The Best of Illinois Route 66

Illinois is where the Mother Road begins! Connecting Chicago to St. Louis, 301 miles of Route 66 stretch between these two cities. You'll encounter charming towns filled with vintage diners and many beautifully restored filling stations. It's a state of giants, unusual roadside photo-ops, and museums that bring the past to life. In Illinois, you'll experience a nostalgic yesteryear with classic Midwest Americana as you drive past expansive prairies and iconic neon. There's a wealth of history and much to explore here as you set out for adventure on your All-American road trip down the Mother Road.
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Illinois Route 66 has been awarded an All-American Road designation, the highest National Scenic Byway designation.

​​This article will guide you through the BEST gems of Illinois Route 66, so you'll be prepared for an unforgettable, fun-filled journey of historical treasures and memories.

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Route 66 played a pivotal role in our nation's development, weaving its path through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It left an unforgettable imprint on America's physical, historical, and cultural fabric. No other highway embodied the spirit of hope, freedom, and the American Dream like Route 66.

It all started with Cyrus Avery, a visionary businessman from Oklahoma who dreamed of a road cutting diagonally across the country from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean. This route connected numerous rural towns, granting small communities access to a national highway network. Officially designated as Route 66 in 1926, Avery dubbed it the Main Street of America.​

One of the Illinois Legends, this recreated neon sign can be seen at the Route 66 Experience in Springfield.

The Coliseum Ballroom on Route 66 in Benld was a lively destination on Saturday nights. This prohibition-era town was akin to a miniature Las Vegas. The local miners would gamble in taverns while moonshine from a covert still known as "Mine No. 5" flowed freely.

The Coliseum Ballroom, built in the 1920s, featured the largest dance floor between Chicago and St. Louis, attracting visitors from all around to enjoy performances by big bands like Duke Ellington, Lawrence Welk, and Tommy Dorsey, as well as rock acts such as Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and the Everly Brothers.

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​Over half a century, this highway carried diverse travelers: Dust Bowl migrants, military personnel, truckers, farmers, and eventually vacationers. Astute entrepreneurs along Route 66 quickly saw the need for food services, lodging options, and auto repairs—giving birth to the travel industry. Additional amenities like motor courts, souvenir shops, and roadside attractions emerged to satisfy travelers' growing demands; Illinois was no exception.

Spanning over 2400 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles—a linear community took shape along Route 66. 

Post-World War II ​aspirations for faster, safer roads led authorities to construct four-lane alignments bypassing small towns accustomed by then to heavy traffic-driven commerce activities around them. By 1977, Interstate 55 had entirely replaced Route 66 through Illinois, and in 1985, the federal government decommissioned it.

Yet, the legacy lives on today, offering intrepid visitors more than 300 miles worth exploring in Illinois, including original segments laid back in 1926. Preserved historically significant structures help bring alive experiences reminiscent of those early days while authentic businesses relish opportunities to serve modern-day adventurers traversing this historic highway. Tales abound about legendary figures inhabiting classic locations dotting this storied landscape where swapping stories becomes the norm among seasoned roadies and first-time explorers alike. 

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The History of Illinois Route 66

One of the Illinois Legends, this recreated neon sign can be seen at the Route 66 Experience in Springfield.

In 1953, the Bel-Air Drive-In was established by Komm Theaters in Mitchell, featuring a single screen along the famed Route 66. A second screen was added in 1979, allowing the drive-in to host around 700 cars at its peak. However, the drive-in ceased operations in 1987 and was torn down in the mid-1990s. The vibrant neon marquee remained at the entrance for over three decades after its closure. In 2018, it was removed and sold to sign collectors, who eventually dismantled it and distributed its parts among various collectors.

​Illinois already had the Pontiac Trail, which linked many of the "main streets" between Chicago and St. Louis. Funded by State Bond Issue 4 in 1920,  constructing this road between the two cities was the first step toward more efficient highway travel in the state. 

From Chicago's Palmer House Hilton to Granite City's Apple Valley Motel; from Louis Mitchell’s Restaurant in Chicago to Litchfield’s Ariston Café; from Odell’s Standard Oil Station to Mt. Olive's Soulsby Station—businesses lined up along Route 66 eager to serve its travelers with warmth alongside their goods or services.

​​Illinois is doing something that no other Route 66 state has done by attempting to preserve three active alignments of the Mother Road.

​The 1926-1936 Alignment
During 1926-1936, Route 66 underwent significant development in Illinois. In 1924, Illinois State Bond Issue 4 (SBI 4) was created from existing roads and paved to build an all-weather road between Chicago and St. Louis. This road, which became the 1926 alignment of Route 66, was a significant milestone as it allowed Illinois to claim bragging rights as the first state where Route 66  was completely paved. Some 1922-1924 SBI 4 road sections are still used today. The old road is easy to identify since it is only 18 to 20 feet wide. Cars shared this narrow road 

One of the Illinois Legends, this recreated neon sign can be seen at the Route 66 Experience in Springfield.

Constructed during the mid-1950s along Route 66 in Madison, the Chain of Rocks Motel was known for its distinctive tall spires adorned with colorful spheres. Its classic "Googie" architecture, vibrant hues, and striking neon lights made it a favored spot for photography on the southern section of Illinois' portion of the historic highway. In 2006, the original neon sign was sold to collectors and replaced with a modern illuminated cabinet suited for today's hospitality brands.

​with horses, horse-drawn vehicles, and tractors; the average speed limit was 25 mph. This alignment passes through many small towns since mechanical problems were frequent for the new-fangled automobile.

The era of prohibition, from 1920 to 1933, had a significant impact on Route 66. The all-weather road created in 1924 made transportation of illegal alcohol possible year-round. Production stills in central and southern Illinois used Route 66 to ship alcohol to Chicago and St. Louis speakeasies, adding a layer of intrigue to the road's history.

One of the Illinois Legends, this recreated neon sign can be seen at the Route 66 Experience in Springfield.

Originally known as the A. Lincoln Tourist Court, this motel was constructed in the 1940s and sat beside the Cozy Dog Drive-In. It featured 44 deluxe carpeted units equipped with air conditioning, central heating, telephones, televisions, a uniquely shaped outdoor pool, and a large dining hall. This sign is historically important to Springfield, serving as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the revered 16th President of the United States. Positioned in Springfield's core, the motel once stood as a monument to Lincoln's enduring legacy, attracting visitors eager to connect with history.

​The 1930-1940 Alignment
By 1936, Route 66 between Chicago and St. Louis was the heaviest-traveled highway in the state and had earned the nickname “Bloody 66” because of all the accidents. The high traffic volume and the increasing speed of cars, which could now achieve 60 to 80 mph speeds, led to a rise in accidents, giving the road its infamous nickname. States and municipalities began setting speed limits, and it was necessary to
​re-route 66, bypassing more congested areas like Springfield and Joliet. Picnic areas and rest areas also became an essential part of highway planning. A maximum speed limit of 70mph was set by 1940.

​The 1940-1977 Alignment
With WWII raging in Europe, President Roosevelt studied how well the US highways met our defense needs. The results from that study played a significant role in the 1951 alignment of Route 66, its most extensive redesign yet.

The 1956 Highway Act marked a significant turning point in Route 66's history. Construction on the Interstate Highway System began, and by the end of 1956, sections of Route 66 were replaced by Interstate 55 as the main transportation route to the West. This marked the beginning of the end for the Illinois Mother Road, and all Route 66 signage was gone by January 1977. The entire road was decommissioned in 1985, a momentous event in the history of American road culture.

Here's a travel tip: While traveling through Illinois, you might encounter intersections where the three alignments split off in different directions. When in doubt, I generally opt for the oldest alignment since that alignment will take you through the town, as Route 66 was initially designed to do.

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​Because of the three alignments, writing this article has been challenging. I can't help but chuckle when people mention they drove Route 66 through Illinois and didn't think there was much to see. It usually turns out they mostly stayed on I-55, which is very disappointing.

​Trust me, that's not the case at all. In 2022, it took me over six months of weekends to thoroughly explore all three alignments and truly see it all. Despite this, I've missed numerous museums and restaurants because of seasonal closures. ​

This time, I wanted to create one continuous journey​ that would flow between the three alignments. While that works in small towns, it's impossible in Chicago or Springfield, where the alignment changes look a little like spaghetti tossed on a plate. Also, when crossing the Mississippi River into St. Louis, the Route 66 designated bridge has changed multiple times throughout the years. A few sites along the Mississippi River are too good to miss, so don't rush it when crossing ​into Missouri.

A tribute to the giant muffler men of Illinois Route 66, located in Legends Neon Park at the Route 66 Experience on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

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Chicago

Where It All Begins - Grant Park

Many people mistakenly believe Grant Park marks the eastern end of historic Route 66. Because of this, Buckingham Fountain, one of the park's most iconic landmarks, is often thought to symbolize the beginning of the Mother Road. But Buckingham Fountain was actually built a year after the highway opened. While it is close, historically, the starting point was at the junction of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. 

Even so, since they are only 0.4 miles apart, it's worth stopping.

Buckingham Fountain

​Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world. Designed in a Rococo wedding cake style, it is inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles, yet it is double the size of its muse. It boasts four groups of Art Deco seahorses that symbolize the four states surrounding Lake Michigan—Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. The pool itself represents Lake Michigan. Officially named the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Kate Sturges Buckingham commissioned this fountain to memorialize her brother Clarence.

From mid-April to mid-October, the fountain operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. During the day, there is a water jet performance, and at night, there is a vibrant evening light display. The 20-minute fountain shows are every hour on the hour, with the last show being at 10pm.

The intersection of Michigan Avenue & Adams Street in Chicago, Illinois, is the official starting point of Route 66. There is a Route 66 Begin sign here, and the iconic 110-story tall skyscraper known as the Willis Tower, AKA Sears Tower, can be seen in the distance.

​There are two alignments through the Chicago downtown loop. Historically, Jackson Boulevard was the starting point in 1926, but as the city grew and one-way streets were introduced, Route 66 was realigned to Adams Street in 1955, so there are several Route 66 sign locations.

The Three Begin Signs
Start at the intersection of East Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.

1. Across the street from the Art Institute, next to the Walgreens above the walk sign.
2. On the other side of Adams Street, just a short way down from #1.
3. Adams Street at Wabash Avenue - Just down Adams Street from #2 before the stairs to the Elevated Train.

