Route 66 has it's eastern start in Illinois, right off the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. It travels 301 miles through, interestingly enough, 66 different cities & towns including Bloomington, Lincoln and Springfield (the state's capitol). Throughout Illinois are many, many classic Route 66 establishments... way too many to mention them all. Many travelers start their journey westward by having breakfast at the world famous Lou Mitchell's Restaurant on Jackson Avenue. It's been there since 1923 and is probably best known for giving out free Milk Duds while you are waiting to be seated. Leaving Chicago you'll go through a few Chicago suburbs and towns into Joliet. Here you'll find the Joliet prison, made famous by the Blues Brothers movie and also find the first Dairy Queen. There's lots more to see in this quaint town so be sure to allow time. Heading west you'll find the Gemini Giant statue in Wilmington, go through historic Dwight and into Pontiac where you'll want to definitely hit the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum. Further on you'll go through Funk's Grove, famous for their maple syrup, through McClean (home ofthe Dixie Truckers Home), Lincoln and Springfield. Abraham Lincoln's home, his presidential library as well as his family's mausoleum in Oak Ridge Cemetery are all in Springfield. While in Springfield you'll also want to be sure to stop at the Cozy Dog Drive-In which is where the corn dog was invented. Further on you'll travel through Litchfield, home to the Artison Cafe another Route 66 landmark and must stop. Mt. Olive, Edwardsville and Mitchell all lie ahead. When you get to the mighty Mississippi river you absolutely have to walk the pedestrians-only Chain of Rocks bridge over it before getting back into your car and driving into Missouri.

Joliet, IL	Dwight, IL
Pontiac, IL	McLean, IL

We're proud members of the Route 66 Association of Illinois
and think you should be too! Click HERE for more info.

We're also proud members of the National Historic Route 66 Association
and believe you should join as well! Click HERE for more info.