Route 66 road trip across Illinois



Driving Route 66 from Chicago thru Illinois

When traveling westbound to California, Historic Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois
Historic Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois

The Mother Road in Illinois

Route 66 was one of the United States' 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.

The beginning point for a Route 66 road trip could be either Chicago or Los Angeles, depending on the direction of the trip. Most travelers seem to start their journey on Route 66 in Chicago, and head westbound, the direction taken by those leaving the Dust Bowl and those seeking a new life in the West. That is the direction we take on this website.

Chicago: The Route Begins

Illinois was the first of the eight states through which Route 66 passed to have its segment of U.S. 66 paved, at a time when much of the route across the country was still a gravel or dirt road. Illinois Route 66 took over Illinois State Highway 4, a pre-existing, fully paved two-lane road between Chicago and St. Louis.

Historic Route 66 spanned 301 miles in Illinois, traversing mostly level terrain.

The beginning point of Route 66 in Chicago has changed over the years. Today, the starting point is at East Adams Street at South Michigan Avenue, and the end point is at East Jackson at South Michigan. One way streets in the area can be difficult to navigate for first-time Route 66 visitors!

While in Chicago, many Route 66 travelers seek out Grant Park, the Willis Tower, Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science & Industry, the Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakeshore shopping areas.

Chicago ... the beginning point of Route 66 when heading westbound
Chicago, Illinois ... the beginning point of U.S. Route 66 when heading westbound


Lodging and Dining Options in Chicago

TripAdvisor

Chicago Travel Guide

Hotel listings and traveler reviews for Chicago

View Chicago, Illinois, hotel listings and traveler reviews at TripAdvisor

Restaurant reviews for Chicago

Attractions and things to do in Chicago

Chicago Route 66 reviews, photos, walking tours, hotels


Cruises on the waterways of Chicago
Cruises on the waterways of Chicago, one of the most popular attractions in the Windy City
Cloud Gate ... aka "The Bean" in Millennium Park
Cloud Gate ... aka "The Bean" in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, Illinois



A popular stop for Route 66 travelers, at 565 West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago ... Lou Mitchell's website
Lou Mitchell's in Chicago ... a popular stop for those heading westbound on Route 66


Route 66 Highlights After Leaving Chicago

Illinois travel map from the Gulf Oil Company

Once 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, Wilmington, Dwight, Odell, Pontiac, Bloomington, Atlanta, Lincoln and Springfield. The segment from Chicago to Springfield is roughly a 2.5 hour drive.

Leaving Chicago and arriving in Joliet, travelers like to visit the Joliet Museum, Rialto Square Theatre and the Jacob Henry Mansion.

The City of Dwight features a restored Ambler-Becker Texas service station as well as a wealth of historic structures. Odell, just down the route, is the locale of another restored gas station.

Pontiac is a great stopover traveling down Illinois, with the always popular Route 66 Hall of Fame a "must see" attraction. Other attractions include the Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum and the Livingston County War Museum.

Lincoln is home to the Postville Courthouse that Abraham Lincoln practiced law in, the world's largest covered wagon, The Mill Museum on Route 66, a telephone booth on top of the town hall, Lincoln College, and the Lincoln Heritage Museum.

Springfield was the hometown of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can tour the house where he lived, Lincoln Tomb State Historical Site, the Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, and the Illinois State Capitol Building.

Leaving Springfield, Route 66 traversed Litchfield, Staunton and Hamel, and then continued on to the Chain of Rocks Bridge at St. Louis, where it turned west through Rolla, Springfield, Joplin and into Kansas and Oklahoma.

We've driven much of Route 66 in all eight states, including segments in Illinois. On this website we present road trips including original photographs, travel experiences and personal commentary.

