The Ultimate Guide to Route 66 in Illinois

There is no greater American road trip than Route 66. Whether you seek roadside nostalgia or the freedom of the open road, Route 66 delivers welcome surprises. While it stretches across eight U.S. states, Route 66 begins in Chicago and traverses 301 miles across Illinois. Route 66 in Illinois features iconic roadside attractions, neon signs, and classic restaurants, so you’ll want to take your time exploring this portion of the Mother Road. The best memories you make won’t come from jumping out of the car to snap a photo but taking the time to chat with locals along the way.

The Route 66 centennial in 2026 is inspiring many travelers to get their kicks on this legendary highway. After living in Illinois for nearly two decades, I have driven all of Route 66 in Illinois, interviewed local businesses on the route for my latest book, and written articles about Route 66. I created this Route 66 Illinois guide to compile the highlights, hidden gems, and helpful travel information from my many trips to make your Mother Road adventure memorable. Whether you are looking for Illinois day trips or are traveling the entire route, I hope you find this Route 66 Illinois itinerary helpful. See you on the road!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my honest recommendations, at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

Route 66 Background

Route 66 doesn’t officially exist anymore. It was decommissioned in 1985, and today it’s a cross-country maze of highways, former segments, and realignments. The route isn’t straightforward, but it lives on in the devoted businesses, neighbors, and travelers that keep its stories alive. 

Chicago is a fitting start to Route 66 because the first people who traveled the route were from the Windy City. George T. Rew, Herman Pomy, William H. Aldrich Jr., and Robert Lockey drove from San Francisco to Chicago in 1910 along crude pioneer roads to prove that long-distance travel by car was possible. As car travel became more popular, Cyrus Avery, nicknamed “the Father of Route 66,” championed a national highway system between Chicago and Los Angeles. Route 66 was designated on November 11, 1926, and the Illinois portion of Route 66 was the first section to be completely paved.

Stretching 2,400 miles across much of the United States, Route 66 offered opportunities for Americans to travel and for small communities to earn revenue. The Mother Road was mentioned in books, songs, and a 1960s television series. Interstates eventually replaced U.S. 66, bypassing the communities along the route. Many have worked to preserve Route 66 and maintain its historic attractions. In Illinois, Historic Route 66 is a National Scenic Byway. Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026, and it continues to attract those drawn to adventure and the open road. 

Route 66 Illinois Map

Since you can’t read this article while you’re driving, I created a Route 66 Illinois map of all the locations that I’ve detailed below. I’ve distinguished between restaurants and other points of interest. 

Route 66 Illinois Resources

Route 66 changed alignments several times over the decades, and there are sights to see along all of them. These resources can help you plan the route that works best for your trip, so you don’t miss a thing.

• Traveling the New, Historic Route 66 of Illinois – John Weiss wrote the book on how to drive Route 66 in Illinois in 1997 and continues to update it. It’s a great resource if you’re looking for turn-by-turn directions, details on changing alignments, and attractions along the way. I purchased a copy ahead of my trip, but you may be able to find it for a better price in Route 66 Illinois gift shops as you travel.
• Route 66 Ultimate Guide App – I didn’t use an app to drive in Illinois, but it may be helpful if you’re traveling the whole route. This free app highlights Route 66 stops and offers navigation.
• Explore Illinois Route 66 App – Created by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, this app features a map with places to see, stay, and eat along the route in Illinois.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Route 66 in Illinois?

At a minimum, it takes about six hours to drive from Chicago to St. Louis on Route 66. If you want to soak in all that the first 300 miles of Route 66 has to offer, then I would recommend spending two to three days traveling Route 66 in Illinois. 

Where to Stay on Route 66 in Illinois

You’ll want to spend the night in Chicago to start your Mother Road journey bright and early the next day. You can compare available hotels in Chicago on this map. As a longtime Chicagoan, here are a few of my recommendations:

• Chicago Athletic Association – Start your trip in historic splendor at a former elite sporting club built in 1893. Its rooftop restaurant, Cindy’s, delivers some of the best views of Millennium Park, the Bean, and Lake Michigan. It’s steps away from the former Route 66 starting point at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
• Sable Hotel – If you kick off your road trip at the new Route 66 starting point at Navy Pier, the Sable Hotel is a convenient option. Opened in 2021, the sleek hotel is the first at Navy Pier, and it offers gorgeous views of downtown Chicago. 
• Ohio House Motel – For those seeking an old school stay to pair with their vintage ride, the Ohio House Motel is a classic motor lodge built in 1960. While I think there are better options downtown for the cost, it can’t be beat for nostalgic vibes.

