Centennial Here, Centennial There: NLC in 2024 & Route 66 in 2026

Tourism is a core component of economic growth and development. Kingman is one of the most sought-after cities in the West for tourists due to its historical sites, awesome attractions, and welcoming community. In 2024, the National League of Cities (NLC) celebrated its 100th anniversary. NLC demonstrated its commitment to excellence with the NLC Centennial Roadshow, featuring Kingman and 100+ cities. 

National League of Cities Centennial

According to the website, “The National League of Cities (NLC) is an organization comprised of city, town, and village leaders that are focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents.” Since 1924, NLC has continued to influence federal policy, empower local leadership, and drive innovative solutions. To learn more about NLC’s effective 100-history, visit the Our History page.

NLC’s year-long centennial celebration included:

• Recycle Right Pledge
• Issue a Proclamation
• Youth Create! Challenge
• Centennial Under 40 Impact Awards
• 100-Year Roadshow

The goal of the centennial roadshow was to digitally showcase 100+ of the most unique cities that best display the benefits of being an NLC member. The roadshow started in February and concluded on December 12, 2024, NLC’s 100th anniversary date. To see the other cities selected, visit the NLC Centennial Roadshow page.

Kingman has been a proud NLC member since 2001, and being featured in its centennial roadshow is a testament to Kingman’s dedication to making our city the best it can be. The unveiling of Kingman’s latest Leaning Route 66 Shield was featured in NLC’s 100-Year Roadshow, as seen in this Facebook video, during 2024’s I ♥ 66 Fest.

Route 66 Centennial 

Mark your calendars for Kingman’s Route 66 Centennial! The city is planning a year-long celebration for this monumental time. Visit 100 Years of Route 66 to see the schedule. Bookmark the page to stay updated as more events will be added.

To solidify Kingman as a Route 66 destination and celebrate 100 years of helping travelers cross the nation, signage, and landmarks have been added around town. To learn more about the milestones completed, visit the Route 66 Centennial page.

It’s been said, “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Start the planning now for your Route 66 Centennial trip. This once-in-a-lifetime event will be huge, and accommodations will fill up fast.

To experience the true connection between Kingman and Route 66, it’s best to get there by car. If flight travel is needed, consider flying into one of the below airports, then renting a car to drive the rest of the way:

• Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Int’l) - 1 hour & 45 minutes drive
• Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l Airport - 3 hours & 11 minutes drive

For a deeper dive into all things Kingman and Route 66, visit:

• Tourist Information Pack
• Where to Stay
• Kingman Fun Facts

Don’t wait until 2026 to start planning. Events for the year-long celebration have already been scheduled starting November 2025.