Enjoying Route 66 in Illinois
Part 3: Cruising the Main Street of America…
Into The Blue is about finding joy in simple pleasures. One of those pleasures is an immersion in Americana.
Note: This is part 3 of a series on Route 66. Previous posts provided a thematic overview and practical considerations for a 66 road trip. This post explores the Illinois leg of Route 66. Next month, we will cover Missouri and Kansas.
“The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
Abraham Lincoln – First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861
My wife, our pup, and I took an epic trip this spring from one end of Route 66 to the other, Chicago to LA. It was the experience of a lifetime, a bucket list item I would commend to anyone. Next year will be even more magical, with celebrations all up and down the storied road for the 66 centennial.
Yes, a 66 road trip is an exercise in remembrance, in what has been and what might still be in this great land, when again touched by our better angels. Route 66 is a history tinged with sadness, but mostly it is a story of hope. And experiencing it now, particularly through the eyes of those passionate about its preservation, is a great joy.
But in terms of sheer joy per square mile, the Illinois leg is hard to beat. Illinois, the land of Lincoln, the Prairie State. It is here Route 66 begins its 2,448 mile journey to California, a living memorial to the American Dream.
The Land of Lincoln, the Prairie State
They call Route 66 the Main Street of America, and in Illinois you quickly see why. Here, the road winds its way from Chicago to Springfield and onward to St. Louis, through one small town after another, map dots between beautiful stretches of farmland. Flat on the prairies, soil and stone; stretching forever, taking me home.1
I was struck by what a superior job the good citizens of Illinois have done in preserving and taking forward the Mother Road’s legacy. I recommend starting your planning at the excellent Illinois Route 66 website. There are also all sorts of helpful handout guides, maps, and even a very cool Illinois 66 stamp passport. You can drive historic Route 66 through most of the state, even multiple different alignments. Many towns have gone all in on museums, restored sites, memorials, murals, and more. And of course, Bob Waldmire, who grew up in Springfield and about whom you can learn at the Route 66 museum in Pontiac, is a 66 legend.
All that passion and effort really fuels your excitement and joy in exploring Route 66 in Illinois. And you need that excitement to keep you alert, because if you blink an eye, you risk missing a jewel. I’m still grieving that I was so taken with the Gemini Giant in Wilmington that I overlooked Route 66 Old School Brewing across the street.
But perhaps the most exceptional thing about the Illinois segment is that it passes through Abe Lincoln country, with its epicenter in Springfield. The foul winds that nearly tore our nation asunder, but for the leadership of President Lincoln, assail us once more. This makes the many educational and moving monuments to Lincoln near this part of Route 66 almost a must-see. If you travel 66, I implore you to set aside a day here to explore these sites, reflect, and recommit yourself to preserving our Union.
Illinois Highlights
So what are the must-see sites on Route 66 in Illinois? Well, below is our list, but do your own research and find what most interests you. Bon voyage!
My Pi Pizza, Chicago. Okay, technically this pizza joint isn’t on 66. But if you’re going to be in Chicago where the route starts, start with a detour here. Their deep dish is amazing, and they also make the best vegan pizza ever!
Gemini Giant, Wilmington. Maybe the coolest of all the preserved giant “Muffler Man” props that were once a staple on 66.
The Shop on Route 66, Gardner. The owner is a gem. There is a cluster of cool 66 sites around the shop.
Pontiac. This town is worth a day on its own. They have done a masterful job in preserving the 66 spirit and restoring the town. Be sure to check out the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, follow the 66 trail around town to see their fabulous murals, and check out the gorgeous county courthouse.
Memory Lane, Lexington. A neat old stretch of 66 with retro road signs.
Dead Man’s Curve, Towanda. Don’t miss this obscure spot off the roadway, where 66 used to run and which became infamous for accidents.
Sprague’s Super Service Station, Bloomington-Normal. A classic example of a Route 66 service station, which now houses a neat gift shop, Ryburn’s Place.
American Giants Museum, Atlanta. A fun homage to the “giants” used to advertise service stations, restaurants, and other businesses on 66. This is at the center of the town, with a cluster of gift shops, restaurants, and also the Paul Bunyan statue.
Tropics Restaurant Neon Sign, Lincoln. If you like tiki, do not miss this! You have to look for it. It is a lovingly restored sign, now resident in a McDonald’s parking lot. Just down the road you can also see the World’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon.
There are many great Lincoln sites, but we loved two in particular, both in Springfield: the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Lincoln’s Tomb. You also can’t go wrong by quenching your thirst at the Lincoln-themed Springfield Beer Company.
Cozy Dog, Springfield. While you’re in town, do not miss eating at this classic Route 66 hot dog joint.
Illinois Brick Road, Austin. A 1.4 mile restored, hand laid section of brick road from the 1931 alignment of Route 66.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Livingston. If you haven’t yet had your fill of giants, be sure to check out this quirky place.
What About You?
Have you explored Route 66 in Illinois? What was your experience there? What were your favorite spots? What did we miss? Please share with us in the comments.
A Short Meditation
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
It is good to remember what has gone before in your country and what it means now. It is even better to stir up our awareness of who God is, what he has done, how he loves us, and what that means now. Because the truth is, we are quick to forget. We are busy and distracted. Perhaps we are not even aware of his presence in our life.
Who is God? “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (103:8). Let us know, let us recall: he forgives us, he heals us, he redeems us, he crowns us with love and mercy, he satisfies us with good things. He renews us.
Let us receive these blessings, secured on the cross, with faith, whether it be for the first time or the millionth. Let us stir up our souls in the assurance of God’s love. Let us find rest and peace in him. And in so doing, let our joy overflow in unbridled praise and worship of our great and wonderful King!
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Fogelberg, Dan, “Illinois.” In Souvenirs, Epic Records, 1974.
What a fun journey--I love this!