I recommend spending the night in Springfield as well. It is just over the halfway point of Route 66 in Illinois, and you’ll want time to soak in the Mother Road landmarks that abound in the state capital. You can compare available hotels in Springfield on this map.

• The President Abraham Lincoln Hotel – This convenient option is located downtown within easy walking distance of the Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol, and other historic sites.
• The Pasfield House – I’ve enjoyed staying at this historic boutique hotel as an alternative to larger properties. Built in 1896, the rooms are filled with charm, and the property is located near popular attractions downtown.

Many Mother Road travelers opt to spend their next night in St. Louis, but you may find a cheaper and quieter option by choosing a hotel on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

• Urban Collective (Edwardsville) – This boutique hotel offers eight unique rooms in a historic 1887 building located in a charming college town.
• The CarlinVilla Motel (Carlinville) – This is another historic motor lodge, built in 1965, for those seeking a retro stay.
• The Holiday Inn Express (Litchfield) – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to bunk for the night, this hotel is just minutes away from the Ariston Café—the oldest restaurant on Route 66.

If you do choose to stay overnight across the river in St. Louis, I’ve enjoyed staying at the historic hotels below. You can compare available hotels in St. Louis on this map.

• St. Louis Union Station Hotel – Stay in a former train station built in 1904. Your jaw will drop when you see the mosaics and art glass details in the Grand Hall, not to mention its nightly 3D light show.
• 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis– A YMCA building from 1926 is transformed into a hip hotel complete with an art gallery.

Chicago

Welcome to the Windy City! I’m going to stick to Route 66 tips, but if you’re looking for fun things to do in Chicago, check out my Chicago articles and my Chicago books Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and Chicago Scavenger!

Route 66 Starting Point

You’re ready to get your kicks on Route 66, but where do you start? Chicago has had more than one official Route 66 starting point over the years. 

• Navy Pier – In 2026, the official starting point of Route 66 moved to Navy Pier in honor of the Mother Road’s centennial. It corresponds to the ending point at Santa Monica Pier in California, creating a “pier-to-pier” connection. Navy Pier is a popular attraction, but as a local, I find it touristy with expensive parking. However, you can get nice downtown views from a ferris wheel ride or boat tour at Navy Pier.
• Adams Street and Michigan Avenue – This intersection across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago was the official starting point of Route 66 from 1955 to 2026.
• Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue – Route 66 originally began at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. When Jackson became a one-way street heading east, the starting point moved a block away to Adams Street. However, this remained the official endpoint for those traveling from Los Angeles until it was moved to Navy Pier in 2026.

Lou Mitchell’s 

Lou Mitchell’s started fueling travelers before Route 66 existed. Founded in 1923, the classic diner is located along the original Route 66 starting point on Jackson Boulevard. Start your journey with an omelette and the “world’s finest coffee” served by the Thanas family’s fifth generation. Don’t worry if you see a line—Lou Mitchell’s offers donut holes while you wait and Milk Duds for ladies.
565 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60661

Route 66 Centennial Mural

As you roll down Historic Route 66, called Ogden Avenue in Chicago, you’ll pass by historic sites and lively neighborhoods. A new highlight along the route is this mural by Chicago artist Ben Marasco. It was installed in 2025 to celebrate the Route 66 centennial, and it features some of Chicago’s classic Route 66 stops. Grab a snack at Lulu’s Hot Dogs, in business since 1968, or across the street at Ferrara Bakery, an Italian pastry shop since 1908.
1000 S. Leavitt St., Chicago, IL 60612

More Chicago Stops

• Art Institute of Chicago – Located across from the longtime Route 66 starting point, you don’t need to be an art expert to appreciate the iconic works housed here. Book a guided tour to see the highlights. 
• The Berghoff – This German restaurant is located two blocks from the longtime Route 66 starting point. Founded in 1898, the Berghoff received the first liquor license in Chicago after Prohibition, and you can see it framed by the bar.
• Architecture Boat Tour – The one Chicago activity I recommend to all visitors, even if it isn’t Route 66-related. Chicago’s First Lady is my favorite operator because it’s run by the Chicago Architecture Center.