Now let's head west on The Mother Road, where we will make stops at these locations on Route 66 in Illinois starting in Chicago and ending at Granite City near St. Louis:

Chicago Atlanta
Romeoville Lincoln
Joliet Williamsville
Wilmington Springfield
Braidwood Auburn
Gardner Virden
Dwight Nilwood
Odell Litchfield
Pontiac Mt. Olive
Chenoa Staunton
Lexington Livingston
Towanda Hamel
Normal Edwardsville
Bloomington Collinsville
McLean Granite City

 


Illinois, Land of Lincoln ... Where the Road Begins
Illinois, the Land of Lincoln ...Where the Road Begins

Read more about the Route 66 license program at IllinoisRoute66.org

 

Map showing the approximate route of U.S. Highway 66 from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri
Alignments varied over time
Click the map for current routing information
Map showing approximate Route 66 location from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri

Guides & Displays Along Route 66 in Illinois

The Route 66 interpretive display at Ambler's in Dwight
Dwight, Illinois Route 66 Kiosk

Visitors can explore unique people, places, and stories through a series of interpretive displays placed along Illinois' Route 66.

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, the Schmeeckle Reserve at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and Illinois Route 66 communities have developed and installed three types of interpretive displays:

  • Wayside Exhibits
  • Experience Hubs
  • Interpretive Statues

Each display is placed in a location that has Route 66 significance and explains that importance through various media forms. Read more about the displays at IllinoisRoute66.org

The Illinois Route 66 Wayside exhibits can be found in 17 communities along the Mother Road. Each wayside is placed at a site with historic significance and tells the story of the site’s relationship to Route 66.

The interpretive stations use illustrations, pictures, and audio to explore each site.

Illinois Route 66 Passport Stations

Don’t forget to bring a notebook and a pencil to collect all of the Illinois Route 66 Passport Stamps!

When you discover a stamp on a Wayside Exhibit simply place a piece of paper over the rubbing station and use your pencil to collect a unique engraving. See sample location in the photos below ...

Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibit with Passport Station Passport Station on an Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibit


Highlights from Road Trips Along Route 66 in Illinois

There are literally dozens, really hundreds, or interesting stops along Route 66 in Illinois. We have presented on this page some of the more well-known and popular destinations, seen as one travels from north to south ... enjoy the road trip!

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet is part of the original 1926 alignment of Route 66 in Illinois. The segment of Route 66 from Joliet to Wilmington was placed on to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. When traveling on Route 66, be sure visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Route 66 Welcome Center, the Rialto Square Theatre and the Joliet "Kicks on 66 sign" (below).

For more information link to VisitJoliet.com

Joliet , Illinois Route 66 Visitors Center ... a key stop on your visit to Joliet
Get your kicks in Joliet , Illinois on Route 66
Visit Joliet, Illinois on Historic U.S. Route 66
Click to read more about
Route 66 in Joliet
Rich and Creamy in Joliet on 920 N. Broadway
Read more about this restored ice cream store
Rich and Creamy in Joliet, Illinois, at 920 N. Broadway
Dick's Towing Service
911 North Broadway in Joliet, Illinois
Dick's Towing in Joliet, Illinois


Route 66 mural at 200 N. Water Street in Wilmington
Route 66 mural on the antiques store in Wilmington, Illinois

Braidwood

The Polk-A-Dot Drive-In, in business since 1956, is located at 222 N Front Street in Braidwood

The great atmosphere at this family-owned restaurant transforms visitors back to the 1950s. The Polk-A-Dot offers table side juke boxes, photo memorabilia of rock and roll stars, child and adult sized tables and booths. And a great menu! Popular with Route 66 travelers are the numerous photo opportunities, from Superman to the Blues Brothers to Elvis and Marilyn, and more!

Read more about the Polk-A-Dot Drive-in ... Phone 815.458.3377

Superman at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In ... Braidwood, Illinois The Blues Brothers at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In ... Braidwood, Illinois
Elvis, Marilyn and friends at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In ... Braidwood, Illinois

Gardner, Illinois

The Streetcar Diner

In 1932 a 20th century Kankakee horse-drawn streetcar was moved to Gardner to operate as a diner. The streetcar became a cottage and playhouse in 1937. It was moved behind the Riviera Restaurant in 1955. Later it was restored to the Route 66 Association of Illinois and inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2001.

It is located at 5650 Highway 53 S, Gardner, IL 60424

The Streetcar Diner in Gardner, Illinois

Dwight, Illinois

Dwight, Illinois along Route 66
Click to read more about
Route 66 in Dwight

As Route 66 made its way through the area, Dwight was directly in its path. The C&A Railroad Depot, built in 1891, served for a time as the Village Hall, and is now home to the Dwight Historical Society and the Dwight Economic Alliance.

