritage of Grants, New Mexico, and its deep connection to the legendary Route 66. For 100 years, Grants has been a gateway to exploration—welcoming travelers, supporting local businesses, and preserving the stories that make our town unique.

This Centennial is more than just a milestone; it’s a journey through time. From our historic murals and museums to the iconic Mother Road that put us on the map, we’re embracing the past while looking forward to the future.

Get ready for exciting events, classic car shows, live music, community celebrations, and more! Whether you're a longtime resident, a traveler passing through, or a Route 66 enthusiast, we invite you to celebrate with us and experience the heart and soul of Grants.

Let’s roll through time together—100 years strong and miles ahead!

Historic Route 66 and Santa Fe Avenue in Grants, New Mexico.

Route 66 runs through the center of Grants, New Mexico, along what is now called Santa Fe Avenue. This stretch of the historic highway has long served as the city’s main corridor, shaping its growth and identity. Today, it remains a central part of daily life in Grants, with parks, public spaces, local shops, galleries, and cultural landmarks located along or near the route. The area reflects the town’s connection to both its Route 66 heritage and its ongoing role as a hub for the surrounding community.

Route 66 Film Camera

Route66 Through the Years

Route66 Through the Years

Vintage roadside scene with "Wayside Motel" sign, visible snowy landscape, and nearby classic car.
Worn sign for Lavaland Motel on a street with snow patches, parked cars, and nearby buildings under a blue sky.
Vintage street scene with a large "Grants Cafe" sign and cars; buildings with retro architecture.
Exterior of Grants Laundromat on Route 66, with snow-covered ground and bushes in the foreground.
Black and white image of a group of police officers posing with police cars and a motorcycle, with industrial structures in the background.
Historic Route 66 & Santa fe Ave: Grants, New Mexico.
Aerial view of a small town street at night featuring a historic theater with a neon marquee displaying movie title "Strange World." Nearby, a white truck is parked on the street. Surrounding buildings are dimly lit in the background.
Historic Route 66 sign in Grants, New Mexico, with vintage blue car
Vintage "Sands Motel" sign with an arrow pointing half a block ahead, located on a street with parked cars, and surrounded by a clear blue sky.

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL

From classic cars to community fun, the Route 66 Centennial has something for everyone! Highlights include the Spokes on 66 Car Show, Cruisin’ Route 66 Night with music and a cook-out, the Route 66 Art Competition for local youth, and family-friendly favorites like the Food & Culture Festival, Centennial Cruise ‘n Shop, and a special Fireworks Show tied to the 4th of July.

Special Events

Centennial Events
4th of July Parade
Jul 4
4th of July Parade

Join us in the heart of Downtown Grants as we honor our community, county, and proud mining heritage. The parade kicks off at Wayne Street and marches down Santa Fe Avenue to 1st Street. Don’t miss this fun-filled morning of celebration, pride, and small-town spirit!

Chevel Shepherd | Live Concert
Jul 4
Chevel Shepherd | Live Concert

Kick off Wild West Days with a live concert at the new Grants Rodeo Grounds. Join us at 6 PM for an unforgettable performance by Chevel Shepherd, Season 15 winner of The Voice. Hosted by the Grants Rodeo, this Independence Day celebration brings music, community, and classic Western fun to Downtown Grants.

Grants Firework Celebration
Jul 4
Grants Firework Celebration

Celebrate the 4th of July with a spectacular fireworks show above Grants High School. The show begins at dusk. Gather with family and friends as we light up the night sky in honor of Independence Day. Don’t miss this dazzling display of community spirit and patriotic pride.

Crusin' Route 66
Jun 5
Crusin' Route 66

Join us for a classic cruise night along Route 66, featuring cars, music, and community fun!

Spokes on 66 Car Show and Centennial Celebration
Jun 6
Spokes on 66 Car Show and Centennial Celebration

Get ready for Spokes on 66, rolling into downtown Grants on Saturday, June 6th as part of our Route 66 Centennial Celebration! This special edition of the car show brings classic rides, live music, food vendors, family fun, contests, giveaways, and a full day of honoring 100 years of Route 66 culture in the heart of New Mexico.