🏨 Chicago Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Chicago.
📸 Chicago Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Chicago.

Chicago Suburbs

As you leave the Windy City in your rearview mirror, you’ll pass through industrial areas and communities in Chicagoland. If you’re already getting hungry, there are a few classic Route 66 restaurant options outside of Chicago.

Henry’s Drive-In

A classic neon sign attracts hungry drivers just outside of Chicago in Cicero. Henry’s Drive-In is a no-frills joint serving Chicago hot dogs, Italian beef, and other roadside eats with friendly service. The Henry family started it in the 1950s as a hot dog wagon before opening on Route 66, and as the sign says, “It’s a Meal in Itself!”
6031 W. Ogden Ave., Cicero, IL 60804

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket

The bird is the word at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook. It started as a lunch counter in the 1930s before the restaurant was built in 1946, complete with an enticing neon sign. According to legend, two local farm ladies shared their recipe for fried chicken, and folks still eat it up in a cozy atmosphere today. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
645 Joliet Rd., Willowbrook, IL 60527

Joliet

As the fourth-largest city in Illinois, there’s no shortage of history and attractions to be found in Joliet. Joliet was part of the original 1926 alignment of Route 66 in Illinois until it was bypassed in 1940.

The Old Joliet Prison

“I thought I knew about prisons from how they were portrayed on the news or on TV … I think you become more empathetic, not just to people in prison, but guards, victims of crime, families of the victims, and also families of the incarcerated.”
– Greg Peerbolte, chief executive officer of the Joliet Area Historical Museum

Joliet’s most famous resident, Joliet Jake, may be fictional, but the prison that John Belushi left in The Blues Brothers is very real. Built from Joliet limestone quarried by prisoners, Joliet Correctional Center operated from 1858 until it closed in 2002. Book a guided or self-guided tour to explore the prison buildings and yard that once housed criminals along the original Route 66 alignment. Admission is $35 for a guided tour and $22 for a self-guided tour.
1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL 60432

Joliet Area Historical Museum

The Route 66 Welcome Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum transports you into the past. Pose in a nostalgic diner scene, admire historic photos from Route 66 in Joliet, and see the suits worn by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi while filming The Blues Brothers. Admission is $10.
204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432

More Joliet Stops

• The Blues Brothers – You can’t miss references to The Blues Brothers as you drive around Joliet. Look for a mural near the Old Joliet Prison and spot a sculpture of the dancing brothers atop Rich & Creamy.
• Dick’s Towing Service – The service station features vintage cars on the roof and a segment of original Route 66 brick roadway.
• Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 – Celebrate musicians and bands with ties to Illinois and learn about the state’s rich music history. From Buddy Guy to Cheap Trick and more, find out why Illinois rocks. 
• Route 66 Raceway – This motorsports and drag racing facility hosts national competitions and special events where you can even drive on the tracks. 

Joliet to Pontiac

There are plenty of reasons to pull over on Route 66 during the one-hour drive from Joliet to Pontiac. It’s a leisurely drive where charming small towns are connected by rural landscapes. 

Gemini Giant

A spaceman in a green suit and silver helmet is an out-of-this-world sight in Wilmington’s South Island Park. The 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant is a local legend. He landed in the 1960s at the Launching Pad Drive-In and was named by local schoolkids after the Gemini space program. The diner and the Gemini Giant were Route 66 icons until the diner closed around 2022. The stars aligned when the Joliet Area Historical Museum purchased him at auction, restored the giant, and installed him near his original location. Nearby, you’ll find a Route 66 sign and the Landing Pad gift shop featuring Mother Road collectibles.
201 Bridge St., Wilmington, IL 60481

The Polk-a-Dot Drive In

Picture a Route 66 roadside restaurant, and the Polk-a-Dot Drive In springs to mind. You’ll be transported to the 1950s when you visit this Braidwood diner with statues of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe greeting you outside and even a Superman phone booth. Slide into a booth with your burger or chili dog and play a classic song from the tabletop jukeboxes for just a quarter. It’s been a Route 66 favorite since opening in 1956.
222 N Front St., Braidwood, IL 60408

Two-Cell Jail

This quirky roadside attraction along Route 66 was restored by the community. Gardner’s historic jail was built in 1906 with just two cells containing a cot and a bucket. Now, visitors can go “behind bars” in the cells for a photo op. I didn’t expect to be so charmed by this tiny building during my quick visit! 
400 E Mazon St, Gardner, IL 60424

