What better way to celebrate the historic highway’s centennial than to get your chicks on Route 66! The thruway — which runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, California — opened in 1926 as one of the original roads in the United States highway system. Ten years after Route 66 opened, Cackle Hatchery® was established in downtown Lebanon, Missouri, which lies along Route 66. This year, the highway’s centennial celebration coincides with Cackle Hatchery’s 90 years of offering chicks on Route 66.
Route 66
Of 2,448 miles along Route 66, some 317 miles go through Missouri. The Missouri portion runs from St. Louis in the east to Joplin in the west, much of it following a traditional Native American trail.
Starting in 1940, Route 66 was incorporated into freeways, and pieces were gradually decommissioned from 1964 to 1985. Today you can drive only about 85% of the original road. Yet visitors arrive from all over the world to travel the old highway, known as The Mother Road.
Missouri has designated Route 66 as an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway. And the entire portion of the highway that runs through the state is still drivable, providing travelers with the opportunity for a nostalgic road trip.
Lebanon, Missouri
Lebanon lies about halfway along the Missouri section of the highway. Famous for its location along Route 66, the town lives up to its motto — “Friendly People. Friendly Place.” — and is a popular stop for travelers
The town features many Route 66 attractions. For instance, just minutes from Cackle Hatchery is the Route 66 Museum. Admission is free and includes a self-guided tour.
This year (2026) the museum is hosting a Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. Seven events scattered throughout the year feature dignitaries, speakers, authors, teachers, and guides to celebrate the centennial of Route 66.
The Route 66 themed Boswell Park is also a short drive from Cackle Hatchery. Among other features at Boswell Park, you can park your car in front of a Mother Road mural for a photo opp.
The park also hosts the Annual Route 66 Festival each year in June. Of the many festivals occurring in Lebanon, this one by far the most popular. Another popular Lebanon event is Cackle’s Annual Chicken Festival in early October.
Get Your Chicks on Route 66
Cackle Hatchery is one of the many attractions that draw visitors to Lebanon. It located on Commercial Street, just four blocks off Route 66.
The hatchery operates a year-around retail store for all things poultry, plus a museum of related antiques and memorabilia. At the hatchery, on specified days you can watch eggs hatch.
So this year, celebrate the centennial of the Mother Road with chicks from Route 66. And while you’re at Cackle Hatchery, pick up a colorful metal sign as proof that you got chicks on Route 66.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Route 66 go through Lebanon, Missouri?
Yes. Route 66 goes through Lebanon, Missouri, which is a significant stop along the historic highway.
What is the most popular festival in Lebanon?
The most popular festival in Lebanon, Missouri, is its Route 66 Festival, first held in 2001. Later in the year, another popular event is Cackle’s Annual Chicken Festival.
When did Route 66 open?
Route 66 opened in 1926 and was official decomissioned by 1985. However, the entire Missouri portion is still drivable.
When did Cackle Hatchery open?
Cackle Hatchery opened in 1936 in Lebanon, Missouri, just four blocks off Route 66, offering the unique opportunity to get your chicks on Route 66.
Helpful Links
The Best Place to Get Your Chicks
Planning a Road Trip in Missouri? Be Sure to Visit Cackle Hatchery!
Lebanon Route 66 Society Calendar
And that’s today’s news from the Cackle Coop.
Gail Damerow has raised chickens and various other poultry for more than 5 decades and has written lots of books about them, many available from the Cackle Bookstore.