Across the street from the Depot is the First National Bank of Dwight, designed by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, and put on the National Register of Historic Places. Lions Lake Park is a pleasant place to stop on your road trip, with bathrooms provided.

Ambler’s Texaco Station was built in 1933 at the corner of Route 17 and Old Route 66, and serviced travelers until 1998. The station operated as a gas station until 1999 and was an auto repair shop until 2002, when the owner Phillip Becker generously donated the station to the Village of Dwight. So, sometimes it is called the Ambler/Becker Station.

The building, now a popular Route 66 Roadside Attraction, has been renovated and is now Dwight's visitor's and information center.

More information at the website of the Village of Dwight

A Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Ambler/Becker Texaco Station in Dwight, Illinois Ambler's Texaco Station in Dwight, Illinois


Adjacent to and just north of the historic Ambler/Becker station are these signs and photo ops, including the Oldsmobile ...

My family's destination is Dwight ...
Dining ... Shopping ... History ... on Historic Route 66

Dwight, Illinois ... My Family's Destination

The "Route 66 Experience" hub at Ambler's
Dwight, Illinois Route 66 Kiosk
Dwight, Illinois sign ... On Route 66 on the 1954 Oldsmobile

Odell, Illinois

1932 Standard Oil Gas Station

Patrick O’Donnell built a gas station in Odell, Illinois based on a 1916 Standard Oil of Ohio design, commonly known as a domestic style gas station.

In 1997, the station was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

1932 Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell, Illinois The Odell Pedestrian Tunnel under Illinois Route 66
The Odell Pedestrian Tunnel

A tunnel was built in Odell to safely cross St. Paul Catholic Church goers and school children underneath busy Route 66.

In later years, Route 66 was moved to the west and the tunnel was no longer required, and was filled in. The site is at the corner of South West Street and West Hamilton Street in Odell, Illinois.

There are other Route 66 pedestrian tunnels, such as the ones in Pontiac, Illinois and Chelsea, Oklahoma.

Odell, Illinois Route 66 Pedestrian Tunnel Historic Marker Odell, Illinois Route 66 Pedestrian Tunnel entrance

 

 

Pontiac, Illinois

A popular stop in Illinois along Historic Route 66 is Pontiac, known for the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, and many murals! It offer visitors a wide variety of attractions, hotels and lodging, and dining options.

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum website

More about Pontiac attractions at VisitPontiac.org

The Visit Pontiac Illinois on Route 66 mural, with the yellow 1957 Chevrolet BelAir

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
The mural on the walls of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac, Illinois
Bob Waldmire's VW bus
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac, Illinois ... Bob Waldmire's Volkswagon bus
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac, Illinois Route 66 kiosk in Pontiac, Illinois ... You Are Here!
Welcome to Pontiac Route 66 mural
Welcome to Pontiac, Illinois  Route 66 mural
Click to visit Pontiac, Illinois on Historic U.S. Route 66
Click to read more about
Route 66 in Pontiac


The Motor Police ... Patrolling Route 66

This Wayside Exhibit is located just south of Pontiac, before Chenoa, 0.3 miles north of E 1500 N Road, on the right side of Old 66 when motoring south. It features a silhouette of a patrolman on a motorcycle, and is situated outside the former District 6 Illinois State Police office.

Built in 1941, the building is an example of sleek Art Moderne architecture that reflects the streamlined design of automobiles of the era. The Illinois State Police remained headquartered in the building until 2003 when the police moved to a new facility in Pontiac. The historic headquarters remains vacant today, not open to the public; it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: The Motor Police, Patrolling Route 66 Silhouette of an Illinois patrolman on a motorcycle, at a Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: The Motor Police, Patrolling Route 66

 

Chenoa, Illinois

Chenoa is located in McLean County, Illinois, at the intersections of Interstate 55, Historic Route 66, and U.S. Route 24. An early alignment of Route 66 in Chenoa was in use from 1921-1944, and traveled through town on Morehead Street.