Ambler Texaco Station

Dwight is home to the longest operating gas station along Route 66. The Ambler Texaco Station served travelers for 66 years from 1933 until 1999. Its cottage-like design was intended to be inviting and blend in with nearby buildings. The Village of Dwight restored the main office and canopy area to its 1930s appearance and the service bay area back to the 1940s. Today, the gas station is a visitor’s center. While it wasn’t open when I visited, I listened to its story on an audio player outside.
W. Waupansie St., Dwight, IL 60420

Standard Oil Gas Station

Illinois is fortunate to have several historic gas stations that remain on Route 66. This Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell operated from 1932 until 1975. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it features an audio player. 
400 S. West St., Odell, IL 60460

Pontiac

Pontiac is a must-stop on your Route 66 road trip. With museums, murals, and a picturesque historic downtown, travelers could spend all day exploring.

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

The free Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum tells the route’s story from inception to preservation. It highlights attractions, businesses, and characters along the Mother Road. It has the distinction of exhibiting several vehicles used by itinerant Illinois artist Bob Waldmire as he traveled along Route 66 for decades. See his 1972 Volkswagen Microbus that inspired the far-out character of Fillmore in the Pixar movie Cars. Behind the museum, Waldmire’s Road Yacht looks like a log cabin on wheels. See Waldmire’s artworks in an exhibit upstairs and admire an unfinished mural he was painting in the museum. The building also features the moving Livingston County War Museum as well as exhibits that transport you to the various eras in American history. 
110 West Howard Street, Pontiac, IL 61764

Walldog Murals and World’s Largest Painted Route 66 Shield

Stretch your legs with a walk around downtown Pontiac to admire its 24 outdoor murals depicting local history. Several Walldog Murals were completed in 2009 by muralists and sign painters from around the world–including the world’s largest painted Route 66 shield on the back of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. You can’t miss a 66-foot-long map of Route 66 on Main Street. It was Bob Waldmire’s last commissioned artwork, but 500 of his family and friends completed it in his memory.

More Pontiac Stops

• Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum – Gearheads can’t miss this collection of classic cars, dealer items, and more related to Oakland and Pontiac automobiles.
• Old Log Cabin – Chow down on a home-cooked meal in a century-old log cabin. The Old Log Cabin has been feeding hungry travelers since 1926. Don’t skip the pie!

Pontiac to Lincoln

Farmland flies by as you cruise this one-hour stretch of Route 66. Normal is home to Illinois State University, the oldest public university in the state. As a college town, there are several restaurants and hotels in the Bloomington-Normal area, making it a good place to spend the night along Route 66.

Ryburn Place

Preserving this 1931 service station was a labor of love. William Sprague built Sprague’s Super Service in a unique Tudor Revival style with a gas station and garage, a cafe, and apartments upstairs. It was home to many businesses over the years until Terri Ryburn purchased the building in 2006. Today, you can browse Route 66 gifts, get information for your journey, and admire this picturesque historic gas station. 
305 Pine St., Normal, IL 61761

Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup

“Our hope is to keep making pure maple sirup well into the future … “
– Debby Funk

If you’re ready for a sweet treat, follow the signs to Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup. Isaac Funk settled here in 1824 and started making sirup. Today, the sixth generation continues making and selling sirup. Why sirup? In the 1920s, the dictionary defined “sirup” as created from boiling sap and “syrup” as created from adding sugar to juice. However you spell it, you’ll want to stock up on maple sirup and maple candy in the gift shop. I also went home with pancake mix to pour it on.
5257 Old Route 66, Funks Grove

Atlanta

Atlanta is a small town on Route 66 with some big local characters. If you are a fan of muffler men and vintage photo opportunities, this is another must-stop for Route 66 travelers.

