Nostalgia and New Experiences on and around Route 66 in Illinois

Get your kicks at Route 66-themed places throughout Illinois. The official start to the iconic trek is commemorated with an informative sign at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. The sign is in front of the Art Institute of Chicago and adjacent to Millennium Park. When driving the Mother Road through the state, stop at Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station in Dwight. The gas station opened in 1933 and is now a Route 66 visitor center and museum. Prepare for nostalgia at the Route 66 Arcade Museum in Atlanta, where visitors can play vintage pinball and other video games from the 1930s through the 1970s. Travelers to Auburn can drive 2.25 kilometers of the restored, hand-laid brick segment of the original historic Route 66 road. Stop in the charming town of Edwardsville to visit the West End Service Station. The landmark was built in 1927 and now houses Route 66 displays and exhibits. One of the most beloved experiences of yesteryear found along the famous road is the enjoyment of drive-in movie theatres. Enjoy the latest hits and classic films from your car at Route 66 Drive-In in Springfield and Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield.

Bring your camera to capture memories that will last forever at beloved and eccentric spots throughout Illinois. Snap a selfie in front of Cloud Gate, more affectionately called “the Bean,” one of the unofficial symbols of Chicago in Millennium Park. Also in the park, find the captivating LED towers and shallow reflective pool that make up the Crown Fountain. In Springfield, admire the Ace Sign Museum’s collection of over 85 recreated or restored signs of businesses from the past before seeing more brightly-lit relics of the Mother Road at Route 66 Legends Neon Park – both experiences are free. Learn about the iconic giants, the adored large statues of Route 66, at the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, and make sure to take a picture with the treasured Paul Bunyan Hotdog Statue across the street. Find other offbeat charm at photo-ops throughout Illinois, like the World’s Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln, the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Water Tower in Collinsville.

Illinois’ legacy as a historic destination is highlighted at institutions along the Mother Road. The Barack Obama Presidential Center is expected to open in 2026 in Chicago’s Jackson Park. Learn about the USA’s first Black president at the complex that will include a museum, gardens and a library. Another president with strong ties to Illinois is Abraham Lincoln. He started his career in Springfield, where the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum now houses artifacts and exhibits about his life. You’ll find the Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of the famous president, in the nearby Oak Ridge Cemetery. Halfway between Chicago and Springfield is to the small town of Pontiac. Visit its Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum for everything Route 66 related – all for free. Snap a picture with the largest painted Route 66 Shield in the world, which covers one of the external walls of the museum and is one of several large-scale murals found in the charming downtown. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves the memory of a once great ancient city with an interpretive center and archaeological mounds to explore.

The whole family will love an epic excursion filled with fun stops for all ages. Come hungry for tasty food in Springfield. Try a famous corn dog at Cozy Dog Drive In. The restaurant opened to drivers in the 1940s and still dishes out diner favorites among walls filled with Route 66 memorabilia. Drive 10 minutes to another delicious food spot, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum. The complex consists of a restaurant, a museum and a live music area. The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston is a must-stop for any shopping-loving road tripper. Browse over 50 antique dealers, enjoy sweets from its Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop, savor a meal at the retro diner and get a photo with the legendary pink elephant statue. For time well spent together in the fresh air, head to Aerie’s Resort in Grafton. Take a gondola or a chairlift to enjoy the stunning nature views that include the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. There’s also an alpine coaster and ziplines for those looking for more thrills in nature.

Fly into Chicago via O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW). Chicago is also a hub for regional bus and train services.