29/10/2025
Native American Tribes view the centennial of Route 66 as an opportunity to rewrite the iconic road trip's narrative through Indigenous-led tourism.
In my story for USA TODAY | Gannett Company's Native American special edition, learn the perspectives of Tribes living along Route 66. Their Tribal leaders, artists, museum curators, tour guides, dancers, naturalists, chefs, and culture-keepers share authentic Native American tourism experiences in their communities.
Since Route 66's creation in 1926, Americana nostalgia, largely shaped by Hollywood films and non-Native tourism entities, has dominated the marketing of traveler experiences on the 2,448-mile road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. But in its 100th year, Route 66 itineraries in eight states will amplify Native American voices to increase understanding of places you travel through and the people you meet along the way.
As you plan your future Route 66 travel and other road trips across the United States, seek out Native American experiences. Sherry Rupert of the Native American Indigenous Tourism Association (AITC, formerly AIANTA) suggests visiting https://americanindigenoustourism.org/; AITC's travel planning website https://nativeamerica.travel/. Check out the Native American Route 66 travel guide.
Gannett USA TODAY USA TODAY Travel Visit The USA American Indigenous Tourism Association