If you're travelling Route 66 from east to west then Illinois will be the first state to offer up it's many delights. Illinois was the first state to boast having Route 66 paved from end to end, and boasts many wonderful museums, roadside attractions and historic gas stations.
This is just a small sample of some of the many things to see on Route 66 in Illinois, and is by no means a definitive list - think of it as a "flavor" of Illinois!
So, in no particular order, here are my 10 things to see on Route 66 in Illinois...
360 Chicago (formerly The John Hancock Observatory) is a 100-floor skyscraper in the commercial district of Chicago. It's 94th floor observation deck displays exhibits about the city of Chicago while maps explain the view in each direction. A special meshed-in area allows visitors to feel the winds 1,030 feet above ground level. In addition to that you have TILT - an exhilarating downward view of Chicago - for those feeling brave!
360 Chicago (formerly The John Hancock Observatory) is a 100-floor (344m) skyscraper in the commercial district of Chicago.
360 Chicago’s 94th floor observation deck displays exhibits about the city of Chicago while maps explain the view in each direction. A special meshed-in area allows visitors to feel the winds 1,030 feet (314m) above ground level.
Conveniently located along Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO soars 1,000 feet above Lake Michigan and the city’s majestic skyline to offer visitors the most breathtaking views of downtown Chicago, the lakefront and four neighboring states.
Add to that the interactive technologies, TILT the new exhilarating angle on Chicago, the enticing 94th floor café, and you have 360° of all-around entertainment!
The house, purchased by Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln in 1844, was the only home that Lincoln ever owned. During the time he lived here, Lincoln was elected to the House of Representatives in 1846, and elected President in 1860. Lincoln’s home in downtown Springfield has been restored to it’s 1860 appearance and opened to the public. Access to the house is by ticket only – tickets are free but on a first-come first-served basis.
The house, purchased by Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln in 1844, was the only home that Lincoln ever owned. Located at the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets, the house contains twelve rooms spread over two floors. During the time he lived here, Lincoln was elected to the House of Representatives in 1846, and elected President in 1860.
Lincoln’s home in downtown Springfield has been restored to it’s 1860 appearance and opened to the public.
Abraham and Mary Lincoln bought the house in 1844 for $1200 and lived there for 17 years. Access to the house is by ticket only - tickets are free but on a first-come first-served basis.
It was closed when I visited (being used for filming of a documentary) but the surrounding streets are beautiful and very well maintained.
Country Classic Cars started as a weekend hobby for a Midwest farmer. When a piece of land along Interstate 55, just off the path of Historic Route 66, became available, Country Classic Cars acquired the land for not only a large display of classic cars and trucks, but also a garage/service area, inside showroom, and a historic gift shop.
The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum features thousands of artifacts and memorabilia related to Route 66, including Route 66 Artist and Icon, Bob Waldmire's bus and van! There's also a great photo op with the largest Route 66 shield mural, painted on the museum's back wall. Learn the history of Route 66 in Illinois when Route 66 was the most important highway in the nation.
The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois is a must-see destination for anyone traveling along the historic Route 66 highway. Located in the heart of downtown Pontiac, the museum is housed in the historic Pontiac City Hall building, which was constructed in 1891.
The museum features a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the history of Route 66, including vintage cars, gas pumps, and road signs. It's also home to the late Bob Waldmire's bus and van! Visitors can also view a collection of Route 66 memorabilia, including postcards, maps, and photographs.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Route 66 Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the highway's history and preservation. Inductees include business owners, historians, and community leaders who have worked to keep the memory of Route 66 alive for future generations.
In addition to the exhibits and Hall of Fame, the museum also offers a gift shop that sells Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs. Visitors can purchase t-shirts, hats, and other items to commemorate their visit to the museum and the historic highway.
Overall, the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the famous highway. And don't forget, there's a great photo op with the largest Route 66 shield mural, painted on the museum’s rear wall!
This Standard Oil gas station opened in 1932 and stopped serving gas in the mid 1960’s. Subsequently a body shop it finally closed it’s doors in 1975. It’s since been lovingly restored by the Illinois Route 66 Association and their Preservation Committee, and is now staffed by volunteers happy to welcome Route 66 travelers. It no longer serves gas but you can walk around this beautiful building and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer any questions.
This Standard Oil gas station opened in 1932 and stopped serving gas in the mid 1960’s. Subsequently a body shop it finally closed it’s doors in 1975.
It’s since been lovingly restored by the Illinois Route 66 Association and their Preservation Committee, and is now staffed by volunteers happy to welcome Route 66 travellers.