Remnants of the old road can still be seen south of town beginning at the intersection of Old 66 and US Highway 24.

Sign on Chenoa Route 66 in Illinois Abandoned Route 66 aligment at Chenoa, Illinois

Get your kicks on Chenoa Route 66 in Illinois


Traveling through Chenoa on Route 66 with your dog ... and need a place to stop?

The Chenoa Fetch & Stretch Dog Park is located at 205 N. Morehead Street in Chenoa, directly off of Old Route 66. It is just under a half acre, with separate small dog and large dog areas. For more information, phone 815.945.7619 and visit the Chenoa Dog Park on Facebook

The Fetch & Stretch Dog Park in Chenoa Route 66 in Illinois

Lexington, Illinois

Lexington was founded in 1836. Today, the city's Memory Lane is a well-preserved stretch of the original 1926-1930 Route 66 alignment. The road is open year-round to pedestrians and bicyclists, and for automobiles on special events.

More information about Lexington, Illinois

Lexington Illinois Route 66 sign and map Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Memory Lane in Lexington
Welcome to Lexington Illinois Route 66 Memory Lane Original stretch of Route 66 in Lexington Illinois: Memory Lane

 

Towanda, Illinois

Towanda, Illinois along Route 66 ... Come experience our piece of history on the Mother Road

Shown below are scenes in Towanda, Illinois along Route 66 ... Dead Man's Curve to the right. Be sure to get out of your vehicle, and enjoy a 1.6 mile walk along Old 66 and experience the Mother Road up close and personal!

More information about Towanda, Illinois

Towanda, Illinois along Route 66 Dead Man's Curve near Towanda, Illinois along Route 66
Route 66 Dead Man's Curve signage in Towanda, Illinois


Normal, Illinois

Circa 1931 Sprague's Super Service and its large, unique, brick, two-story Tudor Revival architecture is a popular stop on Route 66. Visit Ryburn Place Gifts & Gab at 305 Pine Street in Normal, a former Route 66 segment.

Website of Sprague's Super Service & Ryburn Place

Sprague's Super Service .... and Ryburn Place, in Normal, Illinois

 

Bloomington - Normal, Illinois

Click to visit Bloomington and Normal, Illinois on Historic U.S. Route 66
Click to read more about
Route 66 in Bloomington-Normal

The Bloomington - Normal area is located in the heart of Illinois, at the intersections of 39, 55 and 74 and within two hours of Chicago and St. Louis. It features a number of Route 66 attractions. Be sure to check out the "Cruisin with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center"!

For more information, visit the website of the
Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bloomington-Normal Illinois Visitor Center Bloomington-Normal Illinois Visitor Center


McLean, Illinois

The Village of McLean was laid out in 1855, and was located on early alignments of Route 66. Today, Mother Road travelers enjoy a stop at the McLean Depot & Visitor Center (see photos below).

Other popular local destinations include the Dixie Travel Plaza, the oldest truck stop in Illinois, a "Home on the Road", established by J.P. Walters and John Geske in 1928, and the Playable Arcade Museum.

The Dixie Truck Stop in McLean, Illinois ... a Home on the Road ... the oldest truck stop in Illinois

Sign for the McLean Depot & Visitor Center in central Illinois on Route 66 McLean Depot & Visitor Center in central Illinois on Route 66

Atlanta, Illinois

Shops, cafes, attractions and the famous Paul Bunyon Hotdog Statue!

Standing 19 feet tall and clutching a giant hot dog, this Paul Bunyon statue (not “bunyan” - purposely spelled with an “o”). It is one of Illinois Route 66’s famous "Muffler Man" Statues, joining others like the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and the Lauterbach Giant in Springfield.

Bunyon's statue is located in Atlanta at 112 SW Arch Street, across from the Palms Grill Café, which features fine fare from The Mother Road’s golden age.

American Giants Museum

The Atlanta Betterment Fund organization is providing a home for the American Giants Museum in the City of Atlanta, Illinois. The new, one-of-a-kind experience will be located at the corner of Arch & Vine Streets, on a 1926 alignment of Route 66 in downtown Atlanta.

