Route 66, known as the "Mother Road," begins its legendary journey in Illinois. Stretching from Chicago to the Mississippi River in St. Louis, the Illinois portion of Route 66 offers a rich mix of history, roadside attractions, and classic Americana. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable road trip along this iconic highway.
Starting Point: Chicago
Your journey begins at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, the official starting point of Route 66. Before heading out, explore:
- Route 66 Begin Sign (📍78–98 E Adams St) - A must-stop for a photo-op.
- Lou Mitchell’s (📍565 W Jackson Blvd)- A historic diner serving travelers since 1923.
- Willis Tower Skydeck (📍233 S. Wacker Drive) - Get a bird’s eye view of your route from above.
Chicago itself doesn’t have a dedicated Route 66 visitor center. The closest official centers are located further along the route in Illinois. The Route 66 Visitors Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum is the first major stop.
Joliet – The Gateway to Route 66
Distance from Chicago: 45 miles
- Joliet Route 66 Welcome Center (📍204 N. Ottawa St)- Get maps and brochures about Route 66.
- The Rialto Square Theatre (📍102 N. Chicago St) - A stunning historic theater worth a quick visit.
- Rich & Creamy on Broadway (📍920 N Broadway St) - A classic ice cream stand featuring a Blues Brothers statue. Positioned at the edge of the adjoining Route 66 Park.
Wilmington to Pontiac – Classic Attractions
- The Landing Pad Visitors Center & Souvenir Shop (📍110 S Park St Suite C, Wilmington)- Serves as a small visitor center and gift shop for Route 66 travelers located behind the famous Gemini Giant fiberglass muffler man.
- The Gemini Giant (📍201 Bridge St, Wilmington)– Iconic 30-foot muffler man statue with space helmet & rocket.
- Route 66 Experience Sign (📍110 Bridge St, Wilmington)- Interpretive sign & photo spot
- Braidwood’s Polk-A-Dot Drive-In (📍222 N Front St)– classic 1950s-style diner along Route 66, famous for burgers, malts, chili-cheese fries, and its lineup of pop-culture statues (Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, the Blues Brothers, Betty Boop, and more).
- Braidwood Zoo (📍140 N Front St)- located just down the road from the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In.
- Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum and Pontiac Visitors Center (📍110 W Howard St)– located at the same address. A museum and a visitor center.
- Pontiac Murals & Swinging Bridge – Take a walking tour of the town’s famous murals.
Springfield – Abraham Lincoln’s Hometown
Distance from Pontiac: 95 miles
- Springfield Visitors Center (📍109 N 7th St)- Situated inside the historic Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, across from the Old State Capitol.
- Cozy Dog Drive-In (📍2935 S 6th St) – Home of the original corn dog.
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site (📍413 S 8th St) – Explore Lincoln’s former residence.
- The Illinois State Capitol (📍401 S. 2nd St)– A beautiful building with guided tours.
- Shea’s Gas Station Museum (📍2075 N Peoria Rd)– A nostalgic stop for gas station memorabilia.
Final Stretch: Litchfield to Chain of Rocks Bridge
- Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center (📍334 Old Rte 66 N)- vintage cars, local memorabilia, and the glowing Vic Suhling Gas Station sign.
- Litchfield’s Ariston Café (📍413 Old Rte 66)– One of the oldest restaurants on Route 66.
- Pink Elephant Antique Mall (📍908 Veterans Memorial Dr, Livingston) – Quirky roadside attraction and shopping spot.
- Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (📍1107 Historic Old Rte 66, Staunton) – A fun stop featuring rabbits and Route 66 memorabilia.
- Chain of Rocks Bridge (Granite City) – A historic bridge spanning the Mississippi River into Missouri.
Tips for Your Route 66 Adventure
- Timing:
- Spring and fall are the best seasons to travel.
- Navigation:
- Use Route 66 apps or maps to stay on the historic path.
- Lodging:
- Consider staying in historic motels like the Route 66 Hotel in Springfield.
- Photo Stops:
- Don’t miss the many Instagram-worthy vintage signs and murals along the way.
Illinois Route 66 Map
Ready to hit the Mother Road?
Pick your itinerary, fuel up, and start your Route 66 adventure today.