Tall Paul

Tall Paul is a local celebrity standing 19 feet tall and clutching a hot dog. He stood outside Paul Bunyon’s hot dog stand on Route 66 in Cicero from 1966 until he moved to Atlanta in 2003.
107 SW Arch St., Atlanta, IL 61723

American Giants Museum

“Each giant looks different and comes with its own backstory. Muffler Men are the perfect combination of intrigue and lore.”
– Joel Baker, American Giants Museum founder

Muffler Men became Route 66 icons as the oversized advertising statues attracted customers along the road. The American Giants Museum is home to the largest collection of muffler men in the world. Opened in a replica Texaco station in 2024, the free museum features restored characters like a 24-foot-tall Texaco Big Friend and a 19-foot-tall Carpet Viking, Phillips 66 Cowboy, and Snerd. Learn the history of these roadside legends and snap a memorable Route 66 selfie!
100 SW Arch St., Atlanta, IL 61723

Lumi the Pie Lady

Don’t miss Lumi, a 19-foot waitress holding a giant pie outside the Country Aire restaurant near the 1970s Route 66 alignment. Grab your own pie inside!
606 E South St., Atlanta, IL 61723

More Atlanta Stops

• Route 66 Park – Trace local history and refresh yourself at a vintage bubbling water fountain from the 1930s. 
• Original Section of Route 66 – Drive on an original section of Route 66’s concrete roadbed on this one-quarter-mile stretch. It was constructed in 1924 for Illinois Route 4 until the name changed to Route 66.
  Route 66 Memories Museum – Dive into Route 66 history, car culture, and Atlanta stories. Pick up some unique souvenirs and don’t miss the Rolls-Royce on display.
• Route 66 Arcade Museum – Power up at this free museum ($5 donation appreciated) and play vintage arcade games from the 1940s to the 1990s. 

Lincoln

Lincoln, Illinois, was the only town named after Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. The new town chose his name after he surveyed the land. On August 27, 1853, Old Abe Lincoln christened the town with watermelon juice on the lawn of today’s Logan County Visitor Center and Historic Train Depot.

The Mill Museum on 66

The Mill Restaurant opened on Route 66 in 1929 under the Dutch-themed name of the Blue Mill. It was a favorite for locals and travelers alike, especially its giant schnitzel, until it closed in 1996. Since 2017, the Mill Museum has been sharing the history of local roadside restaurants like The Mill, The Pig Hip, and The Tropics. Stop by to learn about these iconic Route 66 restaurants and to snag a souvenir from the gift shop.
738 S. Washington Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

World’s Largest Covered Wagon

Traveling through Illinois, you’ll encounter many Abraham Lincoln references. You can’t miss Lincoln’s record-setting sculpture of the 16th president. The Railsplitter Covered Wagon is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Covered Wagon. Created by David Bentley, the wagon is 25 feet tall and 40 feet long. Honest Abe is depicted atop the wagon reading a law book.
1750 5th St., Lincoln, IL 62656

Springfield

As the capital of Illinois, you could easily spend a few days in Springfield. From the legacy of Abraham Lincoln to its place on the original Route 66, history awaits around every corner.

Route 66 Segment in Carpenter Park

“Because the site sat abandoned for so many years, nature has begun to reclaim the pavement. In our cleanup efforts, we wanted visitors to feel that story.”
– Darrin Thurman, tourism manager of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

In 2025, Springfield opened an abandoned stretch of Route 66 for the first time in nearly a century. Built in 1922, this Route 66 segment in Carpenter Park was part of the original Route 66 from 1926 to 1936. Stroll on the quarter-mile path lined with vintage advertisements and appreciate the original roadbed—one of the state’s oldest. Enjoy the natural setting as you walk to the Sangamon River. Deer leapt across the Mother Road during my visit! 
1 Carpenter Park Trl., Springfield, IL 62707

Route 66 Experience

If you don’t have time to drive all of Route 66 in Illinois, you can visit its landmarks at the Route 66 Experience. Located at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, this self-guided tour walks you through 92 Route 66 Illinois communities. At the center is Route 66 Legends Neon Park, where the vibrant neon signs of Route 66 businesses glow again thanks to the work of Ace Sign Company. 
Gate 2, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62702

Route History

Travelers romanticize the heyday of Route 66 travel, but Black travelers did not have the same experience on road trips. Located in a former Esso gas station, Route History is a museum that shares the experience of Black travelers along Route 66 in Illinois, focusing on the Civil Rights and Jim Crow eras. A virtual reality experience puts you in the shoes of a Black traveler during this time. Museum admission is free, and the virtual reality experience is $10.
737 E Cook St., Springfield, IL 62703