It no longer serves gas but you can walk around this beautiful building and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer any questions.
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch is a Route 66 tourist center that is based in a replica old gas station with rusted pumps all around, surrounded by dozens of Volkswagen Rabbits in various states of dilapidation. When you enter the center you find about a dozen rabbits – of the live kind – living amid the Route 66 memorabilia!
Henry's Rabbit Ranch is a unique Route 66 tourist centre based in a replica vintage gas station surrounded by rusted pumps and dozens of Volkswagen Rabbits in various states of dilapidation. Those aren't the only rabbits though as you soon find when you enter the center!
Upon entry you'll find about a dozen more rabbits - of the floppy eared kind - living amid the Route 66 memorabilia! You'll find a great selection of Route 66 gift and collectible items here as well as a warm welcome from owner Rich Henry.
A perfect example of Route 66 kitsch with it's "Hare it is" signage, Henry's Rabbit Ranch is a business totally in-keeping with the spirit of the Route 66 revival in recent years.
A great souvenir shop, site for numerous of photo opportunities and all round feel-good stop. Well worth a visit
The Ambler's Texaco Gas Station has been identified as the longest operating gas station along Route 66, dispensing fuel for 66 continuous years until 1999! Ambler's was the subject of major restoration work from 2005–2007, and reopened as a Route 66 visitor's center in May 2007. The local community have really done a great job in restoring this to it's former glory and staffing the site with knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers.
The Ambler's Texaco Gas Station has been identified as the longest operating gas station along Route 66, dispensing fuel for 66 continuous years until 1999!
Ambler's was the subject of major restoration work from 2005–2007, and reopened as a Route 66 visitor's center in May 2007 staffed with knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers.
The local community have really done a great job in restoring this to it's former glory with help from funding via the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. The main office and canopy area has been taken back to the 1930s and the service bay area has been taken back to it's 1940s appearance.
The look of Ambler's Texaco Station is commonly known as "house and canopy" or "domestic style". The style was developed in 1916 by Standard Oil and consisted of a small house-like building with attached canopy. The style was meant to evoke feelings of home and comfort in order to make people feel more at ease buying goods.
The building evokes feelings of early Route 66 tourism and is a great example of the architectural stylings of the time.
Navy Pier is a 1000m-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It’s attractions include sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, an IMAX theatre, restaurants, shops and fairground rides such as 150-foot-tall Ferris Wheel. The pier has fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights during the summer, and Friday and Saturday nights during the fall.
Springfield is a pilgrimage site for anyone wanting to celebrate the life of Abraham Lincoln. Aside from the location of his home and tomb Springfield is also the site of the State Capitol building with no small thanks to Abraham Lincoln. It’s a beautiful building found in the heart of Springfield; entry to the state capitol building is free to the public.
The Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture or politics. From the moment you approach the impressive structure, you'll be struck by its beauty and grandeur. The building's impressive dome is visible from many blocks away and serves as a beacon for visitors to the area.
Once inside, you'll be greeted by friendly staff members who are happy to answer any questions you may have. The building is open to the public and admission is free, making it an accessible attraction for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
The architecture of the building is truly stunning, with intricate details and beautiful finishes throughout. The rotunda is a particular highlight, with its ornate decorations and impressive paintings adorning the walls and ceiling.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Illinois State Capitol building is also significant from a historical and political standpoint. As the seat of the Illinois state government, it has played a crucial role in shaping the state's history and culture.
Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or politics, there's something here for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
These characters were 3 of many “giants” that were once used by businesses for promotional purposes. They are now icons of Route 66 in their own right and all 3 found in Illinois! Tall Paul is located alongside Route 66 in Atlanta and cannot be missed as you drive past. The Gemini Giant stands alongside the Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, while the Lauterbach Tire Man is found outside Lauterbach Tires on Wabash Avenue in Springfield.
Situated in the small town of Wilmington, the launching Pad Drive-In has been feeding Route 66 travelers since it first opened it’s doors in 1960. The colourful interior has had a recent makeover courtesy of new owners Tully and Holly and makes the diner an inviting stop between Chicago and Springfield. Recent posts on social media indicate a huge renovation after being empty for quite some time. On the south side of the diner is the Gemini Giant – a huge fibreglass astronaut and one of the 3 “brothers” of Route 66 in Illinois. If you’re travelling east to west he’ll be one of the first unique landmarks you’ll encounter driving Route 66.
Supporting the Launching Pad, one of the most iconic stops in the first leg of your east to west journey, is essential. Stop by, grab a bit to eat, and soak up the atmosphere - it's out of this world!
