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Things to do in Illinois

1-20 of 193
Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle

170-ft water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle — iconic photo stop.

Roadside Attractions Photo Ops Roadside Sculptures
Route 66 Log Chapel

Historic log chapel reflecting Route 66’s frontier roots.

Landmarks & Icons Historic Buildings
Chicago Street Pub

Downtown pub with craft beer, Irish fare, and live music.

Nightlife Bars
Bill Shea's Gas Station

4. Bill Shea's Gas Station

Springfield, IL

Famous Route 66 station with museum-like displays.

Roadside Attractions Historic Gas Stations
Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta

5. Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta

Springfield, IL

Longtime local pizza spot along the Route.

Food & Drink Pizza
Illinois Route 66 Experience

Interactive Route 66 exhibit at the state fairgrounds.

Museums Route 66 Museums
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Immersive museum chronicling the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

Museums Local History
Statehouse Inn

8. Statehouse Inn

Springfield, IL

Boutique hotel near the Capitol offering historic vibes and modern comforts.

Lodging Hotels
Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center

Route 66-themed hotel with memorabilia and event space.

Lodging Hotels
Cozy Dog Drive In

10. Cozy Dog Drive In

Southern View, IL

Birthplace of the Cozy Dog corn dog, a Route 66 icon.

Food & Drink Drive-In / Drive-Up
American Giants Museum

Dedicated to giant statues of American roadside culture.

Museums Specialty/Niche
Pontiac Murals

12. Pontiac Murals

Pontiac, IL

Series of colorful murals depicting Route 66 scenes and local heritage.

Murals & Public Art Murals
Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial

Memorial honoring the historic Pig Hip Restaurant.

Landmarks & Icons Memorials
Arch Street Artisans

Local artisan gallery featuring crafts and goods.

Shops & Markets Custom Goods
Postville Courthouse

Restored courthouse from Lincoln’s circuit days.

Museums Historic Sites
Puffabelly Station

Historic-looking structure and local favorite stop.

Roadside Attractions Historic Structures
Meramec Caverns Barn

Iconic barn painted with Meramec Caverns ad.

Signs & Neon Iconic Signs
Dana Thomas House

18. Dana Thomas House

Springfield, IL

Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home with original furnishings.

Landmarks & Icons Historic Buildings
Pioneer Gothic Church

1857 Gothic-style church open for tours.

Landmarks & Icons Historic Buildings
J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator

Historic grain elevator museum in Atlanta.

Museums Specialty/Niche