The American Giants Museum tells the story of the kitschy and quirky “Muffler Man/Bunyan Giant” statues that sprang up in the 1960s as advertising gimmicks across the USA.

For more information, opening dates and times, visit the website of the American Giants Museum

More information about Atlanta in Logan County, Illinois

Atlanta, Illinois ... "Midway on Illinois' Mother Road" mural
Atlanta, Illinois ... Midway on Illinois' Mother Road mural
Welcome to Atlanta, Illinois along Route 66 Paul Bunyon muffler man statue in Atlanta, Illinois along Route 66
Old Route 66 alignment near Atlanta, Illinois Route 66 information kiosk: Laying the Hard Road through Atlanta, Illinois

 

Lincoln, Illinois

The Lincoln Heritage Museum has a vast collection and Immersion Tour which allows guests to travel back in time with Abraham Lincoln. It includes rare items like Abraham Lincoln's law books, furniture from the Lincoln home, Mary Todd's jewelry, and much more. 

For more information, visit the website of Lincoln Heritage Museum

The Mill Museum on Route 66

The Mill was opened in 1929 in Lincoln, Illinois as The Blue Mill, on what was first known as Route 4 (old Route 66). The construction of the building was Dutch-themed, and painted white with blue trim and featured a revolving windmill that lit up. Many people know it as the “Home of the Schnitzel”.

It is located at 738 S. Washington Street in Lincoln. For more information, phone 217.735.1218 or visit the website of The Mill Museum on Route 66

Lincoln Heritage Museum in Illinois

The Mill Museum on Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois

 

Elkhart, Illinois

Elkhart is famous for its unusual landscape - a tree covered hill that rises 777 feet above sea level, surrounded by a horizon of flat Illinois prairie land. Settled in 1855, Lincoln and Lincoln-era political figures populate Elkhart’s history.

Be sure to view the newly created Historic Wall Mural commemorating the village of Elkhart and its long association with Route 66. The colorful hand-painted mural measures 36 feet long by 8 feet high and depicts historic figures of the village and The Mother Road.

Welcome to the Village of Elkhart, Illinois, on Historic Route 66 ... Established 1855

 

Williamsville, Illinois

The Golden Years ... Doing Business on "Main Street"
Before 1941, Route 66 ran through the heart of Williamsville

The Golden Years ... Doing Business on Main Street
Route 66 Information Kiosk in Williamsville, Illinois
The Old Station on Route 66 in Williamsville
The Old Texaco Station on Route 66 in Williamsville

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield has lots to see for Route 66 travelers, from the Lincoln Presidential Museum to the State Capitol and so much more. For more information on area tourism ... Springfield Convention & Visitor Bureau website

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Illinois
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Illinois

Abraham Lincoln Home
Abraham Lincoln Home in Springfield, Illinois
Lauterbach Giant
Lauterbach Giant in Springfield, Illinois
Phillips 66 Station at Fulgenzi's Pizza
Phillips 66 Service Station at Fulgenzi's Pizza in Springfield, Illinois
Route 66 Drive In ... Springfield, Illinois
Route 66 Drive In ... Springfield, Illinois
Dana Thomas House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Dana Thomas House by Frank Lloyd Wright in Springfield, Illinois
Visit Springfield, Illinois on Historic U.S. Route 66
Click to read more about
Route 66 in Springfield

Cozy Dog Drive In

The Cozy Dog Drive in is home of the original hot dog on a stick, dipped in batter and deep friend. It has been owned and operated by the Ed Waldmire family on famous Route 66 in Springfield, since 1949.

Located at 2935 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62703. Read more about the Cozy Dog Drive In

Cozy Dog Drive In ... Springfield, Illinois Cozy Dog Drive In ... Springfield, Illinois Cozy Dog Drive In ... Springfield, Illinois

Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum

Motorheads is located at 600 Toronto Road in Springfield. Read more about Motorheads

Sign at Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum in Springfield, Illinois Cars on the roof ... at Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum in Springfield, Illinois

Lodging and Travel Options in Springfield

TripAdvisor

Hotels and lodging in Springfield, Illinois

Springfield Travel Guide at TripAdvisor

Springfield, Illinois Hotels

Restaurants and Dining

Attractions and Things to Do

Vacation Rentals in Springfield


Auburn, Illinois

Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, this 1.4 mile section of hand-laid red brick on Route 66 survives today. It is located about two miles north of Auburn on Route 4.