End Sign  
East Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue
     Down Jackson, a short distance beyond the CVS Pharmacy.

The lesser visited Route 66 End Sign at the intersecton of Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. The sign is located just a short distance down Jackson Boulevard from the intersection.

Parking in Chicago
If you get a very early start on the weekend, it should be easy enough to pull over and snap a few quick shots at one of the Route 66 Begin signs, but during the week, the traffic may make that difficult. If you wish to explore the area, you must use a parking garage and walk. 

I recommend the Grant Park South Parking Garage. It is the closest parking garage to Michigan Avenue's Route 66 Begin and End signs. It is only 300 feet from this garage to the Art Institute and 4/10 of a mile to Buckingham Fountain.

Be aware that parking in the Chicago Loop is expensive without advanced planning, but if you use SpotHero or Millennium Garages to reserve parking, they can save you 50% or more. For example, the day I visited, I used SpotHero and paid $15 for 12 hours. The rate chart inside the garage for 12 hours of parking was $40.

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant - 565 West Jackson Blvd

Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, tucked between the Chicago skyscrapers on Jackson Boulevard.

Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant is a historic Route 66 institution. Strategically located just a few blocks from the eastern terminus of the Mother Road, Jackson Boulevard was the starting point until 1955, when it was made a one-way street in the opposite direction.

The diner first opened in 1923 across the street from its current location. William Mitchell named his new restaurant after his son, Lou, who eventually took over the family business running it until he was well into his 70s. In 1992, Lou sold the restaurant to his niece.

On the exterior, the intense presentation of neon, shining glass, and sleek aluminum places this historic eatery in the Golden Age of Route 66. The restaurant has two signs originating from the 1949 relocation: a neon sign proclaiming “Lou Mitchell’s Serving the World’s Best Coffee” stretches across the entire building length, and one advertising the restaurant’s handmade bakery goods hangs off to the side.

On the inside, not much has changed since the restaurant opened. The dining room still has the original tables, coat racks, and seating, and the floor retains its original black and white terrazzo flooring, immediately transporting you back to the heydays of Route 66.

Known for its excellent breakfast and lunch fare, Lou’s was already feeding the hungry when Jackson Boulevard was designated Route 66 in 1926. While it was already popular with the locals, it became known as the first stop to eat before heading across the country on the Mother Road. As a result, Lou Mitchell’s was often crowded with long lines of people stretching out the front door. Keeping with the tradition, the staff still passes out freshly baked donut holes and Milk Duds to all female guests and children to ease the wait.

The Berghoff Restaurant - 17 West Adams

The Berghoff Restaurant in the Chicago Loop.

German immigrant Herman Joseph Berghoff opened the Berghoff Restaurant in the center of the Chicago Loop in 1898. Initially a saloon, he established the business to popularize family-owned Berghoff Beer.

The Berghoff Restaurant's neon sign is massive!

Berghoff made it through Prohibition by transitioning into a German restaurant. After Prohibition ended, Berghoff became known for securing Chicago's liquor license No. 1. Still family-owned 124+ years later, Berghoff's is a Chicago Landmark.

As luck would have it, in 1955, Berghoff's location on Adams Street was realigned as Route 66.

It placed the restaurant very near the Mother Road's starting point. As a result, Berghoff's became one of the popular starting points for many Route 66 travelers.

While in Chicago, here are a few other places and activities you might be interested in...
​Millennium Park - home of the Cloud Gate AKA The Bean
Willis Tower - 233 S Wacker Dr
Art Institute of Chicago - 111 S Michigan Ave
​Museum of Science & Industry - 5700 S DuSable, Lake Shore Dr
The Magnificent Mile - Michigan Avenue
​Lincoln Park Zoo - Parking lot entrance - 2400 N. Cannon Drive
​Navy Pier - 600 E Grand Ave
Take a River Cruise

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Cicero

Henry's Drive-In - 6031 Ogden Ave

​Henry's Drive-In has been a cherished gem along Route 66 since the 1950s, delighting travelers and locals with its fast food delights. Make a pit stop during your Route 66 adventure to savor a meal and marvel at the iconic neon sign that proudly proclaims, “It's a meal in itself,” a testament to their unique way of serving a fully loaded Chicago dog with a generous handful of fresh French fries mounded atop the dog.

The Henry’s Drive-In iconic neon Hot Dog sign.

In its early days, a visionary entrepreneur, Bill Henry sold kosher hot dogs part-time from a mobile stand near Ogden Avenue and Austin Boulevard. By 1950, his passion and dedication led to establishing a small diner with six stools and walk-up windows, which he soon turned into his full-time business. Henry's Drive-In expanded as the landscape of fast food changed with the arrival of a new McDonald's nearby.  

The drive-in offers classic Chicago-area hot dog stand fare: Italian beef sandwiches, Italian sausage sandwiches, combo Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, and Tom-Tom tamales on buns topped with chili. However, their standout offering is the Chicago-style hot dog topped with fries—a dish celebrated by the fiberglass display on their iconic sign.

The typical Chicago-style hot dog features a Vienna Beef frank nestled in a poppy seed bun adorned with yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, dill pickle spears, tomatoes, pickled peppers, and celery salt—it's often described as being topped with a salad.

The large hot dog sign outside resembles what some call an original Chicago Hot Dog or a Depression Dog. This term refers to the Great Depression when hot dogs were a popular and affordable meal. The Depression Dog is topped with onion, relish, mustard, peppers, and fries wrapped in wax paper.

Inside the diner are many nods to its Route 66 history, including signs, old pictures, and plenty of interesting memorabilia. 

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Willowbrook

Dell Rhea Chicken Basket - 645 Joliet Road

The original 1946 neon sign in front of
Dell Rhea Chicken Basket.

​The current slogan for this iconic roadside spot is “Get Your Chicks on Route 66,” fittingly highlighting its specialty, fried chicken. Situated just 15 miles from downtown Chicago on historic Route 66 in Willowbrook, Dell Rhea Chicken Basket lures hungry visitors with its famed fried chicken and nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of Route 66's golden days.

The Chicken Basket's origins date back to the 1930s, when it functioned as a lunch counter attached to a gas station in rural Hinsdale. This blend of services was typical along Route 66, where businesses often operated with slim profit margins and had to innovate to attract patrons.

According to legend, two local farm women approached Irv Kolarik with an enticing proposition. If he agreed to buy chickens from them, they would share their exceptional fried chicken recipe and teach him to fry it. Eventually, the gas station faded into history as the Chicken Basket took center stage.

In 1946, Kolarik built the restaurant in its current location next door to the original lunch counter. The restaurant still looks much the same inside and out, with its original neon sign.

Facing challenges brought forth when the Interstate cut through Hinsdale in 1962, traffic dwindled rapidly, causing the demise of many businesses. At one point, the Chicken Basket faced foreclosure. Still, it narrowly escaped thanks to its new owner, Delbert (Dell) Rhea, who had a new marketing strategy targeting the suburbs and travelers alike to save the business.

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Romeoville

White Fence Farm - 1376 Joliet Road

White Fence Farm

While there are several White Fence Farm locations, the original is on Route 66 in Romeoville, and the menu has remained unchanged since the 1950s. 
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Bob Hasert, Sr. and his wife, Doris, were already serving fried chicken at their Harmony House restaurant in Aurora, Illinois, when they discovered the 450-acre White Fence Farm on a drive down Route 66. Back then, the place was mostly known for the classic cars parked out front. Billionaire Sylvester Peabody of Peabody Coal owned it then and used it to house coal miners. The property included a restaurant with a shuffleboard court, which Bob thought was a perfect way to pass the time while waiting for a table. The Hasterts bought the property and introduced their fried chicken recipe from their other restaurant. Before long, White Fence Farm gained fame for its crispy fried chicken dinners, which are served family-style.

The farm's name and the Hastert family's recipe have remained unchanged. Fresh whole chickens still arrive daily from the farm, where employees hand-cut them. They claim the secret to their unique taste lies in their cooking method. After the chicken is coated with flour milled exclusively for them, it’s cooked in a pressure cooker. Then, upon order, it’s flash-fried for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a crispy golden-brown skin.

Served family style, a meal consists of four pieces of chicken per person. It is accompanied by old-fashioned favorites like pickled beet relish, kidney bean salad, coleslaw, and homemade corn fritters dusted with powdered sugar. Not feeling like chicken, other options on the menu include broiled Icelandic fish, fried shrimp, or T-bone steaks.

White Fence Farm is not just a restaurant. It's an experience. With several dining rooms and the ability to seat over one thousand guests at a time, it's a place where memories are made. The farm also boasts several nostalgic exhibits, including an antique car collection. Outside, the farm comes to life with friendly farm animals, such as alpacas, miniature goats, and pet chickens, just waiting to be fed or petted through the fence. It's a place where the past meets the present and where every visit is a unique adventure. 

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Joliet

Joliet was integral to the original Route 66 path. This section of Route 66 primarily follows today's IL 53, but the highway was rerouted through Plainfield in 1940. Segments of Route 66 through Joliet run alongside the I&M Canal (Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail) and the Lincoln Highway. 

Rich & Creamy  - 920 North Broadway St

The Rich & Creamy ice cream stand is part of the Route 66 Park in Joliet.

Part of the Joliet Kicks on 66 Park, the Rich & Creamy, is typical of the ice cream stands that dotted the Mother Road back in the day. This building has been around since 1965 but didn't become an ice cream stand until 1977. The city purchased the building as part of the Broadway Greenway project in the early 2000s.

The Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues, dance beside the giant Joliet Kicks on Route 66 ice cream cone on the rooftop of the Rich & Creamy in Joliet, Illinois.

Jake and Elwood Blues dance atop the Rich & Creamy as a nod to the movie The Blues Brothers, released in 1980. A movie segment was shot at the Collins Street Prison, AKA Old Joliet Prison. From the overlook behind the Rich & Creamy, you can see the old prison in the distance.

I highly recommend a guided tour of the historic Old Joliet Prison as a Route 66 side trip. Built in 1858, it operated until 2002 and was still in use while The Blues Brothers was being filmed there.

Just across the street from the Route 66 Park is Dick's Towing.