More Events Coming Soon!

GET YOUR KICKS…

There’s no shortage of adventure along Route 66 in Grants! From outdoor trails and museums to local shops and murals, there’s plenty to explore. Grab a bite at a classic diner, stay at a cozy motel or hotel, and experience the charm, flavor, and history that line every mile of the Mother Road.

Things to do

Classic car in front of Grants, New Mexico Route 66 sign

Shop, Dine, & Stay

Plate with a large hamburger topped with lettuce and cheese, surrounded by a pile of golden French fries.
New Mexico & Route 66

Learn More About the History of Grants and Route 66.

Route 66
Red button with "Learn More" text in white capital letters.

Hit the road through history and discover how Grants became a shining stop on Route 66. From railroads to road trips, adventure has always been part of the journey in the heart of New Mexico.

Route 66
New Mexico & Route 66

Stamp Your Adventure: Route 66 Passport

Hit the road and collect memories with the New Mexico Route 66 Passport! Stop at key landmarks like the Neon Arch in Grants to stamp your booklet and earn prizes along the way. It’s a fun, free way to explore the Mother Road and celebrate its 100-year legacy.

Cover of a booklet labeled 'Mother Road Route 66 Passport' with a shield symbol
Zia sun symbol with red lines on a white background
Zia sun symbol in red
Grants, New Mexico Mural depicting miners in a tunnel, painted on a building wall under a clear sky.

A Neon Gateway to Route 66.

The Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru Arch lights up Grants with a glowing tribute to the Mother Road. Built in 2016, this 18-foot landmark, with neon lights and fiery designs, offers a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity and a chance to capture the spirit of Route 66.

Discover Art around every corner.

In Grants, murals bring our streets to life with bold colors and local pride. While some honor the spirit of Route 66, others celebrate our history, landscapes, and culture. Each mural tells a unique story, adding character and color to every corner of town.

Download the Mural Map Today!

Retro turquoise car under a large Route 66 sign in Grants, New Mexico, with flames and mountain landscape in the background.
Campervan and Route 66 sign in Grants, New Mexico, with mountains and clear blue sky in the background.
Historic Route 66 & Santa fe Ave: Grants, New Mexico.
Vintage Wayside Motel sign with a star, snow-covered roadside scene, and a secondary Sands Motel sign in the background.
Vintage black and white photo of police officers standing in front of patrol cars and a motorcycle, with industrial equipment in the background.
Vintage café with large neon sign and retro cars in front, next to a Standard Oil gas station.
Vintage Bluewater Motel sign with no vacancy, against a blue sky
Vintage Sands Motel sign with directional arrow and AAA logo beside a road with parked cars and mountains in the background.
The Uranium Miners Building with a large blue mining structure in front, surrounded by trees and a picnic table.
Classic blue car with open door parked next to a Route 66 road marking on asphalt.
Vintage car in front of Grants, New Mexico, Historic Route 66 sign, decorated with flames.
A wooden pavilion decorated with Christmas lights, wreaths, and festive ornaments. A sign reads "Grants Mainstreet Project, Inc." with an address and contact information. The scene is illuminated in a warm glow, indicating a holiday-themed setting.
Aerial view of a park with a small lake or pond, surrounded by walking paths and trees with autumn foliage. A person is walking along the path. In the background, there's a residential area and a mountain range.
Aerial view of a lit-up theater at night with a marquee sign, next to a parked white truck, in an urban area with others buildings and streetlights visible.
Vintage photo of Grant's Cafe and service station on Historic Route 66 with classic cars parked in front, featuring signage for a cocktail lounge and auto services.
Route 66 Centennial logo for Grants, New Mexico, USA, featuring the years 1926-2026.
Repeated pattern of "Route 66" shield signs and Zia symbols on a black background.