Paved in sixteen-foot wide Portland Concrete circa 1921, this segment began as Illinois 4, serving as US 66 from 1926-1930. Later, in 1932, IL 4 was improved by widening the roadway and removing the ninety-degree turns, mostly by bypassing them. At this time, a brick surface was added to the route along Snell and Curran Roads.

Section of Route 66 built with hand-laid red brick ... near Auburn, Illinois


Heading south on Illinois 4 to Virden on the 1926-30 alignment of Historic Route 66
Heading south on Illinois 4 and Historic Route 66 to Virden on the 1926-30 alignment

Virden, Illinois

The beautiful new "Virden History Mural" has been completed downtown, documenting much of the history of the city since its establishment in 1852. It is located on the wall of the Sav Mor Pharmacy located on Historic Route 66 (Rt4).

More information about the design at VirdenMural.com

Virden, Illinois History Mural

Girard, Illinois

Located on Highway 4 (the original 1926 Route 66 alignment) between Virden and Nilwood in Macoupin County is the City of Girard, home to over 1,500 residents.

The Girard Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses and individuals organized to promote an economic environment, orderly growth and prosperity. Residents and visitors enjoy a variety of annual events, and camping at Hidden Ridge at nearby Otter Lake.

Girard is also home to the popular and well known Doc's Just Off 66 soda fountain, with a history dating back more than 100 years. It serves a variety of items, not just sodas, but sandwiches, salads, pork chops, burgers, breads, soups, beer and more! For detailed info, visit the Doc's Just Off 66 website and Doc's Just Off 66 on Facebook. It is located at 133 South 2nd Street. Phone 217.627.3491

Doc's Just Off 66 in Girard, Illinois

Nilwood, Illinois

West of Nilwood about 3 miles along today's Highway 4 on Donaldson Road are the "Turkey Tracks". The tracks were created when the concrete was poured in the 1920s, and a turkey took the steps that remain famous.

Today, the tracks are marked with a sign, with a "Turkey" pointing to them, and are surrounded on the pavement with a square of white paint. A fun stop while touring Route 66 in Illinois!

The Turkey Tracks on old Route 66 near Nilwood, Illinois

 

Litchfield, Illinois

A good place to stop while on your Route 66 road trip is the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center.

Other popular Litchfield attractions include The Ariston Cafe and the Sky View Drive-in Theater.

334 Historic Old Route 66 North, Litchfield, IL 62056

More information about the Litchfield Museum

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois ... Where the Road Began

Sky View Drive-in Theater

The Sky View Drive-In Theater in Litchfield is in its 72nd consecutive season of bringing 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.

Read more at the website of the Sky View Drive -In Theater and Sky View on Facebook

The Sky View Drive-in, Litchfield, Illinois The Sky View Drive-in, 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

 

Mt. Olive, Illinois

Soulsby's Shell Service Station

Russell Soulsby built this station in 1926 with his father, Henry. He ran it with his sister Ola until 1991. For its 65 years of operation, they sold only Shell gasoline. The Soulsby Station is an excellent example of a "house with canopy" form.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. More information about Soulsby's at NPS

Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Soulsby's Shell Service Station in Mt. Olive, Illinois Soulsby's Shell Service Station on Route 66 in Mt. Olive, Illinois

 

Staunton, Illinois

Henry's Rabbit Ranch ... HARE IT IS! ... Staunton, Illinois

Henry's Rabbit Ranch Station and Visitor's Center looks like a real old classic filling station once found all along Route 66. At Henry's Rabbit Ranch you'll find a wide selection real live rabbits, Volkswagon VW Rabbits, and Route 66 gift and collectible items too.The Ranch is located at 1107 Historic Old Route 66, Staunton, IL 62088 ... phone 618.635.5655

More information at ... Henry's Rabbit Ranch

Sad news ... it has been reported that Rich Henry passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024. Rich was widely respected for his work on developing Route 66, and his passion for loving and saving rabbits. He will be missed by the Route 66 community.

