Route 66, the “Mom Highway,” holds a particular place in American historical past. Greater than only a freeway, it’s an emblem of freedom, alternative, and the pioneering spirit that outlined the mid-Twentieth century. Whereas your complete route stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, the Illinois part, spanning roughly 300 miles, presents a very wealthy and accessible journey by means of time. This text delves into the Illinois portion of Route 66, highlighting its key landmarks, historic significance, and enduring allure. We’ll discover a digital map of this iconic highway, permitting you to plan your personal unforgettable journey by means of the heartland of America.
Illinois: The Jap Gateway to the Mom Highway
Route 66 formally begins in Chicago, Illinois, making the state a vital start line for any cross-country journey. Established in 1926, the route shortly grew to become an important artery for commerce and journey, connecting rural communities with city facilities and facilitating the westward growth of a nation. Illinois performed a major function in shaping the tradition and legend of Route 66, and its well-preserved stretches and historic websites supply a tangible connection to the previous.
Mapping the Route: Key Landmarks and Historic Treasures
Whereas trendy interstates have largely changed Route 66 as a major transportation hall, devoted preservation efforts have ensured that vital parts of the unique highway stay drivable. Exploring these sections is like stepping again in time. Right here’s a guided tour, beginning in Chicago and heading southwest in the direction of St. Louis, Missouri:
1. Chicago: The Birthplace of the Mom Highway:
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Begin at Adams Avenue: Formally, Route 66 begins at Adams Avenue in downtown Chicago. Search for the "Historic Route 66 Start" signal for a photograph alternative and to commemorate the beginning of your journey.
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The Artwork Deco Structure: As you head south, admire the beautiful Artwork Deco structure that defines Chicago’s skyline. These buildings stand as a testomony to the town’s prosperity in the course of the Route 66 period.
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Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant: A legendary Chicago diner, Lou Mitchell’s has been serving vacationers alongside Route 66 for the reason that Nineteen Twenties. Cease for a hearty breakfast and soak within the classic ambiance.
2. Pontiac: Murals and Memorabilia:
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Route 66 Affiliation of Illinois Corridor of Fame and Museum: Positioned in Pontiac, this museum is a must-visit for Route 66 fans. It homes a powerful assortment of memorabilia, images, and artifacts that inform the story of the highway’s historical past.
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Big Route 66 Mural: Pontiac is understood for its vibrant Route 66 murals. Essentially the most well-known is the enormous out of doors mural depicting a map of your complete route. It is a incredible photograph alternative and an opportunity to study extra concerning the highway’s geography.
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Pontiac Oakland Car Museum: Automobile fans will respect this museum, which showcases a group of classic Pontiac and Oakland cars, reflecting the autos that after cruised Route 66.
3. Dwight: A Step Again in Time:
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Ambler-Becker Texaco Station: This fantastically restored 1933 Texaco station is a primary instance of the architectural model that characterised Route 66 companies. It is a reminder of the times when gasoline stations have been extra than simply locations to gasoline up; they have been neighborhood hubs.
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Dwight Historic Society Museum: This museum presents insights into the historical past of Dwight and its connection to Route 66, that includes displays on native industries and notable residents.
4. Odell: Gasoline Station Glamour:
- Customary Oil Gasoline Station: This meticulously restored 1932 Customary Oil Gasoline Station is a traditional instance of the "house-with-a-bay" architectural model. It is a reminder of the significance of gasoline stations within the Route 66 journey expertise.
5. Atlanta: The Tallest Man on Route 66:
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The Muffler Man: Atlanta is house to a towering Muffler Man statue, a fiberglass big that after marketed tires. This roadside attraction is a enjoyable photograph alternative and a testomony to the quirky roadside points of interest that after lined Route 66.
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Atlanta Museum: Be taught concerning the historical past of Atlanta and its function within the improvement of Route 66 on the Atlanta Museum.
6. Lincoln: A Presidential Connection:
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Abraham Lincoln Statue: As the one metropolis named after Abraham Lincoln throughout his lifetime, Lincoln boasts a statue of the previous president, including a historic layer to your Route 66 expertise.
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Mill Museum: Discover the historical past of milling and agriculture within the Lincoln space on the Mill Museum.
7. Springfield: The Land of Lincoln:
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: No go to to Springfield is full with out a go to to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This world-class museum presents an immersive expertise into the life and legacy of the sixteenth president.
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Lincoln’s Dwelling Nationwide Historic Website: Stroll within the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln at his house in Springfield, preserved as a Nationwide Historic Website.
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Route 66 Twin Drive-In: Expertise a traditional American pastime on the Route 66 Twin Drive-In, one of many few remaining drive-in theaters within the nation.
8. Litchfield: A Nostalgic Cease:
- Ariston Café: This historic café has been serving vacationers alongside Route 66 since 1935. It is an important place to seize a chunk to eat and soak within the retro ambiance.
9. Hamel: Chain of Rocks Bridge:
- Chain of Rocks Bridge (close to Hamel): Whereas not instantly on Route 66, a brief detour will take you to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, a historic bridge that after carried Route 66 visitors throughout the Mississippi River. The bridge is understood for its 22-degree bend within the center.
10. Collinsville: The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle:
- World’s Largest Catsup Bottle: This quirky roadside attraction is a towering testomony to American ingenuity and a enjoyable photograph alternative.
The Enduring Enchantment of Route 66 in Illinois
The Illinois part of Route 66 presents a charming mix of historical past, nostalgia, and Americana. Past the precise landmarks, the expertise lies within the journey itself. Driving alongside the remnants of the previous highway, you will go by means of small cities with charming Essential Streets, witness the altering landscapes of the Illinois countryside, and encounter pleasant locals who’re keen about preserving the legacy of the Mom Highway.
Planning Your Route 66 Journey in Illinois:
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Time of Yr: One of the best time to journey Route 66 in Illinois is in the course of the spring or fall, when the climate is delicate and the crowds are smaller.
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Lodging: Select from quite a lot of lodging choices, together with historic motels, mattress and breakfasts, and trendy resorts.
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Meals: Pattern native delicacies at traditional diners, roadside cafes, and family-owned eating places.
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Sources: Make the most of Route 66 guidebooks, web sites, and maps to plan your itinerary and uncover hidden gems alongside the way in which.
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Tempo Your self: Do not attempt to cram an excessive amount of into one journey. Enable ample time to discover every city and soak within the ambiance.
Extra Than Only a Highway: A Image of American Identification
Route 66 in Illinois is greater than only a freeway; it is a dwelling museum, a testomony to the American spirit, and a reminder of a bygone period. It is a journey that connects you to the previous and lets you expertise the heartland of America in a novel and significant method. Whether or not you are a historical past buff, a highway journey fanatic, or just on the lookout for an journey, the Illinois part of Route 66 presents an unforgettable expertise that can go away you with lasting reminiscences. So, pack your luggage, hit the highway, and uncover the magic of the Mom Highway in Illinois. It is a journey you will not quickly neglect.