Ace Sign Company Sign Museum

You know the colorful signs of Route 66, but do you know who created them? Ace Sign Company has created advertisements since 1940, and you can go behind the scenes. The Ace Sign Company Sign Museum features more than 85 historic signs from Route 66 and Springfield. Admire the buzzing neon artworks of bygone Route 66 businesses like Sonrise Donuts and The Tropics then see Ace’s manufacturing facility. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested. 
2540 S 1st St., Springfield, IL 62704

Cozy Dog Drive In

“We still use the same recipe for the Cozy dogs. It hasn’t changed since 1946.”
– Josh Waldmire, owner

Cozy Dog Drive In broke the mold when Ed Waldmire Jr. invented the corn dog. Cozy Dog started serving fried wieners on a stick in 1946 and has operated on Route 66 since 1949. Cozy dogs are made fresh to order using a juicy hot dog battered in the original cornbread recipe and fried until they’re golden. You’ll see Route 66 memorabilia left by Cozy Dog devotees and the Mother Road artwork of Bob Waldmire, the founder’s son. No trip to Springfield or Route 66 is complete without a visit to the spinning hot dog sign of Cozy Dog.
2935 S 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703

Shea’s Gas Station

First a Texaco and then a Marathon, Shea’s Gas Station operated from 1946 to 1982. It operated as a museum until Bill Shea passed away and its contents were auctioned off. Today, visitors can admire the historic gas station and reproduction vintage signage and listen to an audio recording about the business. 
2075 N. Peoria Rd., Springfield, Illinois 62702

Motorheads

Motorheads is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living museum for automobile buffs. What started as a Stuckey’s restaurant on the final Route 66 alignment has steadily grown since Ron Metzger opened Motorheads in 2017. My head was on a swivel admiring classic cars, vintage neon signs, an old school body shop, and a bar tap installed on the back of a vintage Buick! You can’t miss Motorheads, because it’s home to the world’s largest Route 66 shield measuring 32-feet by 32-feet and built by Ace Sign Company. It’s held up by a 30-foot-tall muffler man named “Big Ron,” designed by Mark Cline, who is flanked by two old-fashioned gas pumps.
600 Toronto Rd., Springfield, IL 62711

More Springfield Stops

• Mahan’s Filling Station – This early gas station moved a few times before finding a home at Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta across from the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
• Charlie Parker’s Diner – While it opened in 1991, this diner in a Quonset hut serves 1950s nostalgia that’s right at home on Route 66.
• Lauterbach Giant – This muffler man has been standing in front of Lauterbach Tire since 1978. While he used to hold a tire, he upgraded to an American flag.
• Abraham Lincoln Sites – Springfield is synonymous with Abraham Lincoln, and you shouldn’t leave the city without visiting at least one Lincoln site. See where the president lived at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, learn about his life at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and visit his final resting place the Lincoln Tomb.

🏨 Springfield Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Springfield.
📸 Springfield Tours: Click here for fun tours in Springfield.

Springfield to Litchfield

It takes less than an hour to drive between Springfield and Litchfield on Route 66, yet you can’t resist the urge to pull over. Enjoy the scenic rural setting, small towns, and hidden surprises.

Historic Brick Road

This beloved Route 66 attraction is not what it appears to be. A 1.4-mile-long brick road curves through the farmland of Auburn. It’s a nostalgic sight that makes any road tripper swoon. Yet while the road was part of Route 66, the bricks were not. The concrete roadbed underneath the bricks was created in 1921 as Illinois Route 4, and it was part of Route 66 from 1926 to 1930. The bricks were laid by hand in 1932 after Route 66 was realigned. Either way, the Auburn brick road makes for a fun selfie.
Snell Rd. at S. Curran Rd., Auburn, IL 62615

Doc’s Just Off 66

Cool off with an old-fashioned treat at Doc’s Just Off 66 in Girard. The historic building opened in 1884 as a pharmacy and added a soda fountain in 1929. Lined with wooden cabinets and featuring a marble top soda fountain, you’ll feel as though you’ve hopped back in time when you order a patty melt or phosphate and admire the historic pharmacy items on display. I found a vanilla milkshake to be the perfect snack break.
133 S. 2nd St., Girard, IL 62640

Turkey Tracks

This stop is literally off the beaten track. A segment of the original Route 66 alignment in Nilwood has preserved a curious sight. Look for a sign with a wooden turkey reading “Turkey Tracks.” A white outline on the pavement highlights where you can see 34 marks made by a turkey in the 1920s when the road was poured. Route 66 was realigned in 1930, and the turkey tracks were preserved on this overlooked stretch now known as Donaldson Road. It’s the kind of quirky detour that Route 66 travelers love.
26618-27306 Donaldson Rd., Nilwood, IL 

Litchfield

Litchfield features two different Route 66 alignments, 1930 to 1940 and 1940 to 1977. Grab dinner at Route 66’s oldest restaurant before seeing a movie at an original operating drive-in movie theater.