Dick's on 66 - 911 North Broadway Street

Dick's Towing in Joliet, Illinois.

This place is cute and worth a quick stop to look around! 

​Dick’s on 66 has been the home of Dick’s Towing Service since 1976. The building, an artistic reimagining of an old autobody shop, features cars on the roof and a 1950s-era police car out front. They even have a section of the original road brick framed off for you to stand on.  

Joliet Historical Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center - 204 North Ottawa Street

The Joliet Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is a great stop, especially if you decide to skip Chicago, which I know many Route 66 travelers do. You can pick up all the Illinois Route 66 travel brochures here, and they have a great gift shop. I was impressed with their museum, too. 

Be sure to pick up a Route 66 Soda in the gift shop. If you're like me, you'll have to try them all before you make it to the end of the Mother Road. I think Cream and Black Cherry are my faves!

Rialto Square Theatre - 102 N Chicago Street

The Rubens Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, with its stunning neon sign lit at night.

Often called the "Jewel of Joliet," the historic landmark Theatre is an architectural masterpiece in the neo-baroque style.

The Rialto first opened its doors in 1926 during the Golden Age of the movie palace. Owned by the six Rubens brothers, they hired prestigious Chicago-based movie palace architects Rapp & Rapp

during the most prolific period of their career to design the theatre. With seating for 2000, it was the largest and most elegant vaudeville theatre ever built in Illinois outside Chicago. The décor is luxurious, with a rotunda modeled after Rome's Pantheon and an inner lobby based on Versailles' Hall of Mirrors. It became the centerpiece of Joliet's downtown and is considered one of the most beautiful theatres in the nation. It is on the American Institute of Architects' list of "150 Great Places in Illinois."

It was one of Al Capone's favorite hangouts. Over the years, it has hosted performances by Andy Williams, Mitzi Gaynor, Red Skelton, Victor Borges, Liberace, and hundreds of other famous names. Today, musicals, plays, concerts, and standup comedy can be seen at the theatre.

The Rialto was closed in the mid-1970s and saved from demolition. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and restored to its original grandeur in the 1980s.

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Wilmington

Gemini Giant - 201 Bridge Street

Looking up at the 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant.

In 1960, John and Bernice Korlic purchased an already-established hotdog and ice cream shop on Route 66 in Wilmington. They renamed it the Launching Pad Drive-In since it was the Atomic Age, and everyone was crazy about everything related to space and space exploration.

​After a trip to the National Restaurant Convention, where Muffler Men were displayed, the Korlics spent $3,500 on a 28-foot-tall, 438-pound fiberglass giant. They had him outfitted as an astronaut, complete with a helmet, green jumpsuit, and a miniature spaceship; he was the perfect attention-getting prop to attract people to their diner. The spaceman arrived at the Launching Pad in 1966 and was named the Gemini 

The Gemini Giant in his new location.

Giant through a local naming contest in honor of the Gemini space missions. The Korlic family ran the restaurant for 47 years, finally selling it in 2007.

The Gemini Giant was recently restored and moved to its new location. In 2000, it was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.

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Braidwood

Polk-A-Dot Drive-In - 222 N Front Street

The Polk-A-Dot Drive-In is a family-owned 1950s diner. When it opened in 1956, it operated out of a white polka dot spotted bus. As money and time allowed, the owner built a small building with walk-up windows and later added the dining room for eat-in. Although they are now inside the building, those original walk-up windows are still where you order your food today.

Statues of fifties icons, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Betty Boop, outside the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In.

The diner's interior has been extensively remodeled with neon and 50s décor collected from other local businesses, and the walls are covered in photos of 50s icons. This place is cute as a button, and it will make you feel like you forgot to put on your bobby-socks and poodle skirt that morning!

Slide into the booth, and drop a quarter in the table top jukebox at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In.

When you visit, be sure to order a hamburger and Green River float.  Allow a little time to take it all in and drop a quarter in the tabletop jukebox.

This coin-operated race car at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In sure brings back childhood memories.

Be sure to make a trip to the bathroom while you are there; I'll leave that as a surprise!

A well-known Route 66 gem, the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In, was inducted into the Route 66 of Illinois Association's Hall of Fame in 2002.

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Dwight

The village of Dwight has a fascinating history; it's worth taking the time to walk the downtown and explore it. 

Ambler-Becker Texaco - 417 W Waupansie

The Ambler-Becker Texaco in Dwight was the longest continuously run gas station on Route 66.

The gas station built in 1933 by Jack Schore was a cottage-style station with wood clapboard siding and an arched roof. Residential windows with shutters and flower boxes underneath gave it a homey appearance, and a canopy extending out from the office sheltered the three Texaco gas pumps. Mr. Schore also had an ice house on the property. 
 
In 1936, Vernon Von Qualen leased the station, changing the name to Vernon’s Texaco Station. Over the next two years, Qualen purchased the station from Schore before selling it to Basil “Tubby” Ambler in 1938.
 
Tubby Ambler owned the station from 1938 to 1966, changing the name to Ambler Texaco. He added the concrete block service bays to the north side of the building in the early 1940s, following the national trend to provide a full-service garage.
 
Phil Becker, the last gas station owner, lived six houses down and started working for Tubby Ambler as a young child running errands. By the time he was 14 or 15 years old, Tubby had hired him to watch the station on Sundays so Tubby could go to gun shows. Becker continued to work at the gas station through its subsequent owners, Earl Koehler, and Royce McBeath, before purchasing the station from McBeath in 1970, just a month after getting married.
 
Phil Becker operated the station for over 26 years, first as a Texaco and later as a Marathon Gas Station, finally closing it in 1999. He continued as an auto repair shop until 2002, when he gave the station to the village of Dwight. When the station closed, it was the longest continuously operated gas station along the Mother Road.
 
The gas station and office have been restored to their 1930s appearance, and the service bays were restored to the 1940s. In 2007, the station reopened as a Route 66 Visitors Center.

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Odell

Subway Tunnel - 313 West Hamilton

The Pedestrian Subway Tunnel across the street from St. Paul's Catholic Church in Odell.

Across the street from St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Odell is what remains of a pedestrian tunnel that once ran under the road on Route 66's 1926 - 1946 alignment.  
 
Standing on the corner in this quiet little village, it is hard to imagine that traffic was once so congested that parishioners and schoolchildren needed a Subway, as it was called by the locals, to cross the street safely on their way to school or church.
 
After 1947, Route 66 became a four-lane highway, bypassing the town two blocks to the west. As a result, the Subway was no longer needed, and its entrance was sealed off in the 1950s.

In 2006, the Route 66 Association of Illinois restored the railing and first three steps of the tunnel because of its importance to Route 66's history.

Standard Oil Gas Station - 400 S West Street

A Standard Oil of Ohio Service sign sways in the breeze as it hangs from the roof of the Standard Oil gas station.

Constructed in 1932 by contractor Patrick O'Donnell, this Standard Oil station's design is based on the 1916 Standard Oil of Ohio domestic-style gas station plans. This homey design is often called a "house with canopy." The station was built to be leased out and initially sold Standard Oil products, but it later transitioned to Phillips 66 and then Sinclair.

In the late 1940s, with competition from nine other stations in town, O'Donnell followed the current trend, adding a two-bay garage to become a full-service station.

The gas station pumped gas until the 1960s, transitioning to a body shop in the early 70s before closing in the late 1970s. The building eventually went into disrepair.

After a complete restoration, the station won the National Historic Route 66 Federation Cyrus Avery Award for the year's most outstanding Route 66 preservation project in 2002.

The Standard Oil Gas Station is now the Odell Route 66 Welcome Center.

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Cayuga

Meramec Caverns Barn - near North 1810 East Road on Route 66
GPS: 40.9436865,-88.5816451

Storm clouds roll over the nostalgic Meramec Caverns Barn near Cayuga.

Meramec Caverns in Staunton, Missouri, is one of the most advertised places in the Midwest. When it first opened as a tourist attraction in 1935, Lester Dill, looking for new forms of advertising, had the idea of painting barns for free in exchange for being allowed to paint a Meramec Caverns logo on the roof or side. Most farmers were thrilled just to get the free labor and paint, but for prime roadside real estate watches, whiskey, and tickets for the cave tour were sometimes offered as an additional payment.  
 
Dill started traveling the country painting barns, and in 1956, Jim Gauer continued the work, painting barns for almost 50 years. Dill liked to keep his Meramec Caverns barns looking nice, sending painters to update the billboards and carpenters to fix problems with the structures. He even went so far as to change a wood shingle roof to a metal one for one farmer.
 
Barn rooftop advertising was outlawed in 1968, but the already-painted Meramec Caverns ads were grandfathered in. Those barns can be repainted until the roof comes down from a disaster or age. Once that happens, the billboard cannot be replaced.
 
Fewer than 75 Meramec Caverns barn billboards are known to remain today, but at the height of the barn billboard campaign, there were around 400 billboards in 40 states. The Cayuga Meramec Caverns barn is one of only four remaining on historic Route 66. The other three are in Conway, Missouri, St Clair, Missouri, and Chandler, Oklahoma.

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Pontiac

The Pontiac Murals 

​Pontiac has over 20 outdoor wall murals scattered throughout the historic downtown area. These artworks, which were crafted in just four days during the Walldogs Summer Bash in June 2009, pay tribute to the city's commercial, social, and political heritage. 

The Route 66 Shield Mural is located behind the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum Complex in Pontiac. The red bricks in front of the mural are original Route 66 bricks. Designed to be driven on, you can park your car in front of the mural. It's a fantastic photo op, especially if you own a vintage automobile!

Be sure not to miss these murals behind the Hall of Fame Museum...

​110 West Howard St - Route 66 Shield Mural  
300 Block of North Main St - Drink Coca-Cola Mural, Daniels Oil Mural,
Palace of Sweets Mural, Rodino Square Mural, Roszell's Soda Shop Mural,
Waldmire Memorial Mural

More murals around town...

