Browse All Categories
Route 66 stops in Illinois
1. Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Iconic polished steel sculpture reflecting Chicago's skyline in its seamless, bean-shaped curves.
2. The Tropics Restaurant Neon Sign
Historic, restored neon sign that serves as a popular photo op.
3. Buckingham Fountain
Grand fountain centerpiece of Chicago’s Grant Park.
4. Willis Tower
Iconic skyscraper and major Chicago landmark.
5. Museum of Ice Cream
A playful, immersive museum centered on ice cream and childhood nostalgia.
6. Lou Mitchell's
A classic Route 66 diner serving breakfast since 1923.
7. Lulu's Hot Dogs
Local hot dog joint serving Chicago-style dogs and casual bites.
8. Henry's Drive In
Classic drive-in burger and hot dog joint operating since the 1950s.
9. McCook Sign
Welcome sign marking entry into McCook’s Route 66 corridor.
10. Steak & Egger
24-hour classic diner with hearty meals and Route 66 vibes.
11. McCook Quarry
One of the largest aggregate quarries in the U.S.
12. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
Fried chicken institution and Route 66 staple since 1946.
13. Isle a la Cache Museum
Forest preserve museum focusing on fur trade and Native American heritage.
14. Old Joliet Prison
Former penitentiary turned attraction.
15. Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66
Preserves and showcases Illinois' rock music history.
16. Joliet Area Historical Museum
City history museum with interactive Route 66 exhibits.
17. Rialto Square Theatre
Ornate 1920s theater known for its architecture and performances.
18. Chicago Street Pub
Downtown pub with craft beer, Irish fare, and live music.
19. Ruby Street Bridge
Historic truss bridge crossing the Des Plaines River — photo-worthy stop.
20. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
National cemetery honoring U.S. veterans.
21. The Mar Theatre
Vintage cinema with small-town charm still in operation.
22. Eagle Hotel building
Historic hotel structure with 19th-century roots.
23. Gemini Giant
One of the most iconic Muffler Men statues on Route 66.
24. Polk-A-Dot Drive In
Classic 1950s-style drive-in with kitschy Route 66 statues.
25. Illinois Mining Museum
Museum dedicated to coal mining heritage with exhibits and tools.
26. Two Cell Jail
Tiny historic jail from the early 1900s — quirky and popular roadside photo stop.
27. Pioneer Gothic Church
1857 Gothic-style church open for tours.
28. Keeley Institute
Historic treatment center known for pioneering addiction methods.
29. Ambler's Texaco Station
One of the best-preserved Texaco stations on Route 66.
30. Standard Oil Gas Station
Restored 1932 filling station — one of the most-photographed on Route 66.
31. Meramec Caverns Barn
Iconic barn painted with Meramec Caverns ad.
32. Pontiac Murals
Series of colorful murals depicting Route 66 scenes and local heritage.
33. Dead's Man Curve
Notorious historic curve once considered dangerous on Route 66.
34. Sprague Super Service
Historic gas station with restored 1930s architecture.
35. The Normal Theater
Restored historic movie theater in downtown Normal.
36. Puffabelly Station
Historic-looking structure and local favorite stop.
37. McLean Depot Train Shop
Train-themed gift shop on the historic route.
38. Arch Street Artisans
Local artisan gallery featuring crafts and goods.
39. American Giants Museum
Dedicated to giant statues of American roadside culture.
40. J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator
Historic grain elevator museum in Atlanta.
41. Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument
Monument marking Lincoln’s famous watermelon christening.
42. Route 66 Log Chapel
Historic log chapel reflecting Route 66’s frontier roots.
43. Postville Courthouse
Restored courthouse from Lincoln’s circuit days.
44. Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial
Memorial honoring the historic Pig Hip Restaurant.
45. Boxcar Museum
Museum housed in an old rail boxcar with unique displays.
46. Williamsville Historical Museum
Historic depot reflecting railroad and Route 66 era.
47. Illinois Route 66 Experience
Interactive Route 66 exhibit at the state fairgrounds.
48. Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta
Longtime local pizza spot along the Route.
49. Bill Shea's Gas Station
Famous Route 66 station with museum-like displays.
50. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Immersive museum chronicling the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
51. Statehouse Inn
Boutique hotel near the Capitol offering historic vibes and modern comforts.
52. Dana Thomas House
Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home with original furnishings.
53. The Railyard
Outdoor food court with local eats on Route 66.
54. Cozy Dog Drive In
Birthplace of the Cozy Dog corn dog, a Route 66 icon.
55. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center
Route 66-themed hotel with memorabilia and event space.
56. Robert's Automotive
Springfield auto repair and service center.
57. Docs Just Off 66
Cozy restaurant known for homestyle meals and a local feel.
58. Skyview Drive-in
Historic open-air cinema still in operation on Route 66.
59. 1867 Macoupin County Jail
Historic limestone jail used from 1869 to 1988.
60. Luna Cafe
Historic bar and grill known for its neon sign and Route 66 past.