How many days for Illinois Route 66?

2–3 days minimum. Day 1 Chicago to Pontiac, Day 2 to Springfield, Day 3 to Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Mile 0 — 301

Illinois

Q: How long is Route 66 through Illinois?

Illinois’ stretch of Route 66 is 301 miles (484 km), from the Chicago Begin Sign to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Q: Why is Illinois important to Route 66 history?

Illinois is where Route 66 begins. The eastern terminus is at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

Q: What are the must-see stops on Illinois Route 66?

Begin Sign in Chicago, Gemini Giant, Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac, Cozy Dog Drive In, Ariston Cafe, Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Where Route 66 Begins

301 Miles of Fun

Illinois is the official starting point of Route 66. From Chicago’s towering skyline and world-class culture to Springfield’s Lincoln legacy and small-town Americana, Illinois packs 301 miles of the Mother Road’s best history.

301

Miles

Cities

Attractions

100

Years

Featured Guides

Essential Illinois Reading

CENTENNIAL 2026

Illinois Route 66 Centennial Guide: Everything You Need to Know for 2026

Route 66 turns 100 in 2026 and Illinois is ground zero for the celebration. From the Begin Sign in Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis, here is your definitive guide to driving all 301 miles of the Mother Road through the Prairie State.

January 15, 2026

ROAD TRIP

Chicago to Springfield Mile by Mile: The Ultimate Illinois Route 66 Road Trip

A detailed mile-by-mile breakdown of the first 200 miles of Route 66 through Illinois, covering every must-see attraction, diner, and roadside oddity between the Chicago Begin Sign and Abraham Lincoln’s hometown.

February 1, 2026

MUST VISIT

Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac: The Best Free Museum on the Mother Road

Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is a treasure trove of Mother Road memorabilia, featuring the Bob Waldmire bus, hand-painted murals, and rotating exhibits—all completely free.

January 20, 2026

RT66 CLASSIC

Cozy Dog Drive In: The Birthplace of the Corn Dog on a Stick

Since 1949, the Cozy Dog Drive In on Route 66 in Springfield has been serving up its legendary corn dogs on a stick—invented right here by Ed Waldmire Jr.

February 10, 2026

FOOD GUIDE

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Guide: Where to Eat Before You Hit Route 66

Before you leave Chicago on Route 66, you need to eat deep-dish pizza. This guide covers the best pizzerias in the city, from Lou Malnati’s legendary buttercrust to Giordano’s famous stuffed pies.

February 20, 2026

HISTORY

Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield: Walking in the Footsteps of a President

Springfield, Illinois, was Abraham Lincoln’s home from 1837 to 1861. From his law office to his tomb, the city preserves the legacy of America’s 16th president with remarkable care.

March 1, 2026

Your Route 66 Journey

Follow the road west — from the Chicago Begin Sign to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Each stop has our curated picks for attractions, food, and hidden gems.

Stop01

Eastern Terminus

Chicago

Chicago is the birthplace of Route 66, deep-dish pizza, the blues, and some of America’s greatest architecture.

Explore Chicago arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Route 66 Begin Sign

The official starting point of Route 66, marked by a brown highway sign on the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. This is Mile Zero of the Mother Road.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

Route 66 Begin Sign

starstarstarstarstar4.7

Art Institute of Chicago

starstarstarstarstar4.9

Willis Tower Skydeck

starstarstarstarstar4.7

Stop02

State Capital

Springfield

Illinois’ capital is the heartland of Abraham Lincoln heritage.

Explore Springfield arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

One of the finest presidential museums in the United States, telling the complete story of Lincoln’s life through immersive exhibits and theatrical presentations.

$15 adults, $6 children

exploreThings to See & Do

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

starstarstarstarstar4.8

Cozy Dog Drive In

starstarstarstarstar4.5

Stop03

Route 66 Hall of Fame

Pontiac

Pontiac is one of Route 66’s most beloved small towns.

Explore Pontiac arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

A free museum in downtown Pontiac dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Route 66. Highlights include the Bob Waldmire VW microbus and school bus, dozens of murals, and the International Route 66 Hall of Fame.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

starstarstarstarstar4.8

Route 66 Murals Walk

starstarstarstarstar4.6

Stop04

Gemini Giant Town

Wilmington

Wilmington is a must-stop on Route 66 thanks to the iconic 28-foot Gemini Giant fiberglass statue standing guard outside the Launching Pad restaurant.

Explore Wilmington arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Gemini Giant

A 28-foot fiberglass ‘muffler man’ statue holding a silver rocket, standing guard outside the Launching Pad restaurant. One of the most iconic roadside attractions on all of Route 66.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

Gemini Giant

starstarstarstarstar4.6

Stop05

Ariston Cafe

Litchfield

Litchfield is home to the legendary Ariston Cafe, which has been serving travelers since 1924, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants along the entire Mother Road.

Explore Litchfield arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Ariston Cafe (Landmark)

One of the oldest restaurants on all of Route 66, the Ariston Cafe has been serving travelers since 1924. Its vintage neon sign is one of the most photographed on the Mother Road.

Free (restaurant)

exploreThings to See & Do

Ariston Cafe (Landmark)

starstarstarstarstar4.4

Stop06

Gateway to Missouri

Granite City

Granite City sits at the western edge of Illinois Route 66, just steps from the famous Chain of Rocks Bridge with its distinctive 22-degree bend that carries travelers across the Mississippi River into Missouri.