 

Henry's Rabbit Ranch ... HARE IT IS! ... Staunton, Illinois Route 66. Roadside Attraction: Henry's Rabbit Ranch ... HARE IT IS! ... Staunton, Illinois

Livingston, Illinois ... and the Pink Elephant

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is located in the 3-story 30,000 sqft building which housed the Livingston High School from 1926 to 2004. The property, which sits on about 10 acres, is owned by Tonia and Wayne Pickerill.

The mall's antique dealers offer wares such as jewelry, collectibles, glassware, memorabilia, candles, home goods and much more. The quaint 1950s-style Twistee Treats Diner serves burgers, nachos, sandwiches, ice cream and refreshments. It also houses The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop, and the Area 66 Haunted School!

Car shows and cruise-ins frequent the Pink Elephant. Plus, the Futuro UFO is a popular photo-op as are the bigger-than-life fiberglass giants including the "Uniroyal Gal" and the nearby "Beach Boy" and "Harley" man.

Be sure to make plans to attend the Annual Route 66 UFO Festival at the Pink Elephant on August 23-25, 2024.

It is located at 908 Veterans Memorial Drive in Livingston (see map below). For more information, visit the

Pink Elephant Antique Mall website and Pink Elephant on Facebook or phone 618.637.2366

More information about the Pink Elephant on this website

Sign for The Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Livingston, Illinois The Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Livingston, Illinois The Pink Elephant Antique Mall, dining area, Livingston, Illinois
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Livingston, Illinois

 

Hamel, Illinois

Welcome to Hamel, Illinois ... Established 1884!

Hamel has two original Route 66 attractions, The Tourist Haven Restaurant, now Weezy’s Route 66, and the “Church of the Neon Cross” St. Paul Lutheran.

More information about Hamel, Illinois

Welcome to Hamel, Illinois on Route 66


West End Service Station in Edwardsville

In 2022, the City of Edwardsville partnered with Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau to purchase and restore this circa 1927 historic Route 66 landmark. It maps out the history of the iconic highway in Edwardsville. It opened in June of 2023 as a Route 66 interpretive center to take visitors on a nostalgic trip back in time through the stories and photos from past decades.

It is located at 620 St. Louis Street in Edwardsville. Read more about the station at the City of Edwardsville website

West End Service Station on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois
West End Service Station and Visitor Center on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois Interior view of the West End Service Station and Visitor Center on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois

Collinsville, Illinois

Founded in 1872, and home to "The World's Largest Catsup Bottle"

Since 1949, this has been a favorite example of roadside architecture at its best! The catsup bottle is actually a 170-foot water tower, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

More information about the Catsup Bottle

The World's Largest Catsup Botttle, in Collinsville, Illinois Welcome to Historic Collinsville, Illinois, founded in 1872, located on Route 66

Granite City and Madison County

In Madison County Illinois, U.S. Highway 66 ran nearly 40 miles from the Macoupin/Madison County line to the Mississippi River. The route entered the county just south of Staunton and flowed generally southwest through Hamel, Edwardsville, Mitchell, Nameoki, Granite City, Madison, and Venice to cross the Mississippi River on the McKinley Bridge.

Granite City is located in southwestern Illinois, close to the Mississippi River and St. Louis. Over the years, it has had multiple alignments of Route 66 run through the city. It is home to a number of Route 66 attractions, such as O'Brien Tire & Auto Care which started as a service station and garage in 1906. It is the oldest auto repair shop on Route 66 and is located at 3924 Nameoki Road on the original Route 66 alignment through Granite City. Be sure to stop and visit!

Mitchell is an unincorporated community northeast of Granite City. U.S. Route 66 ran through Mitchell and various businesses along the road became stops for travelers and truckers, such as the Luna Café, built in 1924.

For more information on Route 66 in southwestern Illinois, visit these websites:
Madison County Historical
Illinois.gov Route 66 Trail
Madison County - Route 66 Association of Illinois

 

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis, Missouri was opened in 1929. The eastern end of the bridge is on Chouteau Island, (part of Madison, Illinois), while the western end is on the Missouri shoreline.

