TODAY show personalities Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Laura Jarrett made a special stop in Springfield, Missouri, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, America’s most iconic highway. The trio kicked off the festivities alongside local residents and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who presented them with an official key to the legendary road.
The event, sponsored by the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, celebrates a century of the historic route that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. Springfield, often called the "Birthplace of Route 66," hosted the TODAY crew for a series of segments exploring the highway’s cultural and historical significance.
Governor Kehoe praised the highway’s enduring legacy and welcomed the national attention. "Route 66 is more than a road — it’s a symbol of American adventure and resilience," he said. The anchors also sampled local cuisine and engaged with community members, part of a broader TODAY road trip series.
Viewers can watch the full segment on the TODAY show’s YouTube channel, where Roker, Dreyer, and Jarrett take viewers on a nostalgic journey along the Mother Road.