​100 Block of East Madison St - Chautauqua Assembly Mural 
200 Block of West Madison St - Allen Candy Mural 
423 West Madison St - 1926 Route 66 & the Pontiac Auto Mural  
200 Block of West Howard St - Fire House Mural, RCA Victor Mural,  
Traditions of Farming Mural
300 Block of West Howard St - Heritage Mural   
217 N Mill St - Ghost Mural 
300 Block of North Mill St - Scatterday's Soda Mural, Jesse Fell & Chief Pontiac Mural
200 Block of West Washington St - Pontiac on Route 66 Mural  
200 Block of West Water St - Vermillion River Mural, Welcome to Downtown Mural

Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum - 110 W Howard St

​Located in a historic fire station and city hall, the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum provides an excellent glimpse into the history of Illinois Route 66. Inside, you will find an impressive array of Route 66 memorabilia and vintage automotive items from across the state. It's worth spending an hour or two exploring. Make sure you venture outside to the back of the museum to see the Route 66 Mural and the mural row of Route 66 shops. Also, check out Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire’s renowned bus and van.

The Wishing Well Motel in Countryside, opened on Route 66 in 1941 and was razed in 2007. The stone wishing well and sign were donated to the Illinois Route 66 Association and are now on display behind the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum Complex.

Pontiac Oakland Car Museum - 205 North Mill St

A 1960 Pontiac Ventura is on display in the Pontiac Oakland Museum garage, surrounded by a collection of over 2000 oil cans.

​The Pontiac-Oakland Museum & Resource Center in Pontiac is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. It houses one of the world's finest assemblies of Pontiac and Oakland vehicles, showcasing vintage and classic automobiles alongside a wealth of automotive memorabilia. The Resource Center Library is a goldmine for history buffs, with thousands of historical highway maps, sales brochures, original design sketches, and service and owner manuals. If it was ever printed about the Pontiac or Oakland brands, chances are the museum has it in its collection, making it a significant repository of automotive history. The museum also features an impressive exhibit of over 2,000 oil cans. With exhibits rotating multiple times annually, there's always something fresh to discover, keeping you informed about the rich history of these iconic brands!

Illinois State Police Headquarters - 15551 Historic Route 66 

​On the west side of the road, 1.5 miles south of Pontiac.

The historic Illinois State Police Headquarters on Route 66 just south of Pontiac.

This historic Illinois State Police Headquarters is famously shaped like a derringer pistol when seen from above. Constructed in 1941 along the heavily trafficked Route 66, the building served as the headquarters for Illinois District 6. This location was chosen to offer convenient access to the busy “hard road.” The structure remained in use until a new facility opened in Pontiac in 2003.

The Illinois State Police was established in 1922 and initially employed twenty officers who patrolled on radio-equipped World War I surplus Harley Davidson motorcycles. However, by 1949, they transitioned entirely to squad cars, ending motorcycle patrols. In 2006, motorcycle patrols were reintroduced, especially within urban areas.
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Today, much of the building is obscured by overgrown shrubs, leaving only the entrance clearly visible. The headquarters is an example of Art Moderne architecture, a style that gained popularity in the 1930s. Its long linear lines, curved corners, and glass structural blocks characterize it. 

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Lexington

Route 66 Memory Lane - Parade Road, just north of Lexington
GPS:  40.652192,-88.7802404

Route 66 Memory Lane in Lexington.

Route 66 Memory Lane is a one-mile segment of the original 1926 alignment of historic Route 66. Originally Route 4, it is complete with vintage billboards and Burma Shave signs and is located just north of Lexington.

Blocked off, this segment is only driven on during parades, but feel free to stretch your legs a bit here.

A vintage billboard for Oasis Drive-In found on Route 66 Memory Lane in Lexington.

Lexington Neon Arrow - 1103 West Main Street

The Lexington Arrow neon sign directs visitors to downtown Lexington.

There aren't many original neon signs left in the smaller rural Route 66 communities in Illinois, but this one is authentic and has been recently restored. Installed in the late 1940s on the western side of Route 66, this sign still stands in its original location, guiding people toward downtown Lexington.  ​Look for it next to the abandoned southbound lanes of the four-lane Bypass Route 66, which today serves as a trail for biking and hiking.

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Normal

Sprague's Super Service -  305 East Pine Street

The Sprague Super Service station in Normal.

The Sprague Super Service station in Normal, Illinois, is the only Tudor Revival canopy gas station in Illinois and the largest of the three two-story service station buildings remaining on Route 66.

William Sprague, a contractor, constructed this Tudor Revival-styled building in 1931 to look like an English Manor house. The ground floor housed his service station, which sold City Service gasoline, a restaurant, and a garage. The second floor had two apartments, one for him and a smaller one for the station attendant.

In 1940, a new four-lane Route 66 was routed east of Normal and Bloomington, and traffic on Pine Street dwindled. After that, the station changed hands several times and even sat vacant through World War II while gas and auto parts were scarce. The gas pumps were finally removed in 1979.

Renovation work began privately in 2006 and was continued by the city, which purchased the building in 2016.

Sprague's Super Service was inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame in 2009 and designated a local historic landmark in 2011.

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Bloomington

Cruizin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center - 200 N Main St

In the heart of Bloomington's downtown square, the historic McLean County Courthouse houses a charming Route 66 Visitor Center and Gift Shop on its lower level. Here, you can explore informational displays that delve into the city's ties to Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln.

On the upper levels, the McLean County Museum of History features the history of McLean County. There is an intriguing exhibit about Abraham Lincoln and his ties to the area. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to admire the courthouse's interior, which has been recognized for its historical significance by being listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. The open three-story rotunda and Circuit Courtroom are stunning! 

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Shirley

Illinois Route 66 Midpoint 

Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup Farm - ​5257 Old Route 66

The Maple Leaf Barn Quilt on the side of a red barn at Funks Grove Maple Sirup Farm.

Funk's family has been producing sirup since 1824 when Isaac Funk made his home in the grove now named after him, but the Funk family legacy officially began in 1891. By the early 1920s, a paved road that later became Route 66 was completed near their Sirup farm, attracting travelers who often stopped by on a whim.

Funks Pure Maple Sirup Farm generates around 2000 gallons of sirup each season. Their store usually sells maple sirup from March to August. Outside of these months, it opens only sporadically or by appointment until its stock is depleted.

That's not a type-o; it's sirup, not syrup.

The original Funks Grove Depot now sits on the ground of the Funks Pure Maple Sirup Farm.

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McLean

Dixie Travel Plaza - 315 Dixie Road

​The Dixie Travel Plaza, initially called Dixie Trucker's Home, was founded in 1928 by JP Walters and John Geske along Route 66. It began as a modest sandwich stand within a truck mechanic's garage. Due to increasing demand, it expanded into a full-scale restaurant by 1930 and underwent several more expansions, including reconstruction after a fire in 1965. For 75 years, it thrived under family management until a change in ownership in 2003. Now part of a chain with two additional locations in Illinois, the original site in McLean, Illinois, is still open for business. Although its appearance has evolved since the early days of Route 66, it holds the title of the oldest truck stop in the US, serving as a living tribute to America's vibrant roadside history.

Arcadia Arcade Museum - 107 S Hamilton

Vintage pinball machines inside Arcadia, the playable Video Arcade Museum.

​Arcadia, America's playable Video Arcade Museum, offers a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of gaming. Stepping inside is like entering a time capsule dedicated to the beloved arcade culture of the past. This unique museum owns an impressive collection of over 1,500 retro games, which they rotate frequently. 
 
The heart of Arcadia lies in its extensive array of iconic pinball machines and video games from the 1980s and 90s. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds that define a generation, from the jingling of pinball bells to the pixelated adventures on screen. Each game has been meticulously restored, ensuring players enjoy them as they were meant to be played.

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Atlanta

Atlanta is a wonderful little town with Route 66 attractions, stores, and ​several museums to explore. However, most locations are only open seasonally, from​ April/May through September/October, depending on the location. Check out the Atlanta, Illinois, Attractions page for their latest information.

American Giants Museum - 100 SW Arch Street

A rare Texas Big Friend Giant stands beside the American Giants Museum in Atlanta.

Located in downtown Atlanta, along the 1926 alignment of Route 66, the American Giants Museum is a treasure trove of history. This Museum meticulously documents the story of the whimsical Muffler Man/Bunyan Giant statues that emerged in the 1960s as unique advertising tools across America.

An original from 1967, this 24-foot-tall figure is one of only six surviving Texaco Big Friends, three of which have been fully restored to their original condition. The Texaco Big Friend was initially located at a Texaco Station in Las Vegas. Acquired in 2016, it underwent restoration in 2024

​The museum building was constructed in 2022 to mimic an old Texaco service station. It is part of the attraction owing to its featured exhibit of a rare Texaco Big Friend, which towers 24 feet tall. A Mortimer Snerd Giant, also known as the Happy Half Wit, was added to the American Giants Museum in June of 2023.

There are plans to add up to five more statues to the museum grounds. Inside the Museum, visitors will find well-maintained public amenities like restrooms and  rotating displays.

​Muffler Men are towering fiberglass figures ranging from 14 to 25 feet tall that serve as roadside attractions. These statues all share a standard design and were crafted between 1963 and 1972 by the International Fiberglass Company in Venice, California. Known for their distinctive poses, these giants were placed outside muffler shops and other businesses to attract attention. There is a wide array of Muffler Men styles, including lumberjacks, cowboys, spacemen, and Native Americans. These quirky figures are now major tourist attractions for those journeying on Historic Route 66.

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​Joel Baker, the foremost expert in identifying, conserving, and restoring these giant fiberglass figures, proposed the idea for a museum after visiting the town to document its Bunyan Giant. Since 2015, he has amassed a collection of original molds, materials, files, photos, and documents from International Fiberglass that form the core of the Museum's exhibits. This Museum is a collection of quirky roadside attractions and a testament to the American spirit of innovation and advertising. Visitors traveling along Route 66 can explore Baker's extensive collection of American Giants, connecting with a unique part of American history that the Museum is committed to preserving.

While the Snerd maintains the typical stance and physique of other Muffler Men, its face features a comical grin reminiscent of Alfred E. Neuman from Mad Magazine. It is named after Edgar Bergen's famous ventriloquist dummy, Mortimer Snerd.

This particular giant was likely created between 1966 and 1970 when the company was modifying its original Muffler Man design to offer more choices to customers. It was initially a decorative piece for a miniature golf course at an Ohio family fun center and then used at a hot dog stand. During the 1980s, he became legless and was repurposed at the Wagon Wheel Bar in Madison, Ohio, which is most likely the reason for the WW on his hat. Eventually, Snerd ended up with a MAD collector who put it up for sale. By then, he was missing parts of his head and waist, along with the long-gone legs.

