Illinois Route 66 Map
Route 66, the Mother Road, is an American icon that symbolizes romance and freedom of the open road. Born in 1926, Route 66 was one of the first numbered U.S. highways, journeying 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, you can still "get your kicks on Route 66" by exploring the Illinois Historic Route 66 National Scenic Byway.
The Beginning
Historic Route 66 starts in downtown chicago, the business and cultural capitol of the Midwest. It travels through bustling Chicago suburbs before reaching the rural countryside.
The Mother Road
Route 66 was the road of glight for peopl esca[ing the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. It was the route of adventure for families seeking the wonders of the Southwest and California in the 1950s and '60s.
Main Street of America
Grain elevators and fields greet modern travelers, much as they did in earlier eras. Journey through prairie farmland and friendly Midwestern towns.
Roadside Oddities
Quirky attractions lured travelers off the road with the promise of fun and adventure. Explore giants, museums, and other attractions that still exist today.
Good Eatin'
Diner and cafes sprang up along the road catering to people on the muve. You can still enjoy home style cooking from a time before fast food.
Fill 'er Up?
Service stations along Route 66 did more than just pump gas. Friendly attendants assisted travelers with a smile. Today, you can rediscover several historic service stations.
On to Missouri
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is the scenic endpoint of Route 66 in Illinois. It served as a crossing over the Mississippi River for traffic from 1936 to 1955. It is now open for walking and biking.
Route 66 Lives On
Unable to compete with fast-moving freeways, U.S. Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. Nostalgia for hometowns and America's landscape fueled by movies, TV shows, and music, keeps the Mother Road alive.
The Beginning
Historic Route 66 starts in downtown chicago, the business and cultural capitol of the Midwest. It travels through bustling Chicago suburbs before reaching the rural countryside.
The Mother Road
Route 66 was the road of glight for peopl esca[ing the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. It was the route of adventure for families seeking the wonders of the Southwest and California in the 1950s and '60s.
Main Street of America
Grain elevators and fields greet modern travelers, much as they did in earlier eras. Journey through prairie farmland and friendly Midwestern towns.
Roadside Oddities
Quirky attractions lured travelers off the road with the promise of fun and adventure. Explore giants, museums, and other attractions that still exist today.
Good Eatin'
Diner and cafes sprang up along the road catering to people on the muve. You can still enjoy home style cooking from a time before fast food.
Fill 'er Up?
Service stations along Route 66 did more than just pump gas. Friendly attendants assisted travelers with a smile. Today, you can rediscover several historic service stations.
On to Missouri
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is the scenic endpoint of Route 66 in Illinois. It served as a crossing over the Mississippi River for traffic from 1936 to 1955. It is now open for walking and biking.
Route 66 Lives On
Unable to compete with fast-moving freeways, U.S. Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. Nostalgia for hometowns and America's landscape fueled by movies, TV shows, and music, keeps the Mother Road alive.
