Illinois
Illinois’ iconic stretch of Route 66 features classic diners, drive-in theaters and quirky roadside attractions. You can discover more of the Mother Road in Illinois than anywhere else. Start in Chicago, where the road begins, and chart a course that takes you past kitschy attractions, landmarks and monuments. Must-visit small towns along Route 66 in Illinois include Pontiac, Joliet and Springfield.
Route 66 and the Illinois Odyssey
Illinois is a state of many wonders, not the least of which is its section of the world-famous Route 66. Route 66 stretches from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Santa Monica, California. Illinois encompasses the starting point of this iconic highway, and travelers embarking on a journey down Route…
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Charming Small Towns Along Route 66 in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas
Stretching over 3,800 kilometers from the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois to the stunning Pacific Ocean in California, the legendary Route 66 highway brings together the past and present. Feel the sense of adventure that Route 66 has been providing for generations on a nostalgic road trip highlighting…
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Retro-Themed to Certified Green: 10 Unique Places to Stay on Route 66
Route 66, the famous “Mother Road,” sparked a century of adventures across the USA. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, the route gave rise to countless shops, restaurants and motor lodges catering to cross-country travelers. While Route 66 is no longer an official U.S. highway, many roadside accommodations…
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Nostalgia and New Experiences on and around Route 66 in Illinois
Route 66, often referred to as the Mother Road, holds a special place in U.S. history and culture. In Illinois, this iconic highway offers a nostalgic journey through charming small towns, vibrant cities and scenic landscapes. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the hidden gems of central and western…
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Ask a Local About Springfield, Illinois
Welcome to Springfield, Illinois. At the heart of the Prairie State (otherwise known as Illinois), Springfield’s charms lie in its history – its retro diners and drive-ins, its only-found-here delicacies, and its Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln landmarks. It’s a place where you can visit a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece…
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Route 66: Leaving Chicago
Route 66: Leaving Chicago This article was originally posted on National Geographic Traveler’s blog, Digital Nomad, by author Andrew Evans. I wanted a convertible. A red vintage convertible with shiny chrome rims and white leather seats. But the Enterprise at O’Hare [International Airport] didn’t have any of…
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Where History and Adventure Converge: Great Rivers and Routes of Southwest Illinois
Three great rivers – the Mississippi, the Missouri and the Illinois – meet iconic Route 66 in a region where outdoor activities and historic sites promise unforgettable adventure. Meet the Great Rivers & Routes region of Southwest Illinois, the only place in the USA where the Great River Road joins…
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Fun Photo Spots Along the First Stretch of Route 66 in Illinois
Get at the heart of Route 66: Start from the start! The first 160-kilometer stretch of Route 66 – from Chicago through Joliet to Pontiac, Illinois – is packed with nostalgia, fun and great food. It’s the perfect start to a journey along the USA’s “Mother Road.” Joliet: The City…
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Illinois’ Route 66: Touring Classic Stops on the USA’s Mother Road
Route 66 – also known as the “Mother Road” – is the quintessential American road trip. After falling into decline when the interstate highway system was created, Route 66 is experiencing a renaissance and calling curious travelers to rediscover the freedom of the open road. This itinerary takes you to…
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Route 66 in Illinois: Cruising a Legendary Highway
While most routes are meant to get you directly to a destination, Route 66 in Illinois is all about the journey. Hit the open road and explore charming small towns, historic sites, kitschy attractions, popular diners and more. Here’s a handy checklist for cruising Illinois’ Route 66. What are you…
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Route 66 in Illinois: Retro Dining on the Mother Road
Round out your road trip with this collection of quintessential Route 66 eateries in Illinois. It has inspired everything from rock ‘n’ roll songs to blockbuster movies: Route 66. The Mother Road, as it’s known, was established in 1926 – truly the classic American road trip. Travelers are hitting the…
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