301 miles of Route 66 stretch through Illinois, the first (or last) of the eight states on your Mother Road journey. Starting at the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago and ending at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River into St. Louis, Missouri, there are quintessential Illinois Route 66 attractions to see at every turn of the road.
You’ll find quirky roadside attractions, historical museums, vintage diners and drive-throughs, fun souvenir shops, and classic motels and hotels on this stretch of your road trip. You’ll even get to drive (or walk) on parts of the original road.
Looking for the best Illinois Route 66 attractions to add to your road trip itinerary? Use the filters below to search our Illinois directory by location, attraction type, or keyword to fill your travel plan, whether you’re spending a weekend in Springfield, taking a day trip from Chicago, or traversing all 301 miles of The Main Street of America across the state.
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Must SeeLou Mitchell’s Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois
Start your Route 66 road trip off right with a good breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. Lou Mitchell’s opened in 1923 and several factors contributed to its continued success. Besides their delicious breakfast and lunch fare, its location at the start of Route 66 made it a quintessential stop before traveling the Mother Road.
Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: Roadside Attractions in Lincoln, Illinois
The Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibits are found in many communities along the Mother Road. Each kiosk is placed at a site with historical significance and tells the story of the site's relationship with Route 66 through text, illustrations, photos, and audio. The "Roadside Attractions" Wayside Exhibit in Lincoln, Illinois describes the World’s Largest Covered Wagon.
Must SeeWorld’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon in Lincoln, Illinois
Lincoln, Illinois in the only town in the United States named for and by Abraham Lincoln before he became president. So it is only fitting that the town honors their namesake in a big way. The World's Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon in Lincoln, Illinois is a giant wagon topped with an equally giant Lincoln on Route 66.
Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois
In Lincoln, Illinois you'll find one of the weirdest monuments erected in Abraham Lincoln's, or any president's for that matter, honor: the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument. This attraction is just as it sounds: a big pink and green metal watermelon slice on a pedestal dedicated to our sixteenth president and the christening of Lincoln, Illinois.
Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial in Broadwell, Illinois
Ernie Edwards ran the well-known Pig Hip Restaurant in Broadwell, Illinois, serving Route 66 travelers from 1937 to 1991. This spot was famous for its pig hip sandwiches, slathered in a special sauce, and made from fresh ham Ernie swore came only from the left hip of the pig.
Cow in the Corn Sculpture in Lincoln, Illinois
The Cow in the Corn Sculpture in Lincoln, Illinois is an abstract work that honors Route 66 in an unusual way. This sculpture was created by local Lincoln artist Moses Pinkerton and was built at the Hoffman School of Sculpture. It was erected in 2014. The 22-foot by 25-foot piece resembles a cow's face.
Rich & Creamy in Joliet, Illinois
Rich & Creamy in Joliet, Illinois is a small ice cream shop with big ties to Route 66. This little ice cream shop in Joliet, Illinois originally opened as Creamy Delight in the 1970s. The building itself was built in 1965 and served as an office before it became a place to get soft serve
Must SeeAmerican Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois
The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois pays tribute to Muffler Men and other oversized fiberglass creations that once were a mainstay of American advertising. Muffler Men roadside attractions are fiberglass giants who stand anywhere from 14 to 25 feet tall. Each has a similar build and was built between 1963 and 1972 by International Fiberglass.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield, Illinois
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield, Illinois is a gathering place for lovers of The Mother Road, car culture, and a good time. Stop in to grab a delicious bite to eat from their curated menu of American favorites, drink an ice-cold drink from the bar, listen to live music, or explore a treasure trove of Americana memorabilia.
Atlanta Public Library and Clock Tower in Atlanta, Illinois
While in Atlanta, Illinois look out for this local landmark: the Atlanta Public Library and Clock Tower. The Atlanta Public Library was built in 1908 and has operated continuously as a library ever since. The limestone building is unique in shape with eight sides, making it one of only a few octagonal-shaped public libraries in Illinois.
