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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. The Mill Museum on Route 66
Former restaurant turned Route 66 museum.
4. Fort Jesse Cafe
Local café known for breakfast, lunch and community atmosphere.
5. Pontiac Mural
Series of colorful murals depicting Route 66 scenes and local heritage.
6. Best Western Plus - Countryside
A comfortable hotel near Midway Airport offering free hot breakfast, WiFi, and easy access to Brookfield Zoo and Navy Pier.
7. Comfort Inn Edwardsville
Convenient, budget-friendly hotel located in Edwardsville, Illinois.
8. Cozy Dog Drive In
Birthplace of the Cozy Dog corn dog, a Route 66 icon.
9. Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66
Preserves and showcases Illinois' rock music history.
10. Joliet Area Historical Museum
City history museum with interactive Route 66 exhibits.
11. Rialto Square Theatre
Ornate 1920s theater known for its architecture and performances.
12. Chicago Street Pub
Downtown pub with craft beer, Irish fare, and live music.
13. Ruby Street Bridge
Historic truss bridge crossing the Des Plaines River — photo-worthy stop.
14. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
National cemetery honoring U.S. veterans.
15. The Mar Theatre
Vintage cinema with small-town charm still in operation.
16. Eagle Hotel building
Historic hotel structure with 19th-century roots.
17. Gemini Giant
One of the most iconic Muffler Men statues on Route 66.
18. Polk-A-Dot Drive In
Retro drive-in featuring Route 66 nostalgia and oversized character statues.
19. Illinois Mining Museum
Museum dedicated to coal mining heritage with exhibits and tools.
20. Two Cell Jail
Tiny historic jail from the early 1900s — quirky and popular roadside photo stop.
21. Pioneer Gothic Church
1857 Gothic-style church open for tours.
22. Ambler's Texaco Station
One of the best-preserved Texaco stations on Route 66.
23. Standard Oil Gas Station (Odell)
Restored 1932 filling station — one of the most-photographed on Route 66.
24. Meramec Caverns Barn
Iconic barn painted with Meramec Caverns ad.
25. Route 66 Memory Lane
Walking trail with Route 66 memorabilia and signs.
26. Dead's Man Curve
Notorious historic curve once considered dangerous on Route 66.
27. Statehouse Inn
Boutique hotel near the Capitol offering historic vibes and modern comforts.
28. Dana Thomas House
Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home with original furnishings.
29. The Railyard
Outdoor food court with local eats on Route 66.
30. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center
Route 66-themed hotel with memorabilia and event space.
31. Motorheads Bar & Grill
A one-of-a-kind Route 66 stop for great food, classic cars, and live entertainment.
32. Route 66 Motorheads Museum
Automotive-themed restaurant adjacent to the Motorheads Museum.
33. Luna Cafe
Historic bar and grill known for its neon sign and Route 66 past.
34. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
Fried chicken institution and Route 66 staple since 1946.
35. Isle a la Cache Museum
Forest preserve museum focusing on fur trade and Native American heritage.
36. Old Joliet Prison
Former penitentiary turned attraction.
37. Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle
170-ft water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle — iconic photo stop.
38. It's Electric - Neon Sign Park
Outdoor neon sign park celebrating mid-century Americana and Route 66 signage.
39. Sprague Super Service
Historic gas station with restored 1930s architecture.
40. The Normal Theater
Restored historic movie theater in downtown Normal.
41. McLean Depot Train Shop
Train-themed gift shop on the historic route.
42. Arch Street Artisans
Local artisan gallery featuring crafts and goods.
43. American Giants Museum
Dedicated to giant statues of American roadside culture.
44. J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator
Historic grain elevator museum in Atlanta.
45. Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument
Monument marking Lincoln’s famous watermelon christening.
46. Route 66 Log Chapel
Historic log chapel reflecting Route 66’s frontier roots.
47. Postville Courthouse
Restored courthouse from Lincoln’s circuit days.
48. Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial
Memorial honoring the historic Pig Hip Restaurant.
49. Boxcar Museum
Museum housed in an old rail boxcar with unique displays.
50. Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum
Historic depot reflecting railroad and Route 66 era.
51. Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center
Interactive Route 66 exhibit at the state fairgrounds.
52. Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta
Longtime local pizza spot along the Route.
53. Bill Shea's Gas Station
Famous Route 66 station with museum-like displays.
54. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Immersive museum chronicling the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
55. Robert's Automotive
Springfield auto repair and service center.
56. Docs Just Off 66
Cozy restaurant known for homestyle meals and a local feel.
57. Skyview Drive-in
Historic open-air cinema still in operation on Route 66.
58. Cannonball Jail
Historic limestone jail used from 1869 to 1988.
59. Route 66 Begin Sign @ Navy Pier
Historic lakefront pier with attractions, views and entertainment.
60. Route 66 Begin Sign
The official eastern terminus sign where travelers begin Route 66.