Ariston Café

The Ariston Café is the oldest continuously operated restaurant on Route 66. Founded in 1924 in Carlinville, it’s even older than the Mother Road. When the route was realigned, the Ariston Café moved to Litchfield in 1935. You can still see its original neon signs glowing and order American, Greek, and Italian comfort food in the classic dining room. Don’t skip the baklava!
413 Old Rte. 66 N., Litchfield, IL 62056

Litchfield History Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center

Across the street from the Ariston Café, you’ll see a restored Vic Suhling gas station housing the Litchfield History Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. Snap photos of neon signs, vintage cars, and other artifacts from Route 66 history in the retro museum, and don’t miss the gift shop.
334 Old Rte. 66 N., Litchfield, IL 62056

More Litchfield Stops

• The Sky View Drive-In – Opened in 1950, the Sky View Drive-In is the last originally operating drive-in on Historic Route 66 in Illinois.
• Jubelt’s Bakery & Restaurant – Enjoy fresh baked goods or a meal at Jubelt’s. The restaurant opened in 1922, and the third generation serves visitors today. 

Mt. Olive

Mt. Olive is a small town packed with history. It is located on two Route 66 alignments from 1930 to 1940 and 1940 to 1977.

Mother Jones Monument

Mt. Olive is known as a mining town. When the Union Miners Cemetery was established in 1899, it was the only union-owned cemetery in the United States. Its most famous resident is labor leader Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, who fought for the rights of children and working families around the country. Industrialists even called her “The Most Dangerous Woman in America.” Before she died in 1930, Jones requested burial here near the miners killed in strike-related violence during the Battle of Virden. Miners saved up to build the 20-foot-tall Mother Jones Monument.
5585 Mt Olive Rd, Mt Olive, IL 62069

Soulsby Service Station

Henry Soulsby designed this gas station himself, and it opened in 1926. His children, Russel and Ola, ran the Soulsby Station until it closed in 1993. When you visit today, you’ll see the station as it appeared after World War II, thanks to a restoration by its owner, Mike Dragovich. Soulsby Service Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Soulsby Service Station is one of the oldest service stations on Route 66.
201 Historic Route 66 Mt. Olive, Illinois 62069

Mt. Olive to the Mississippi River

Today, you’ll take Interstate 270 west to continue on Route 66 from Illinois to Missouri. Over the years, there were several different Route 66 alignments to bridges crossing the Mississippi River. Before you leave Illinois, here are a few highlights along these various Route 66 alignments. 

Cahokia Mounds

Not far from Route 66 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth pulling over for in Collinsville. The Cahokia Mounds are the remains of the country’s largest prehistoric city. Cahokia reached its peak around A.D. 1100, stretching 4,000 acres with a population of nearly 20,000. The Mississippians built about 120 earthen mounds, and 70 still exist. Explore the visitor center and mounds, including climbing the 100-foot-tall Monks Mound for a view of St. Louis. Learn about the mysterious disappearance of Cahokia’s inhabitants and imagine what life was like in this city that was larger than London.
30 Ramey St., Collinsville, IL 62234

World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

I love snapping a selfie at kitschy Route 66 roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle. The bold red condiment bottle is 70-feet-tall and stands on a 100-foot-tall platform. Brooks Old Original Rich & Tangy Catsup constructed the bottle in Collinsville in 1949 to conceal a water tower to supply the factory. The bottle measures 25 feet in diameter at its widest point, and the water tower can hold 640,000 bottles of catsup.
800 S Morrison Ave., Collinsville, IL 62234

East St. Louis

“We took it upon ourselves because of the love and passion we have for our community, number one. And of course, arts and culture, and of course, Miles.”
– Lauren A. Parks, House of Miles East St. Louis co-founder

East St. Louis has declined since Route 66’s heyday, but its historic sites reflect the city’s cultural legacy. Jazz legend Miles Davis’s childhood home has been preserved as House of Miles East St. Louis (HOME). Book a visit to tour the home and learn about its work as a cultural hub in the community. Tour the home and art collection of acclaimed dancer Katherine Dunham. The Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities features more than 250 African and Caribbean art objects as well as costumes, photos, and letters from Dunham’s dance career. Reflect on the devastating 1917 race riot by visiting 24 Sacred Site historical markers around the city. Admire views of the Gateway Arch from this side of the Mississippi River and be amazed at the Gateway Geyser, the nation’s tallest water fountain at the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park.