The grounds of the American Giants Museum promises to host more Muffler Man statues than any other location on Route 66. A dynamic lineup including giants such as a Cowboy, Viking, waving figure, the Snerd, and Midas Man will rotate alongside the rare Texaco Big Friend. The Museum's outdoor area, The Route 66 Land of Giants Rest Stop, is a distinctive space featuring picnic tables with vintage bubbler water fountains perfect for photo opportunities amidst these towering figures. This diverse collection of giants ensures that every visit to the Museum is a new and exciting experience.

Palm's Grill Cafe - 110 SW Arch Street

​Completed in 1867, the Downey Building is the oldest standing building in Atlanta. Its Italianate style featured unique arched windows, contributing to Arch Street's character and name. Though it looks like two separate structures, the building is a single unit. Initially, the southern section housed the Exchange Bank of Atlanta and, later on, the First National Bank of Atlanta. After 1900, J.L. and Frank Bevan's law firm took over this space until Frank Bevan passed away in 1960. It then became the home of the local newspaper Atlanta Argus until a fire forced its closure in 1973. In 1981, after being vacant for years, Bevan's family's descendants donated their side of the building to the Atlanta Public Library and Museum.

The landmark Downey Building sits in the middle of the downtown business district in Atlanta.

The northern section of the building attracted a completely different type of business. In the early years, it was a millinery shop, hardware store, and grocery store. However, it truly came to life in 1934 when Robert Adams opened the Palms Grill there.
 
On August 4 of that year, the Atlanta Argus newspaper announced that the Palms Grill on East Side Square along U.S. Route 66 in Atlanta is now open for business. They promised home-cooked meals, quick service, and courteous treatment with plate lunches priced at just 25 cents.

The Palms Grill Cafe downtown Atlanta.

​The grill was named Palms, a nod to its owner's California roots. It epitomized the era's classic diner style—featuring counters with stools, square tables with four chairs each, and a slot machine for entertainment. It offered nightly dancing and chicken and steak dinners on special. The restaurant’s décor mirrored a dining spot near Adams’ former home, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

The Palms Grill Cafe initially attracted business people, tourists, and celebrities. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Palms Grill promoted itself as available for club parties and quickly became Atlanta's most popular spot for locals and travelers along Route 66 to meet and socialize. Dancing events were advertised frequently, and bingo was held during the '40s for the locals to enjoy.
 
Local folklore tells of the Palms' allure to celebrities, the most notable being Max Baer, the heavyweight boxing champion of his time. In 1934, after a long overnight drive, Baer stopped at the Palms, ordered a slice of coconut pie, and enjoyed it immensely. He tipped each staff member a dollar and praised the cook, saying it was the best pie he had ever tasted. 
 
From 1940 onwards, it served as Atlanta's Greyhound bus stop. While the tall neon sign prominently displayed Palms CAFÉ, beneath it was a light that indicated when passengers were inside waiting to catch the next bus. Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, it was a favorite hangout for Atlanta High School students, many of whom experienced their first jobs there.

​It finally shut down in the late 1960s. The building stood vacant for nearly two decades until John Hawkins acquired it in 1982. After his passing, it was gifted to the Atlanta Public Library and Museum.
 
In 2003, the Atlanta Public Library and Museum undertook significant restoration efforts, leading to the revival of the Palms Grill Cafe, but it closed again in 2020. The historic sign remains despite reopening as Missy’s Sweet Shoppe.  

Paul Bunyon Giant - 112 SW Arch Street

Adorned in his festive Christmas hat, the Paul Bunyon Giant stands proudly on Route 66 in Atlanta, clutching an oversized hot dog.

​Back in 1966, a captivating advertisement for a restaurant along Route 66 featured a Paul Bunyan Muffler Man, a significant figure in Americana, holding a colossal hot dog. This Bunyan Giant was originally crafted for a client in Sacramento, but when the deal fell through, H.A. Stephen acquired him for $1900 for his Cicero, Illinois, Hot Dog Stand. The Giant was purchased in three parts, with the fourth part, the hot dog, yet to be added to complete his unique look.

Stephens deliberately spelled the hot dog stand's name with an “o” instead of an “a” to avoid copyright issues with the Paul Bunyan Café in Arizona. Hence, the Giant received a name change to Paul Bunyon.  

Initially, the Bunyon Giant was perched atop Bunyon’s Hot Dog Stand, but a city ordinance mandated his removal from the roof. In response, Stephens relocated the 19-foot-tall Giant to the stand's entrance.
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Over time, Paul Bunyon transcended his role as a restaurant mascot to become a cherished Route 66 landmark. Sadly, when Bunyon's hot dog stand closed in 2002, the building’s new owner didn’t want him.  In 2003, the Stephens family loaned Paul Bunyon to Atlanta, Illinois, where he could continue to be a Route 66 icon. Interestingly (or perhaps ironically), without the context provided by the hot dog stand itself, Bunyon now presents an even more peculiar and fascinating sight, a testament to his enduring appeal.

Country Aire Restaurant - 606 E South Street

​In the spring of 2009, Lumi Bekteshi began managing the Palms Grill Café along Route 66 in Atlanta. At the time, she had never baked a pie. Three months later, she won two first-place blue ribbons for her peach and apple pies at the Illinois State Fair. Lumi credits her success to Bill Thomas, her pie-baking mentor. Though new to pie making, Lumi was already an accomplished baker, having honed her skills in breadmaking and other baking techniques as a child under her mother's guidance in Macedonia. Her natural aptitude for baking made mastering pies a breeze for Lumi.

​​After Nick Bekteshi, her husband and owner of the Country Aire Restaurant, noticed the influx of tourists visiting Atlanta's new American Giants Museum, he decided he wanted a Giant for his place, too. What better way to advertise than to celebrate his wife Lumi’s accomplishments as a prize-winning pie lady?

Lumi the Pie Lady

​The 19-foot-tall giant, Lumi the Pie Lady, is styled as a waitress with a cap, cat-eye glasses, and an order pad tucked in her pocket. She proudly holds an apple pie in the air. Lumi is a variation of the Uniroyal Tire Gal from the Muffler Men series created by the International Fiberglass Company in the 1960s. Mark Cline crafted her at his Enchanted Castle Studio in Natural Bridge, Virginia, and Re-Giant handled her installation; they also installed the Texaco Big Friend at the American Giants Museum. 

Located just off I-55, Country Aire Restaurant sits on the 1947-1977 alignment of Route 66. Stop in for a slice of that prize-winning peach or apple pie!

Route 66 Driving Exhibit - 865 SW Arch St 

A vintage Route 66 sign stands next to a quarter-mile stretch of the original pavement from the
1926 Route 66 alignment in Atlanta.

​Cruise down this quarter-mile section of original pavement dating to the 1926 alignment of Route 66!

As you drive along this preserved section, imagine the countless travelers who've journeyed here before. Feel the nostalgia as you trace the tire marks of adventurers seeking new beginnings and unforgettable memories on their cross-country treks. The road's unique charm evokes images of classic cars, bustling roadside diners, and quaint motels. This short segment is a tangible reminder of America's love affair with freedom and exploration. 

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Lincoln

The Tropics - 1007 Lincoln Parkway 

The Tropics Neon Sign.

​In 1950, Vince Schwenoha launched The Tropics on Route 66 in Lincoln, its theme inspired by his wartime experiences in Hawaii. The establishment boasted two dining areas and the Bamboo Lounge, with swivel stools that kids enjoyed spinning on. Tropical decor was everywhere, featuring bamboo accents and a beach mural behind the bar. A prominent neon sign with a palm tree stood outside, becoming a symbol for travelers along Route 66 and making The Tropics a local landmark.
 
The following year, Lewis Lee Johnson relocated from Macomb, Illinois, to Lincoln to work as a meat cutter for Kroger and took an evening job as a busboy at The Tropics. By 1953, he switched to the Blue Inn across the street but soon returned as a bartender at The Tropics, falling in love with Beverly Worth, the night hostess. They wed in February 1955 and, later that year, leased the restaurant.  
 
It was a family-run venture for the Johnsons, whose children were deeply involved in its operations. Other relatives contributed, too. Betty Fletcher was one employee who remained with them throughout their tenure. She fondly recounted how they brought their newborn son Kim straight from the hospital to lay him in one of the booths before resuming work. She became an honorary aunt to the Johnson's three children, who visited every day before school.  Betty ensured they had breakfast each morning and sometimes helped drink their daughter's milk so she wouldn’t get scolded for not finishing her meal.
 
Initially employing eleven staff members, they eventually had 81 part-time and full-time workers on the payroll. Since few owned cars back then, Lew drove employees back and forth between home and work using his VW van between shifts every day.
 
On January 23, 1965, a fire ignited by a transformer erupted in the Tropics coffee shop, forcing its two-month closure while repairs were made. A decade later, in February 1975, another blaze caused by an electrical short in an exhaust fan severely damaged the restaurant. This time, the building's owner opted to build a new building rather than renovate it.

During the two-year reconstruction from 1975 to 1977, traffic was diverted from Route 66 to Interstate 55. The Tropics reopened on July 7, 1977; however, with the new interstate bypass, business declined significantly, and by early 1978, Lew and Bev were nearing bankruptcy. Then came the ice storm of '78, which left most of Lincoln without electricity for five to ten days. The utility company prioritized restoring power at The Tropics so it could serve meals to its hardworking crews—that surge in business saved the restaurant.
 
In May 1982, the Johnsons finally purchased the business. Lew and Bev Johnson celebrated three decades of running The Tropics alongside their son Kim, his wife Lisa, and son Eric. However, everything changed when Bev succumbed to cancer in 1992 after a three-year fight; Lew retired five years later after dedicating forty-two years to his business before passing away in 2004. 
 
The iconic neon sign is a cherished tourist attraction along Route 66, although a McDonald's now occupies the property where The Tropics used to be. 

The Mill on 66 - 738 S Washington

The Mill on 66 Museum.

