Chicago
Where Route 66 begins — Mile Zero of the Mother Road
Chicago is where Route 66 begins — at the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown. The iconic Begin Sign marks Mile Zero of the Mother Road. From here, the highway heads southwest through the city's neighborhoods before entering the Illinois prairie.
Beyond Route 66, Chicago offers world-class museums, legendary deep-dish pizza, stunning lakefront architecture, and the towering Willis Tower. Lou Mitchell's Restaurant on Jackson Boulevard has been feeding Route 66 travelers since 1923.
exploreThings to See & Do
Route 66 Begin Sign
CAN'T MISSCorner of Adams & Michigan Ave, Mile Zero
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art collection
Willis Tower Skydeck
1,353-foot observation deck with glass ledge
restaurantWhere to Eat
Lou Mitchell's
Diner$RT66 CLASSICFeeding Route 66 travelers since 1923, famous for omelets and doughnut holes
Portillo's
American$Chicago institution — Italian beef, Chicago dogs, chocolate cake shake
Lou Malnati's
Pizza$$The definitive Chicago deep-dish pizza since 1971
Tips for Visiting Chicago
The Begin Sign photo is best early morning before crowds.
Lou Mitchell's gives free Milk Duds and doughnut holes to women and children.