American Truck Simulator Recognized as Official Route 66 Centennial Project

Today, we’re incredibly excited to share a truly special milestone for American Truck Simulator, one that celebrates not only our journey, but the legacy of one of the most iconic roads in the world.

Route 66 is a legendary highway in the United States, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, crossing eight states along the way. First established in 1926, it became one of America's first continuous highways, playing a major role in U.S. culture and history. 

In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to mark this milestone, a wide range of events and initiatives are being organised to honour its legacy. As part of these celebrations, the Route 66 Centennial Commission has brought together official projects that help preserve, showcase, and share the story of this legendary road with the world.

We are incredibly proud to share that American Truck Simulator has been recognised as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. This prestigious designation, approved by the United States government and Congress, places our work alongside a range of initiatives honouring the legacy of Route 66 as it reaches its 100-year milestone. 

We put together a short video showcasing some of the iconic locations you can find along this historic highway in American Truck Simulator, check it out below!

So, what does this mean? The Route 66 Centennial Project highlights a variety of efforts from around the world that help share the story of this historic highway. These include preservation work, cultural programmes, and modern digital experiences like ours. "SCS Software’s Route 66 recreation in their American Truck Simulator video game offers an unprecedented way to experience the history, culture, and beauty of America’s most iconic highway," said Bill Thomas, Commissioner for the Route 66 Centennial Commission. "This digital re-creation not only celebrates the centennial milestone but also honours the people and communities that have kept Route 66 alive for generations." 

We are truly honoured that American Truck Simulator has been included in this initiative. Since the release of ATS in 2016, our team has been carefully building the game world state by state, always aiming to recreate real locations with authenticity and care. One of our long-term goals has been to bring Route 66 to life in a way that players everywhere can experience and enjoy.

With the upcoming release of the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, our virtual recreation of Route 66 will be completed in full, allowing players to drive the entire historic route from Chicago to Los Angeles across all eight states. This marks a major milestone not only for our game, but also for everyone who has dreamed of experiencing this legendary journey.

We would like to thank the Route 66 Centennial Commission for this incredible recognition, and of course, our community, whose support continues to drive us forward. We look forward to sharing more with you as we approach the completion of Route 66 in American Truck Simulator.