​The Mill opened on Route 4 in Lincoln in 1929 as The Blue Mill, with the highway later becoming the 1930-1940 alignment of Route 66. This Dutch-themed building was designed to resemble a Dutch mill and operated initially as a sandwich stand. Its exterior boasted white paint with blue accents and featured a lit-up revolving windmill; inside, the decor was Dutch blue. The waitresses wore uniforms of white dresses adorned with blue-trimmed aprons. 

Post-WWII, The Mill transformed into a restaurant and bar known for its schnitzel sandwiches. Over time, ownership changed hands, and the color scheme shifted to red and white while maintaining its windmill motif. Renowned as the Home of the Schnitzel, their signature dish—a large fried breaded sandwich made initially with veal but later pork—kept customers returning for decades! 

In 1996, The Mill Restaurant closed its doors to the public, standing vacant and decaying for many years. In 2006, it was sold for taxes but thankfully spared from demolition since the owner couldn't afford to tear it down. One year later, Logan County Tourism and other supporters formed The Route 66 Heritage Foundation to preserve this landmark by purchasing it for $10.00 and initiating restoration efforts.

The restoration process took nearly twelve years of dedicated effort from countless volunteers who contributed their skills towards preserving this 1929 site. Numerous preservation organizations also provided grants and in-kind donations during this period. Though renovations are ongoing, The Mill officially reopened in 2017 as The Mill on 66 Museum thanks to combined efforts from The Route 66 Heritage Foundation, various Route 66 organizations, and many volunteers! 

Exterior repainting occurred alongside windmill restoration; windows were replaced while new roofing was put up—all using original elements like wood flooring or light fixtures where possible. Unfortunately, though necessary, the back addition and kitchen couldn't be salvaged, so they were demolished. 

In 2020, the Logan County Tourism Bureau became the new owner of The Mill Museum on Route 66, thanks to a transfer from the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County. Once in possession, the Bureau discovered that additional interior and exterior repairs were necessary. The Logan County Tourism Board, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to preserving local history, sanctioned several updates, including re-siding the building, installing heating and air systems and gutters, and making improvements inside. 

The Mill on 66 Museum is a treasure trove of Route 66 memorabilia and original items from iconic Logan County Route 66 restaurants: The Mill, The Pig Hip, and The Tropics. Also displayed are vintage photographs, a replica of the original Dutch-themed building, and a comprehensive timeline of Route 66's history.  

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Springfield

Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience - 
2200 North 11th Street

Springfield, Illinois, is home to the only fairgrounds on Route 66.
Behind the historic 1910 main gate stands the Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter statue.

The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience offers a miniaturized journey across Illinois Route 66. This small-scale walking tour starts in Chicago and passes through 92 cities and towns along the historic Mother Road, culminating at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, Illinois. Visitors can enjoy classic billboards, a drive-in movie theater, the Legends Neon Park, and a nod to the famous muffler men along this paved path. Various hubs throughout the tour showcase the history and significance of the Illinois communities connected to Route 66.

The Legends Neon Park, located at the heart of the Route 66 Experience, features replicas of some of the best neon signs that once illuminated the Illinois portion of the highway. The neon signs, crafted by Springfield’s Ace Sign Company, are elevated on 100-foot poles to safeguard them from damage. Among the impressive recreated signs are those from Granite City’s Chain of Rocks Motel, Mitchell’s Bel-Air Drive-in, and Springfield’s A. Lincoln Motel.
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To visit, enter through the Illinois State Fairgrounds Main Gate at the intersection of E. Sangamon Avenue and N. 11th Street. It is the only gate open daily. Drive a quarter mile, then make a right turn. After driving 100 yards, turn right again.

Legends Neon Park at the heart of the Route 66 Experience on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Mahan's Filling Station at Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta -
1168 Sangamon Avenue

Mahan's Filling Station, the oldest gas station in the state.

​Mahan’s Filling Station is a small 14’x14’ gas station built in 1917 by Butler Manufacturing. It's one of the oldest in the state and shows what early gas stations looked like. In the 1930s, Henry Mahan moved it to Middleton, Illinois, on Route 136, operating the station until he joined the U.S. Army during WWII.

Over the years, the station operated as a Texaco, Marathon, and Philips 66 before Bill and Helen Shea moved it to Springfield and made it part of the Shea Gas Station Museum in 2000. As a centerpiece of their museum, they showcased old gas pumps, phone booths, signs, and photos.

After Bill Shea died in 2013, Jeff Fulgenzi bought the station at auction in 2015. It didn’t move far, just down the block to sit beside his restaurant, Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta.

​Fulgenzi’s has strong Route 66 ties, the property was once the Fairway Motel and the pizza place started as the Custard Castle in 1979, a popular Route 66 travel stop.

Mahan’s Filling Station now fits perfectly into its Route 66 setting right across the street from the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience.

Shea's Gas Station Museum - 2075 North Peoria Road

Shea's Gas Station in Springfield.

Bill Shea ran his Marathon gas station from 1955 to 1982 along the 1926-1977 stretch of Route 66. After closing, Bill and his wife, Helen, transformed it into Shea’s Gas Station Museum, filling it with quirky Route 66 memorabilia. The museum became an icon and was visited by travelers worldwide. It was famously cramped with exhibits, making it difficult to see everything. Bill Shea managed this beloved museum until his passing in 2013, just shy of his 92nd birthday.
 
In 2016, the station and its entire collection were auctioned off. The 1920s Mahan’s Filling Station, previously located on the premises, was acquired by Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta and relocated a block away at their restaurant. Moterhead’s obtained several artifacts, including the iconic Shea’s Gas Station sign, which is now displayed at Moterhead’s Bar, Grill, and Museum.
 
Following two years of planning, backing from the City of Springfield, and a Route 66 Grant, Shea’s Gas Station has been meticulously restored to its original state, complete with recreated signage. The gas tanks out front are part of the new owner's collection. The property's gates reopened in May 2024, once again ready to welcome Route 66 visitors. 

I haven't discovered if there will be access to the station's interior, but there has been some interest in turning the station into a visitor's center. 

Lauterbach Muffler Man - 1569 Wabash Avenue

​The 25-foot-tall Lauterbach Giant stands on the 1926-30 alignment of historic Route 66 before Lauterbach Tire & Auto Service, proudly holding an American Flag. A nostalgic figure of yesteryear, the Paul Bunyan-designed Giant could once be found in many incarnations across America as a promotional figure dressed in his red shirt, blue pants, and weathered brown boots. He’s pure roadside Americana.

The Lauterbach Giant.

In 1961, Russ Lewis acquired this colossal muffler man as an eye-catching feature for his new business, Midtown Tire, located at the Springfield State and Laurel Streets intersection.  Unfortunately, they shut down after just a year, leaving the big guy without a place to stand. In 1962, brothers Edward Jr. and Edward McGaughey rescued the giant, moving him to their Roundup Motel, cafe, and service station in Farmersville, Illinois, where it remained for 16 years until the motel's closure in 1978. Although Russ Lewis' venture didn't thrive with the giant's presence, his son Dave recognized its value. Dave repurchased the giant and installed it at its present location, where he continues to stand today.
 
In the following years, the ownership of the business changed multiple times, but the giant remained. Initially, Dave Lewis sold the establishment to his brother Bill, who later passed it on to Jay Lauterbach and his family in 1985. After Jay's passing in 2018, his wife Jane and their sons Mark and Brian took over the tire shop's operations. They ensure the giant stays well-dressed by repainting it every few years.
 
For the Lauterbach Giant, tranquility reigned until a tornado struck Springfield on March 12, 2006. Not only was the business damaged, but the giant lost his head, which was eventually found in a neighbor's backyard. The storm caused so much damage that Springfield's St. Patrick’s Day Parade was postponed for a week. In the meantime, the mayor made a special request for Lauterbach’s "head" to ride on a float in the parade. Seeing that quirky disembodied head, really lifted the town's spirits. It was reattached to his body later that month, and he now looks better than ever!

Ace Sign Company - 2540 S 1st St

Ace Sign Company has been in business since 1940. They created most of the Illinois neon signs along Route 66 during the road's heyday and recreated the newer neon signs you see today. They have a collection of over 85 historic signs from Springfield and Route 66 on display in their museum.

Ace offers a guided tour of their business twice daily at 10 and 2 and explains how neon is made.  Be sure to stop by if you are in Springfield on a weekday during business hours. 

Cozy Drive In - 2935 S Sixth St

The original Cozy Dog sign.

​In the early 1940s, Ed Waldmire Jr. encountered a unique sandwich called a corn dog in Muskogee, Oklahoma. This dish consisted of a wiener baked in cornbread. While he enjoyed it, Ed found that baking it took too long but struggled with a way to keep the cornbread on the wiener for quicker cooking.

​Later, in 1941, Ed discussed this baked corn dog concept with his friend Don Strand, whose father ran a bakery. Fast forward five years, Ed was at Amarillo Airfield in the Air Force when Don wrote him a letter about their long-forgotten corndog conversation. He had developed a batter that adhered to a wiener, enabling it to be French-fried, and wanted Ed to give it a try. Eager to experiment, Ed agreed. Using cocktail forks as makeshift sticks in the USO kitchen, he crafted the "Crusty Cur." This snack soon gained popularity at the airfield and USO, with Ed and Don selling thousands before Ed's military discharge in the spring of 1946.

​​Back home in Springfield, Ed decided to continue selling these skewered treats. His wife, however, felt that the "Crusty Cur" name wasn't appealing, prompting a search for a better name. Eventually, they landed on "Cozy Dog."

The Cozy Dog officially premiered at Lake Springfield Beach House on June 16, 1946, and later that year at the Illinois State Fair. After moving locations a few times, it settled permanently at the Cozy Drive In on Route 66 in 1949.

To this day, Cozy Dogs are made with Ed's original batter, offering a traditional cornbread taste rather than the sweeter Jiffy-like flavor often found on other corndogs.

The new Cozy Drive-In sign at night.

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While in Springfield, be sure not to miss:
Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, AKA Springfield Visitors Center - 1 S Old State Capitol Plaza
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum - 112-212 N Sixth St
Lincoln Home National Historic Site - 413 S 8th St
Lincoln's Tomb - Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave. 
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site - 15588 History Lane, Petersburg

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As you leave Springfield on Sixth Street, it becomes I-55. If you continue on the current Route 66 alignment, you will be on the Interstate for quite a distance since Route 66 is now under Lake Springfield. 

