2026 Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Set for July 25th in Clinton

Lt Governor Matt Pinnell presiding over the 2024 Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Clinton.

CLINTON, OKLAHOMA – The bi-annual Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame ceremony is set for July 25th in Clinton, Oklahoma – and with the famous highway turning 100 years old this year, it’s going to be bigger than ever in more ways than one.

Every two years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association inducts two members into the Hall of Fame - one living and one posthumously - which are traditionally revealed at the ceremony itself. This year, the Hall of Fame committee also selected a special Centennial inductee to recognize their impact on the road leading up to the anniversary: Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell.

"It is an honor for the Oklahoma Route 66 Association to recognize Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell as a 2026 Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame recipient," said Beth Hilburn, Eastern Vice President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. "His continued support for preserving and promoting the Mother Road has made a lasting impact on communities across Oklahoma. Through his leadership and dedication to tourism and economic development, he has helped ensure that Route 66 remains a driving force for our state's future."

That’s not the only thing that will be different in 2026. The induction ceremony usually takes place at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, which houses the Hall of Fame. Director Cory Cart felt that something bigger was warranted for this year’s special occasion: the ceremony will take place at the Frisco Conference Center.

"The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is proud to be the permanent home of the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame, but this year's Centennial celebration simply outgrew our campus," Cart said. "Moving the ceremony to a larger venue allows more people to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary while ensuring a more comfortable experience for everyone. After the Centennial, we're excited to partner with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association to build on this momentum and evolve the Hall of Fame ceremony in preparation for the next 100 years."

The Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame has been inducting members since 1994 and has included notable Oklahomans like Michael Wallis, Will Rogers, and Blaine Davis. This year’s ceremony will begin at 1:00 PM at the Frisco Conference Center, 101 S 4th Street in Clinton, Oklahoma. More information will be available at our official event listing here.