It’s Electric Neon Sign Park

Get a dose of Mother Road nostalgia at It’s Electric Neon Sign Park. The park features three restored neon signs from Granite City businesses, Route 66 murals, and a model of the Chain of Rocks bridge, where you can attach a love lock. Learn about local history along Route 66 and snap a photo of the buzzing neon signs come nightfall.
1300 19th St., Granite City, IL 62040

Brooklyn

Brooklyn, Illinois, is the oldest incorporated African American town in the country. It was settled in 1829 by Priscilla “Mother” Baltimore and 11 Black families, and it became the first majority-Black incorporated town in the country in 1873. It was a haven for freedom seekers, and the 1825 Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church is a verified Underground Railroad location. Route 66 went through Brooklyn from 1929 to 1936, but this history was erased and left off maps. In 2026, a new Route 66 was dedicated in Brooklyn to honor its legacy on the Mother Road.
519 Madison St., Brooklyn, IL

West End Service Station

West End Service Station is one of the last original Route 66 service stations, having served travelers for almost forty years. It opened in 1927 as Springer’s Madison Oil Co. and was renamed the West End Service Station in 1936. In 1939, Route 66’s brick pavement in Edwardsville was replaced with concrete, and the service station was replaced with the building that still stands today. After Interstate 55 bypassed Edwardsville in the 1960s, the building became a dentist’s office for 55 years. Today, it’s a visitor center where you can stop by the West End Service Station to learn more about Edwardsville’s role on Route 66 and how the service station operated. Even on a rainy day, I loved posing with its cheery red Texaco pumps!
620 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Luna Cafe

Luna Cafe is steeped in Illinois legends. Its neon sign featuring a martini beckons Route 66 travelers in need of a pit stop in Mitchell. Built in 1924, the cafe predates the Mother Road. Like many Prohibition-era watering holes, it’s rumored that Al Capone hung out here. The cafe allegedly hid a gambling den downstairs and a brothel upstairs. According to legend, when the cocktail cherries in the neon sign were lit up, the brothel was available. These days, the gambling is done on slot machines while customers have a beer and peruse the Route 66 and Capone memorabilia on the walls. 
201 E. Chain of Rocks Rd., Mitchell, IL 62040

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

You’ve reached the end of Route 66 in Illinois! Before you continue your Mother Road journey on Interstate 270, you’ll cross the Mississippi River on foot via the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. 

This steel truss bridge spans a mile across the Mississippi River from Granite City to St. Louis, Missouri, with a 30-degree bend in it. The curve was added to help riverboat operators navigate between water intake towers and the bridge piers. Named for a shoal near St. Louis, the bridge opened in 1929. Route 66 was rerouted over the bridge in 1936, and driving over the Mississippi became a Mother Road highlight. It closed in 1968 when a new bridge opened and sat derelict for decades before opening as a footbridge in 1998. Parking is available on both sides of the bridge. Walking across the bridge offered amazing views along the Mississippi River and felt like a symbolic way to end my Route 66 Illinois journey.
Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City, IL 62040

As you can see, the Illinois portion of Route 66 is packed with history, roadside nostalgia, and a passion for the open road. I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the first 301 miles of the Mother Road, and that you find this Route 66 Illinois guide helpful in planning your road trip!

Sources

“Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau.” Great Rivers & Routes, Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois, www.riversandroutes.com/. Accessed 16 June 2026.

“Home.” Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, 29 May 2026, illinoisroute66.org/.

“Route 66 Overview.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/articles/route-66-overview.htm. Accessed 16 June 2026.

“Your Official Guide to Illinois Travel.” Enjoy Illinois, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, www.enjoyillinois.com/. Accessed 16 June 2026.

Weird Highway Illinois : Route 66 History & Hauntings, Legends & Lore by Taylor, Troy Paperback, 2015.

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