I recommend taking Toronto Road.  After Motorheads, continue on Toronto Road until you reach Illinois Route 4, the 1926 alignment of Route 66.

Motorheads Bar & Grill - Museum - 600 Toronto Road

1950 Mercury Coupe in the Motorhead Museum.

“Big Ron” holds up the largest
Route 66 shield on the Mother Road.

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Motorheads is renowned for being home to the world's largest Route 66 shield and offers a unique dining experience surrounded by an extensive collection of transportation and Route 66 relics. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a nostalgic journey through Americana.

​​Even if you don't time it right to have a meal, be sure to stop by to explore the museum and parking lot. The museum is a treasure trove of history, with vintage cars and motorcycles on display—neon signs and memorabilia transport visitors back to the heyday of Route 66.

The visionary behind this captivating place is Ron Metzger, who has dedicated his life to preserving the rich history of central Illinois Route 66 hotspots. The restaurant itself occupies a former Stuckey’s gas station, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience. Every corner of Motorheads tells a story, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The Ghost Gas Station at Motorhead’s is a collection that features
pumps, signs, and classic cars in their original condition, dating back to the 1920s.

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Auburn

 Auburn Brick Road - Turn west off Illinois 4 at Snell Road
                                                          GPS 39.618111, -89.739056

The Auburn brick road.

The historic Auburn Brick Road is a beautifully restored 1.53-mile-long hand-laid brick segment of the original 1926-1930 alignment of US Route 66. Only used briefly as Route 66, it was abandoned in 1930 when the Mother Road was straightened and realigned between Springfield and Litchfield.
 
This abandoned segment of Route 66 reverted to its original designation as State Highway 4, which was constructed in 1921 to provide a hard road connecting Chicago to Springfield and St. Louis. It is unclear why the brick was laid over the preexisting concrete roadbed in 1931, but it was abandoned again when Illinois straightened State Highway 4 in 1932.
 
The Auburn Brick Road was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 for its value to engineering history, not Route 66 history. An excellent example of 1930s brick road construction, the roadbed has been virtually untouched since 1932.

Auburn Brick Road, also known as Snell Road, is located in Auburn, Illinois. Turn west off Illinois 4 at Snell Road.

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Girard

Doc's Soda Fountain/Deck's Pharmacy Museum
133 S Second St

Doc's Just Off 66 in Girard.

Originally Decks Drugs, it opened in this location in 1884, serving Girard as a drug store and general store, selling drugs, groceries, and hardware. The old-fashioned soda fountain was added in 1930, and brothers Bob and Bill Deck, the third generation of Decks to run the family business, took over in 1960. They operated the drug store until they decided to retire and sold the 117-year-old family business in 2001.

Deck's Drugs later became Doc's Soda Fountain and Deck's Pharmacy Museum.

One of the many pharmacy showcases displaying old patient medicines and remedies at the Deck’s Pharmacy Museum located inside Doc’s Just Off 66.

The old drugstore has changed hands several times since the Deck family owned it. The marble top soda fountain, original hardwood floor, and shelving and showcases display old patient medicines and remedies, early equipment and fixtures, advertising, and many interesting items from years past and when the drugstore began in 1884 are all still there.

In 2021, Doc’s Soda Fountain became Doc's Just Off 66. The soda fountain has been renovated, the restaurant expanded, and the pharmacy museum is still on display.

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Nilwood

Turkey Tracks - Near: 26614 Donaldson Rd, Girard
GPS: 39.3865622,-89.858925

Turkey Tracks outside of Nilwood.

One of my favorite Illinois Route 66 attractions is on a long-forgotten segment of the 1926-1930 alignment just outside of Nilwood, Illinois, where you can see 100+-year-old turkey tracks permanently imprinted into the road.

These tracks predate Route 66 since this stretch of road was originally Illinois Route 4. It was paved sometime between 1919 and 1921. On the National Register of Historic Places, this narrow and curvy stretch of road was later bypassed by Illinois Route 4 and is now only used by local traffic and very determined Route 66 explorers.

A lot of speculation has gone into this set of turkey tracks. Many think the turkey had to walk on the road within the first 2-4 hours of it being poured for the concrete to be wet enough for the turkey's weight to leave tracks. It is also said that it had to be a domestic turkey, not a wild one, since wild turkeys were overhunted and gone from Illinois by 1910.

A close up of the turkey tracks above a Route 66 shield outside Nilwood.

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After the town of Carlinville, take the Litchfield Road (Illinois Route 3). It becomes North 16th Avenue somewhere around I-55. Travel over I-55, and turn south onto the East Frontage Road/Route 66.

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Litchfield

Ariston Café - 413 Old Route 66 N

Aritson Cafe in Litchfield.

The Ariston Café is most likely the oldest continually operated restaurant on Route 66. It is one of only a handful of restaurants associated with Route 66 in Illinois that remains in operation along the original roadbed.  

Greek immigrant Pete Adam opened the Ariston Café in 1924 in Carlinville on Illinois Route 4, which became Illinois' first alignment of Route 66 in 1926. In 1930, when Route 66 was realigned, bypassing Carlinville, the Ariston followed the Mother Road, relocating to Litchfield on the new alignment.

In 1935, the Café moved across the street to a newly constructed building that cost Adam $3625.36. This utilitarian commercial building lacks allusions to a particular architectural style, with its most distinguishing exterior feature being a curved parapet wall on the facade.

On the interior, the booths reflect the influence of the Art Deco style popular in the 1930s. When you visit, take notice of the Art Deco wall cabinet,  chrome stools, and original light fixtures in the booths. The interior is remarkably unaltered and provides a strong sense of time and place. With the formal white tablecloths, it feels like you have stepped back into 1930 when you enter the Cafe!

Adam placed two gas pumps in front of the new building, a typical practice back in the day, to draw more traffic to the restaurant. While the pumps no longer remain, the Ariston is still going strong. 

In 1938, a porterhouse steak was just 85 cents, while bacon and eggs or a BLT was a quarter! That’s hard to comprehend today.

Pete passed away in 1966, and his son Nick and Nick’s wife took over the restaurant. The Ariston Café and Adam family were inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2006, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant commercial architecture along Route 66.

The Adam family sold the business in 2018 to Litchfield residents, partners Will and Michele Law, and Marty and Kara Steffens. They continued to offer the traditional service expected from the Ariston Café.

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center - 
334 Old Route 66 N

The Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center now sit on the property that was once Vic Suhling's Gas Station, where his eye-catching neon sign has remained for decades.  

Vic Suhling first leased the property and built his gas station in 1957.  By 1961, he had made enough money to finally purchase the land from the Modlin family. Vic closed the station in 1968.

​The Vic Suhling / Gas for Less neon sign stands beside the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center on historic Route 66.

Stewart’s Deep Rock gas station then moved in and continued to operate the station until 1973. After the property was sold in 1989, the building was razed, and the land sat empty for 20 years before being purchased for the new museum's location. During all that time, Vic Suhling’s neon sign has stood on the corner. ​The sign was restored, and the museum held a relighting ceremony in 2013.​

Besides the neon sign, be sure to stop in and see what I think is the museum's greatest Route 66 treasure: a collection of maps and drawings by the artist Bob Waldmire. 

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Mt Olive

Soulsby Service Station - 710 W 1st Street

Soulsby Service Station is the oldest gas station still in useable condition
on Illinois section of the Mother Road.

On the corner of 1st Street and Old Route 66 in Mount Olive is Soulsby Service Station, the oldest gas station still in useable condition on Illinois’ Mother Road.  
​
After a mining injury, Henry Soulsby used his savings to purchase land and, in 1926, aided by his son Russell, constructed a Shell service station in a house with canopy design. His daughters, Ola and Wilma, later joined him in managing the station.

Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, the station thrived. It lacked a garage, so oil changes and minor repairs were conducted on a steel ramp out back. The ramp is still there today, although a tree has grown through it.

Upon Henry's retirement, Russell and Ola took over operations. Both were adept in car maintenance. During WWII, Russell served as a naval communications technician. Upon returning home, he set up an electronics repair shop on the station's north side, fixing radios and televisions and adding only an antenna to the building for testing purposes.

In the late 1950s, Interstate 55 was built, rerouting traffic away from Route 66 and leaving Soulsby Station a mile off the beaten path.

Gas sales ceased in 1991, but the station continued offering oil checks, drinks, and hospitality to the growing number of Route 66 tourists until 1993, always sending everyone off with a wink and a wave. Ola passed in 1996, and Russell sold the station to their neighbor, Mike Dragovich, in 1997. When Russell died in 1999, his funeral procession honored him by passing beneath the station’s canopy one last time, only this time, it was his friend's turn to give Russel a wink and wave.

Restoration efforts by Mr. Dragovich and the Soulsby Preservation Society began in 2003, restoring the station to its post-WWII appearance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and now functions as a museum and visitor center.

The 1926 Soulsby Service Station in Mount Olive.

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Staunton

Henry's Ra66it Ranch - 1107 Historic Old Route 66

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch sign is a playful nod to Arizona’s Jackrabbit Trading Post.

Henry's Ra66it Ranch, located on the 1930-40 stretch of Route 66 in Staunton, is truly a hidden treasure.

Many years ago, while traveling the Mother Road, Rich Henry decided he wanted to open a Route 66 visitors center, gift shop, and roadside attraction.  After his daughter's rabbits multiplied unexpectedly, from a small family of three to a bustling community of twenty, the idea for the Rabbit Ranch was born.

Despite not being one, the Visitor’s Center resembles an authentic old filling station. Its signage playfully nods to Arizona's Jackrabbit Trading Post, while the site also pays tribute to Texas's Cadillac Ranch, only using VW Rabbits instead. There’s a collection of vintage Campbell’s “humpin’ to please” semi-trailers, and the ranch also has live rabbits, a quirky giant bunny, and a bunny graveyard, making it a fun stop for travelers who love rabbits of all kinds. 
​
Sadly, Rich Henry passed away in August 2024. However, most of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch remains open. While they try to maintain regular hours at the Visitors Center, it tends to be more hit or miss. Visitors are always welcome to explore the Ranch even if the Visitors Center is closed.

