Travel on Historic U.S. Route 66 to Litchfield, Illinois



Litchfield, Illinois Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center

Greetings Mural in Litchfield, Illinois

U.S. Route 66 was one of the United State's first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated west.

"The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Outside the metropolitan Chicago area, Route 66 followed the Pontiac Trail, a former Indian trail and stagecoach road.

From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed southwest to Joliet, Pontiac, Bloomington, Springfield and into Litchfield.

Litchfield, Illinois

Litchfield, Illinois is located an hour between the Land of Lincoln and the Illinois State Capital of Springfield, and the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, MO.

Litchfield began in 1853 with the coming of the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad. Today, it is a city known for its Route 66 icons, expansive lake, and lush landscapes. The city has a population of over 6,000 residents.

Route 66 travelers today enjoy t the historic Skyview Drive-In, The Arison Cafe, Lake Lou Yaeger, Milnot Beach, the Shoal Creek Conservation Area, the Pickers Market, and other attractions. A "Don't Miss " stop is the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center ... explore it now!

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center

A great place to stop while on your Route 66 road trip in Illinois is the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. From personal guided tours to local artifacts and Mother Road nostalgia, the Museum offers a fun-filled walk down memory lane. Learn about the past, present, and future of Litchfield through the Museum's ongoing and special exhibitions.

Highlights of the many Museum exhibits:

  • Bob Waldmire maps and drawings
  • Original Route 66 signage
  • History of businesses along Route 66
  • Exhibits about area military veterans
  • Antique automobile and other artifacts
  • Numerous outdoor displays, signs and murals

It is located at 334 Historic Old Route 66 North, Litchfield, IL 62056. Phone 217.324.3510. Admission is free.

More information at the website of the Litchfield Museum and Litchfield Museum on Facebook

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois ... Where the Road Began
Antique car on display at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois
Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois ... benches and mileage guide post Wind mill factory exhibit at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois
Indoor exhibits at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois Mural at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois


Interactive Map to the Litchfield Museum


Lodging, Dining and Other Attractions in the Litchfield Area

Hotels and lodging in Litchfield, Illinois

Litchfield Travel Guide at TripAdvisor

Hotels and lodging in Litchfield, Illinois

Hotels in Litchfield with traveler reviews at TripAdvisor

Litchfield restaurant reviews at TripAdvisor

Attractions and Things to Do in Litchfield


More Attractions and Things to Do in Litchfield

Sky View Drive-in Theater

The Sky View Drive-In Theater in Litchfield continues to bring patrons big-screen entertainment. This outdoor movie theater opened in the spring of 1950. The Litchfield Sky View is one of four drive-ins nationwide, that are located on the historic Mother Road, and has been since its opening. It is also the only drive-in with that claim in Illinois.

The Litchfield Skyview Drive-in is not only a local tradition, it is a Route 66 hall of fame business. It remains one of several original Route 66 businesses on the Mother Road, in Litchfield. It operates seasonally, April through mid-October, and offers a grill onsite. The drive-in is located at 1500 N. Historic Route 66 in Litchfield, IL 62056.

For more information about the Skyview Drive-In Theater
or visit Skyview on Facebook or phone 217.324.4451

The Skyview Drive-in, Litchfield, Illinois, on Historic US Route 66 The Sky View Drive-in, Route 66, Litchfield, Illinois


The Ariston Cafe

The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield has been satisfying local patrons and international travelers on Route 66 since 1924. Today, this landmark dining experience continues to attract those who "remember where good food is served".

When you're cruisin' down Route 66 in Litchfield, and hunger strikes, take the time to check out one of the oldest American restaurants on the legendary highway. The Ariston Cafe opened its doors in 1924 and is one of the oldest continually-operated Route 66 restaurants still going today.

Located at 413 Old Route 66 N. Litchfield, IL 62056.
Read more at the website of the The Ariston Cafe

Route 66 Roadside Attraction: The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois, since 1924 The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois, since 1924 Route 66 kiosk for the historic Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois


More Information about Litchfield & Illinois Route 66

VisitLitchfield.com Tourism Bureau

City of Litchfield, Illinois website

Litchfield Chamber of Commerce

Montgomery County Illinois

Litchfield, Illinois Weather at WeatherUnderground

Litchfield Travel Guide at TripAdvisor: Hotels & More

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

Route 66 Association of Illinois


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