Take the ultimate American road trip along Route 66, the Road of Dreams. The roadside is lined with quirky landmarks from a bygone era, from small-town diners to drive-in movie theatres to great old gas stations. There are nearly 70 communities along Illinois 66 that welcome you to explore their unique connection to Historic Route 66. With more than 400 miles to discover, there’s plenty to keep you coming back.

Historic Route 66 Mother Road
Travel the Illinois stretch of historic Route 66, where colourful small-town attractions and local lore keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. Take off and explore some of these sites as you retrace the miles of this storied highway.

Lou Mitchell’s
A fixture on Route 66 since 1923, Lou Mitchell’s is a favourite downtown Chicago breakfast spot known for its hearty diner fare and complimentary boxes of Milk Duds candies.
565 W. Jackson, Chicago

Launching Pad Drive-In
Snap a photo with the famed Gemini Giant, a 28-foot-tall spaceman statue stationed in front of the Launching Pad Drive-In, a retro hamburger stand.
810 E. Baltimore, Wilmington

Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
See mementos from the Mother Road donated by Route 66 Hall of Fame members.
110 W. Howard, Pontiac

Shea’s Gas Station Museum
Owner Bill Shea is happy to share stories about his collection of gas station memorabilia and the 50 years he has spent doing business along the Mother Road.
2075 Peoria, Springfield

The Ariston Cafe
Enjoy a meal at one of the oldest eateries on Route 66, which features much of its 1920s furnishings and is still run by the founder’s family.
South Old Route 66, Litchfield 

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
This landmark bridge that spans the Mississippi River was built in 1929 as part of Route 66 and is now the largest pedestrian bridge in the world.
Illinois-Missouri border, Madison