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch pays tribute to the Texas Cadillac Ranch, only using VW Rabbits instead.

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Livingston

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - 908 Veterans Memorial Drive

Pink Elephant Antique Mall

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall, located on the historic stretch of Route 66 in Livingston, has been a beloved destination for travelers exploring the iconic highway since 2005. Situated in the former 1929 Livingston High School, this expansive 30,000-square-foot space offers a unique shopping experience filled with antiques and collectibles. Visitors can browse various items, including antique furniture, jewelry, glassware, memorabilia, candles, home goods, and décor.

In addition to its extensive collection of antiques, the mall features two unique and nostalgic shops that add to the quirky charm of the place. The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop, with its 1950s theme, offers a delightful selection of homemade fudge crafted on-site in various flavors, caramelized roasted nuts, vintage candies, bulk candy, saltwater taffy, chocolates, and Route 66 souvenirs. Meanwhile, The Twistee Treats Diner, housed in an original ice cream cone-shaped building, boasts a retro 1950s vibe with a hot pink tiled dining area. Overlooked by the Blues Brothers statues and a classic jukebox, the diner serves lunch and dinner, featuring burgers made from fresh local beef and an impressive array of ice creams, including soft serve and hand-scooped options.

During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to snap photos with the giant outdoor statues. These include the iconic pink elephant, an authentic 1960s futuro house, and oversized figures.

Inside the Twistee Treats Diner.

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Edwardsville

Wildey Theatre - 252 North Main Street

Wildey Theatre

Standing just a half-block from the earliest Route 66 alignment through Edwardsville, the Wildey Theatre was built in 1909 through a collaboration between the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) and a group of local Edwardsville businessmen known as the Edwardsville Investment Company. The theater quickly became a cultural hub for arts and entertainment in the community, a role it continues to play today. The main floor featured an elegant auditorium, while the second floor, dubbed the Music Hall, hosted smaller concerts and events. It was named after Thomas Wildey, the Englishman who founded the IOOF in America, and the IOOF meeting hall was located on the building's third floor.   

Because of its expansive stage, it was a favored stop on the Vaudeville circuit. Later, it was adapted to accommodate silent films by adding a movable screen and projection booth. In 1937, it underwent a significant Art Deco transformation and was the city's cultural center until financial difficulties led to its closure on March 8, 1984, after screening The Big Chill.
 
The city of Edwardsville eventually acquired the theatre and began restoring this architectural gem. It reopened on April 12, 2011.  One hundred two years after its first grand opening, the Wildey reopened to much acclaim as a restoration success story. Today, it serves Edwardsville and nearby areas as an arts center, hosting various events, including concerts and films.

West End Service Station -  620 St Louis Street

West End Service Station

For almost 40 years, West End Service Station was a lively car service hub on Route 66, right in the center of Edwardsville. Both travelers and locals would stop by to fill their tanks, change their oil, check tire pressure, or enjoy an ice-cold drink.

In 1927, Edwardsville local Henry Springer founded Springer’s Madison Oil Co. at the intersection of St. Louis and West Streets. It was a small brick building with a canopy and two Texaco gas pumps.

By 1936, the station had been renamed the West End Service Station. Under the management of Robert Smith and Ralph Ladd, it offered Mobil gas and oil products and proudly announced its new hydraulic hoist and air pressure lubrication system.

The station temporarily shut down in 1939 while Route 66 was repaved through Edwardsville, replacing the old brick road with concrete. During this time, West End Service Station enhanced its facilities by demolishing the old building and erecting a larger modern one that is seen today. It reopened on August 5, 1939, with Ralph and Earl Ladd managing it. Positioned perfectly on this prime corner of Route 66 in Edwardsville's fashionable West End area, it once again became a bustling spot.

In 1948, Hank Dohle and Doc Heidinger, both local mechanics, bought and managed the station for 12 years. Although it remained a popular stop on Route 66 for travelers, it also transformed into a community hub where neighborhood residents would gather to listen to ballgames, catch up on the news, and socialize, even when their didn't need their cars serviced.

In 1961, Ralph Ellsworth purchased it to run Ralph’s Mobil Service Station. In addition to gasoline, Ralph’s offered services like washing, greasing, brake repairs, tire sales, batteries, and wheel balancing. Needing more space, he moved his business further down West Street to the Schwarz Street corner around the summer of 1964, which sadly coincided with the opening of I-55, bypassing town and marking the end of the era for Route 66.

In 1964, Dr. Robert Marks purchased the property and established his dental practice here, turning it into a different kind of filling station. For the following fifty-five years, it was the office of several community dentists, including Drs. Robert Marks, Dale Claussen, and Beau Moody.

In the fall of 2022, the City of Edwardsville purchased the landmark building in partnership with the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Now a Visitors Center and Museum, the West End Service Station is one of the last remaining original Route 66 service stations for more than 60 miles.

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Mitchell

Luna Cafe - 201 East Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City

The Luna Cafe opened in 1924.

The Luna Café, which opened in Mitchell in 1924, two years before Route 66, is over 100 years old. The bar became a restaurant during Prohibition, so it wouldn't have to shut down, but it no longer serves food today.

The Luna Café was a favored haunt of Al Capone and other notorious gangsters during the prohibition era. Rumor has it that they operated an illicit gambling den in the basement and a brothel on the upper floor, adding a thrilling element to the café's history.

The curved arrow neon sign has a red cherry in the martini glass. According to local legend, if the cherry was lit, that indicated the ladies were providing “entertainment” for the evening.

The Luna Cafe's neon sign.

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Collinsville

Brooks Catsup Bottle - 800 South Morrison Avenue

The world's largest catsup bottle in Collinsville, marks where the Brooks catsup factory was once located on Route 66.

First named the Collinsville Canning and Packing Company, the Brooks brothers took over the plant in 1908 and operated it under the name Triumph Catsup and Pickle Company. Brooks sold the factory to the American Cone and Pretzel Company in 1920, and GS Suppiger Company purchased the plant in 1933.

Even though the company changed hands many times, it retained the Brooks Catsup name because it was a well-respected brand that

continued to grow, surviving the Great Depression and World War II before finally closing in the early 1960s.

After World War II, more water was needed for the plant's new fire sprinkler system and to ensure the company had plenty of water for their vegetable processing plant since their massive water usage affected the south side of the town's water pressure. In 1947, G. S. Suppiger Company requested permission from the city to build a unique water tower. The company president suggested the tower look like one of their catsup bottles to everyone's amusement. So when it was erected in 1949, the 50-foot tall catsup bottle was large enough to hold 100,000 gallons of water, and it sat atop a 100-foot tall steel base.  
 
After the plant closed in the early 1960s, the water tower sat empty while the plant was used as a warehouse. Finally, when the parent company decided to sell the property, the water tower, rusted out after years of neglect, seemed destined for demolition.
 
In 1994, Bethel Eckert Enterprises purchased the property, including the water tower. To save this historic piece of roadside architecture, a 14-person preservation group was formed. The group raised more than $100,000 for the restoration work. As a result, the world's largest catsup bottle was unveiled to the public in 1995. In 1999, it received a new logo for the bottle's 50th anniversary.

While in Collinsville, you might be interested in...
​The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - 30 Ramey Street

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Granite City

It's Electric - Neon Sign Park - 1300 19th Street

It's Electric Neon Sign Park in Granite City.

Situated in the heart of Granite City at the intersection of Delmar and 19th Street, just a short distance off Route 66, this neon sign park showcases recreated neon signs of the Washington Theater, Hudson Jewelry, and Reese Drugs, which were popular downtown Granite City businesses during the Route 66 peak years of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The park also includes two massive murals and a Chain of Rocks Bridge model designed for love-locks. The signs, created by Ace Sign Company from Springfield, are illuminated from dusk until dawn every night.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge - 4205-4207 Chain of Rocks Road 

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and one of the St Louis water intake towers on the Mississippi River.

Constructed almost 100 years ago, at the beginning of America's love affair with the automobile, and reinvented as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a MUST VISIT  attraction for every Historic Route 66 pilgrimage.

It is a two-mile round trip easy hike or bike across this infamous old bridge that soars high above the Mississippi River between Madison, Illinois, and St Louis, Missouri, at one of the river's most scenic locations near its confluence with the Missouri River. Even if you can't go the complete distance, you can drive down the road to the left just before entering the parking lot, where you can admire the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge from the base of the Mississippi River.

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was named after the 17-mile long shoal in the river, called the Chain of Rocks, a series of underwater rock ledges that create rapids making boat navigation extremely dangerous.

The bridge is near the enchanting water intake towers for the Chain of Rocks pumping station and is infamous for its unusual 30-degree bend near its center.  At 5353 feet long and slightly longer than a mile, it is one of the longest continuous steel truss bridges in the United States. It is also the longest Route 66 river crossing. The piers for the bridge are 55 feet above the Mississippi River's high water mark, giving you a view of the St Louis Arch above the trees some 20+ miles away.

I found this bridge fascinating! So much so that I devoted an entire blog post to it.

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My Other Route 66 Blog Posts

The Best of Texas Route 66
​The Best of New Mexico Route 66
​Red Oak II: A Missouri Route 66 Gem
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: A Route 66 Gem between Illinois and Missouri

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For more information about Route 66 through Illinois, visit...

Illinois Route 66
​Heritage Corridor Destinations - Route 66

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​Not every image makes it into my blog. If you enjoyed the photos in this article, please check out my Route 66 Collection for more pictures from the Mother Road, or visit my Gallery with over 4000 images of locations around the United States.

Sprague's Super Service Station in Normal, Illinois, framed art print.

​Fine Art Prints are available for order as print only, framed art, canvas art, metal art, acrylic art, and wood art prints in various sizes. Home Decor and Gift Ideas include shower curtains, throw pillows, towels, totes, phone cases, t-shirts, puzzles, blankets and more—Worldwide Shipping with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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About the Photographer

Susan Rissi Tregoning is the 8th photographer in the past four generations of professional photographers in her family. After a long career as an art buyer and interior designer, she put her career on hold in 2006 to travel with her husband and his job. In the process, she found her roots again,  developing a photography obsession far  ​beyond casual ​snapshots that evolved into a desire to capture every location and object as art. By meshing her two loves, photography and design, she has come full circle only now creating art instead of purchasing it for others.

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