Cruise 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 1940s gas pump at. This is the Mother Road.
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: Joliet to Springfield
The History of Route 66
Visit one of the Mother Road’s iconic Route 66 museums and discover the history of this legendary highway.
See HighlightsIllinois 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.
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.
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.
Day 3: Springfield 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 HighlightsHenry’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.