The bridge was part of U.S. Route 66 and linked two states: Illinois and Missouri. The bridge is short and narrow, only 1 mile long by 24 feet wide. It towers more than 60 feet above the water, and features a unique 30-degree turn midway across the river.

Construction cost of the bridge was over $2.5 million, twice its original estimate. The bridge had beautifully landscaped approaches. A park-like setting around a pool and a large, ornate toll booth anchored the Missouri end. On the Illinois side, 400 elm trees lined the approach. The bridge brought travelers into St. Louis by way of the picturesque Chain of Rocks amusement park on the Missouri hills overlooking the river. The bridge became an official part of the Route 66 experience in 1936, when the Mother Road was rerouted over the bridge.

In 1966, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge was built immediately to the old bridge's north in order to carry I-270; the old Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in February of 1970. The bridge is currently open daily for pedestrians and biking; permits are required for automobile traffic for special events.

Current status, parking information and alerts about the bridge at the Great Rivers Greenway website

Chain of Rocks Bridge at NPS

Vintage view of the Chain of Rocks Bridge
Vintage view of the Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri

Bridge entrance in Illinois
The entrance to the old Chain of Rocks bridge near Madison, Illinois
Old Route 66 signs on the bridge
Old Route 66 signs at a resting stop on the old Chain of Rocks Bridge between Illinois and Missouri


Lodging Options Along Route 66 in Illinois

TripAdvisor

Hotels and lodging in Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Joliet, Illinois

Pontiac, Illinois

Bloomington - Normal, Illinois

Springfield, Illinois

Litchfield, Illinois

 

More Information about Illinois Route 66

Enjoy Illinois - Office of Tourism: Route 66

Route 66 Association of Illinois

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

ChooseChicago.com

Illinois Route 66 Segments at NPS


The Route 66 Store ... click to shop now for books, maps, clothing, videos and more!


MORE ILLINOIS ROUTE 66

Route 66 Road Trips in Illinois

Route 66 road trip to Chicago, Illinois Route 66 Road Trip to Joliet, Illinois Route 66 Road Trip to Pontiac, Illinois Route 66 Road Trip to Bloomington and Normal in Illinois
Dwight, Illinois along Route 66 Route 66 road trip to Springfield, Illinois Route 66 road trip to Litchfield, Illinois


Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in Illinois

Earlier times on Route 66 in Illinois: the A. Lincoln Tourist Court, south limits of Springfield, Illlinois

 

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards dealing with Illinois and Route 66.

What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove around and across Illinois? What did all the service stations, motels and public buildings look like when they were new?

What did the traveling public experience on the Mother Road? We wonder such things when we travel Route 66 today.

Those earlier times in the 1930s, 40s and 50s were not always captured on film. But the use of colorful postcards was common in those decades.

These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize, and appreciate, "earlier times" as we drive Route 66 today across Illinois.

Lincoln Trail Motel - Springfield
Lincoln Trail Motel - Spingfield, Illinois
Arrow Motel - Dwight, IL
Arrow Motel ... Dwight, IL
Prairie Traveler - Bloomington
The Prairie Traveler Motel in Bloomington, Illinois
Dell Rhea Chicken Basket
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket and Cocktail Lounge in Illinois
Crossroads Motel - Lincoln, IL
Crossroads Motel - Lincoln, IL
Leonard's - Springfield
Leonard's Modern Motel - Springfield, Illinois
Southern View - Springfield
Southern View Motel, Springfield, Illinois
Poland's Motel - Springfield
Poland's Motel, City Route 66 North, Springfield, Illinois
Magnolia Court - Springfield
Magnolia Court, Springfield, Illinois

 

Driving West
on the Next Route 66 Segment?

From St. Louis to Joplin Across Missouri

Route 66 Road Trip across Missouri from St. Louis to Joplin


Road Trip Travel Guides for Various States Along Route 66

Need help and ideas when planning your road trip on Route 66? Here are travel guides and reviews by state ...

Route 66 in Missouri Route 66 in Texas Route 66 Across Arizona Route 66 Across New Mexico
Route 66 Road Trips Across Oklahoma Route 66 Road Trips in Illinois Route 66 Across California Route 66 in Kansas