Explore Granite City arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Chain of Rocks Bridge

A mile-long bridge spanning the Mississippi River near Granite City. Famous for its unusual 22-degree bend at the midpoint. Now a pedestrian and bicycle bridge with spectacular views.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

Chain of Rocks Bridge

starstarstarstarstar4.7

Stop07

Blues Brothers Town

Joliet

Joliet is home to the stunning 1926 Rialto Square Theatre, a vaudeville palace featured in The Blues Brothers, and the Old Joliet Prison (Joliet Correctional Center), one of the most recognizable filming locations on Route 66.

Explore Joliet arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Rialto Square Theatre

Opened in 1926, the Rialto Square Theatre is a stunning vaudeville palace known as the ‘Jewel of Joliet.’ Its opulent interior features hand-cut crystal chandeliers and appeared in The Blues Brothers.

$15 tour

exploreThings to See & Do

Rialto Square Theatre

starstarstarstarstar4.7

Old Joliet Prison

starstarstarstarstar4.5

Stop08

Prairie Town

Dwight

Dwight is home to the 1933 Ambler-Becker Gas Station, one of the best-preserved gas stations on Route 66. Now a visitor center and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it stands as a beautiful example of domestic-style station architecture on the Mother Road.

Explore Dwight arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Ambler-Becker Gas Station

Built in 1933, one of the best-preserved gas stations on all of Route 66. Its domestic cottage-style architecture and beautifully restored exterior make it a favorite photo stop. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

Ambler-Becker Gas Station

starstarstarstarstar4.6

Stop09

Bunyon Country

Atlanta

Atlanta is home to the 19-foot Paul Bunyan 'muffler man' statue, one of Route 66's most beloved roadside giants, and the Palms Grill Cafe, a beautifully restored 1934 diner serving homemade pies and classic American comfort food.

Explore Atlanta arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

Paul Bunyan Statue

A 19-foot ‘muffler man’ statue of Paul Bunyan holding a giant hot dog, one of Route 66’s most photographed roadside giants.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

Paul Bunyan Statue

starstarstarstarstar4.5

Stop10

Mr. Lincoln's Town

Lincoln

Lincoln is the only city named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president. Its star attraction is the World's Largest Covered Wagon, a giant roadside sculpture featuring an oversized Abe Lincoln sitting in a pioneer wagon, celebrating the town's unique connection to the 16th president.

Explore Lincoln arrow_forward

starCan't Miss

World's Largest Covered Wagon

A giant covered wagon with an oversized Abraham Lincoln figure sitting inside, celebrating the town’s unique connection to the 16th president.

Free

exploreThings to See & Do

World's Largest Covered Wagon

starstarstarstarstar4.4

Route 66 Centennial

Illinois Events 2026

From Chicago's Birthday Kickoff to the Springfield Mother Road Festival — 3 events across the Mother Road. Don't miss the 100th anniversary.

View All Eventsarrow_forward

Travel Tips

calendar_today

Best Time to Visit Illinois Route 66

April through October offers the best weather and ensures all seasonal attractions, diners, and outdoor sites are open. The sweet spot is late September and early October, when centennial festival activity peaks, summer crowds thin out, and the Illinois countryside glows with autumn color.

Read more arrow_forward

schedule

How Many Days Do You Need?

We recommend 2–3 days to drive all 301 miles. Day 1: Chicago to Pontiac. Day 2: Pontiac to Springfield for Lincoln sites and the Cozy Dog. Day 3: Springfield through Litchfield to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Can be driven in one long day but you’ll miss most attractions.

Read more arrow_forward

payments

Illinois Route 66 Budget Guide

Gas: $40–60 for 301 miles. Budget motels $60–100/night, boutique in Chicago or Springfield $150–300. Diner meals average $10–20. Many top attractions are free including the Begin Sign, Route 66 Hall of Fame, Gemini Giant, and Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Read more arrow_forward

traffic

Navigating Chicago Traffic

Chicago traffic can add 1–2 hours to your departure during rush hour. Avoid driving out of Chicago between 7–9:30 AM or 4–6:30 PM on weekdays. Start your drive early morning or after 9:30 AM. Past Joliet, traffic thins dramatically.

Read more arrow_forward

Frequently Asked

Illinois Route 66 FAQ

How long is Route 66 through Illinois?expand_more

Illinois’ stretch of Route 66 is 301 miles (484 km), running from the Begin Sign in downtown Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge near Granite City at the Missouri border. It passes through 10 cities and dozens of small towns.

Why is Illinois important to Route 66 history?expand_more

Illinois is where Route 66 begins. The highway’s official eastern terminus is at the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. Route 66 was designated on November 11, 1926, and Illinois holds the honor of Mile Zero.

What are the must-see stops on Illinois Route 66?expand_more

The Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago, Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac, Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, and Chain of Rocks Bridge near Granite City.

How many days should I spend on Illinois Route 66?expand_more

We recommend 2–3 days: Day 1 Chicago to Pontiac, Day 2 Pontiac to Springfield (Lincoln sites and Cozy Dog), Day 3 Springfield through Litchfield to Chain of Rocks Bridge.