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Getting Here & Getting Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
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Around Illinois by Amtrak
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
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Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesDrive the iconic Mother Road on Illinois Route 66.
Route 66
A 300-mile stretch of American roadway, steeped in legend and packed full with eccentric lifers, nostalgic eats, quirky museums and more kitsch than you can shake a restored 1940’s gas pump at. This is the Mother Road.
Chicago to Joliet
The Mother Road Begins
Forget the destination. This is all about the journey.
See HighlightsBegin Route 66 Sign
You’ll begin your legendary journey in the heart of downtown Chicago at the very start of Route 66. Snap the perfect first selfie as you begin your 300-mile descent down the Mother Road at the iconic Route 66 Begin sign on E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket
Before you get too far, it’s time for a little grub at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket. Dell Rhea’s in Wilmington has been serving up some of the best fried chicken on Route 66 since it opened as a gas station lunch counter in the summer of 1946. Since then, it’s been inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame, drawing guests from around the world with their original delicious recipe.
Joliet to Bloomington
The History of Route 66
Visit one of the Mother Road’s iconic Route 66 museums and discover the history of this legendary highway.
Things You Might Like...
Gemini Giant
The Gemini Giant is a 30 ft tall statue located outside the Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilm...
Ambler’s Texaco Station in Dwight
This circa 1940s Texaco station was once a thriving service station but now serves as a Ro...
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum
No Route 66 journey is complete without a visit to one (or all) of the Mother Road’s classic museums. A must-see is the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, packed full with the finest memorabilia associated with the history of Route 66. Among the artifacts, you’ll find the bus and van of Route 66 icon, Bob Waldmire—a true legend of the Mother Road. Step around back for a photo op with the World’s Largest Route 66 shield.
Bloomington to Springfield
Finding the Kitsch on Route 66
Today is the day of kitsch. Gaudy, unnatural things that must be seen and photographed.
See HighlightsThings You Might Like...
Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup
The Funk family business of producing pure maple sirup began in Funks Grove in 1824, and b...
Dixie Truckers Home
Established in 1928 at the intersection of U.S. Route 66 and Route 136 in McLean, Illinois...
Gene's Dairy Delight
Locally owned and operated since 1971, Gene's takes pride in their homemade novelties. Fam...
Paul Bunyon Hotdog Statue
Some of Illinois’ best roadside relics lie in wait on this stretch of the Mother Road. In Atlanta, snap a photo with the 19-ft. Paul “Bunyon” clutching a giant hot dog. One of Route 66’s mythic roadside attractions, several of these giants still proudly grace the Mother Road. After your photo, head across the street for a quick bite at favorite The Palms Grill Café, featuring classic faire from the golden age Route 66. Save room for some pie.
World’s Largest Covered Wagon
A little way down the road in Lincoln, catch a glimpse of the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, complete with a very large – and very studious – Abraham Lincoln statue. The Railsplitter Covered Wagon is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest covered wagon in the world, standing a towering 24 feet tall.
Springfield to Litchfield
Sodas, Diners & Drive Ins
Savor some Illinois delicacies, served up with a big slice of Midwestern Americana, and enjoy a classic Route 66 pastime.
See HighlightsThings You Might Like...
Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue
This clean-shaven statue of young Mr. Lincoln stands in front of the Illinois Exhibits bui...
Lauterbach Giant
This giant fiberglass statue stands outside Lauterbach Auto Service.
Original Historic Route 66 Brick Road
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautiful 1.4 mile long piece of ...
Cozy Dog Drive In
Corndogs – a marvel of the modern world. But have you ever wondered who decided to put these deep-fried delights on a stick in the first place? Well here they are. Part Drive In, part Route 66 museum, make sure to plan a stop in for this Mother Road favorite.
Doc’s Soda Fountain
Heading into Litchfield, cut over to the Old Route 66 and take the fabled Auburn Brick Road to Girard’s. Voted #4 Best Soda Fountain across America by Country Living Magazine, Girard’s is the best way to get refreshed before the next leg of your trip.
Sky View Drive-In Theater
End your day with a visit to the Sky View Drive-In Theater on the other side of Route 66. The last of its kind, Sky View is the only remaining original operating drive-in theater on the Illinois stretch of Route 66. During warmer months, you can enjoy the classic dancing hotdogs (odd) and a double-feature for just five bucks. If that’s not worth a trip, we don’t know what is.
Litchfield to Collinsville
The Final Miles of Illinois Route 66
Soak up all the quirky Route 66 charm on the last miles of Illinois Route 66.
See HighlightsThings You Might Like...
World's Largest Catsup Bottle
This 170-foot-tall bottle that resembles a Brook's Catsup Bottle served as a water tower f...
Pink Elephant Antique Mall
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall has many hidden gems. Open daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm.
Livingston Muffler Man
The Livingston-Staunton Muffler Man, in his spiffy orange "Harley-Davidson" shirt, is loca...
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch
Before you close out your trip, you’ll want to swing by one of the southern stretch’s more curious attractions, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch. Equal parts roadside attraction, visitor center and rabbit ranch, it’s well worth a visit. Look for the VW Rabbits sticking up out of the ground.
The Bridge to Route 66
Your journey ends at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge out of Collinsville. Built in 1927, it’s the fifth bridge to cross the Mississippi River and the perfect final selfie as you close the book on your Illinois Route 66 adventure.
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