2026 -- A Year Of Many Celebrations!

There is a lot happening along the Jefferson Highway this year as America celebrates 250 years. For us "roadies," we are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the numbering of the federal highway system. Of course, many are focused on US 66's 100th birthday but we salute the Jefferson Highway between Carthage, Missouri and Vinita, Oklahoma where much of the former JH route was incorporated into Route 66. We also salute other historic auto trails and early US highways when they intersect with the Jefferson Highway. So, join us as we explore the JH this year!

Photo credit below: Mike and Sharon Curtis

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JEFFERSON HIGHWAY TOURIST CENTERS:

(Click on image or name for site link)

  Gearhead Curio's       Bonham Visitor Center           Boots Court 

        Galena, KS                      Bonham, TX                      Carthage, MO

    Miners Hall Museum                   Natchitoches Visitors Center

          Franklin, KS                                           Natchitoches, LA

          Visit Mason City                    Hi-Way Cafe                Visit Muskogee

           Mason City, IA                         Vinita, OK                  Muskogee, OK

The Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration

JOPLIN, MISSOURI

September 19 - 22, 2026

- Getting Close to Announcement Day in early May! - 

The links below will NOT work until registration is open.

Full Conference Registration for Members & Non-Members

Day Tickets for Members & Non-members

Please be sure to read all instructions carefully especially if you are registering for the Missouri Route 66 Association Fall Motor Tour (Sept. 18-20, at their registration site) and also intend to participate in post-motor tour Jefferson Highway Association activities Monday and Tuesday (that need to be signed-up for at this site). 

JHA Pre-event Caravan Registration - The Prize Drive through the Ozarks (Sept. 17-19) - NW Arkansas and SW MO

JHA Pre-event Caravan Registration - The Miner's Drive (Sept. xx-19) - Butler MO to Fort Scott KS & on to Joplin

JHA Members and Non-Members can attend the Caravan events, but prior registration and payment is necessary. 

Fees, Deadlines, Cancellation Policies and other information can be found within the registration links once they are working. If you need further information or assistance in registering, contact Conference Registrar at hansfordnewton@gmail.com

Visit Joplin, MO (our local host - Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau) to start getting acquainted with the area via their website or try these resources!  

Joplin Visitors Guide

Joplin History Guide

And if you need a Missouri Travel Guide for more exploring, this site will have request for print guide as well as link for digital access.

                                   ***        

 Jefferson Highway Travel Guide Website UPDATE - Spring 2026

The guide's website is up and the JHA and Big Blend Media's Lisa Smith needs your help in updating and correcting the initial Business, Organization & Government Member listings that answered our initial call to claim their FREE basic listings.

If you were one of those members, please go to the website link below and check your listing and respond directly to Lisa Smith for any changes. 

TRAVEL GUIDE WEBSITE HOME PAGE

We all have very busy schedules and if you missed earlier calls to claim your listing, please review the information at this link. Additional listings being taken NOW!

BENEFITS TO BEING IN DIGITAL TRAVEL GUIDE  

If you are a JHA business member, organizational member or otherwise think you should be in the Digital Travel Guide, email lisa@bigblendmagazine.com to claim your listing before summer.

As of mid-April, site has been moved to a new platform. JHA Declaration Spring Newsletter, coming late April/early May, will have list of current business and selected organization members listed. Please look for this feature!