Photos of the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago, Illinois
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.
Where is the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign located?
The Historic Route 66 Begin Sign is located on East Adams Street, just west of the intersection with South Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute of Chicago.
There are actually three “Begin” signs in downtown Chicago:
- One on a pole above the stoplight at the northwest corner of Adams & Michigan.
- Another mid-block on Adams, between Michigan Avenue and Wabash.
- A third in a small park at the corner of Adams and Wabash.
At the start of Route 66 in Chicago you can now also find several new interpretive signs starting on Michigan Avenue, across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago, and continuing in three Chicago neighborhoods along Route 66.
If you’re starting your journey in California, you can also find a Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica.
Where can you park?
Paid street parking is limited and parking in downtown Chicago can be expensive. Consider walking if you’re staying downtown or using public transit.
When is the best time to visit?
Downtown Chicago can get crowded, especially at work rush hours (8am to 6pm), on weekend afternoons, and during festivals like Lollapalooza.
Because the main sign faces traffic going west, the best photos are taken in the morning, with light from behind photographer, to avoid glare and backlighting. Visiting early in the morning is also the perfect time to stop to then have a full day traveling the Mother Road west.
Is this a popular Route 66 attraction?
Yes! The Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago is a popular place for road trippers to stop at to grab a selfie before hitting the road. In fact, it’s one of the Top 10 Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attractions, 66 Most Instagrammable Spots on Route 66, and 66 Route 66 Attractions Worth Pulling Over For.
Where to Stay Near the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at the beginning or end of your journey with a stay at one of these downtown Chicago hotels near Route 66.
Congress Plaza Hotel
Located near the start of Route 66, the Congress Plaza Hotel has been in operation since 1893 and is a welcoming stay for the beginning of your journey on the Mother Road.
Freehand Chicago
Located in the River North neighborhood, just one mile from the beginning of Route 66, Freehand Chicago is a hip hotel featuring unique designs, a fun atmosphere, and happy hour specials at the on-site bar, Broken Shaker. Freehand is housed in a 1927 building that originally operated as the Devonshire Hotel.
Palmer House Hilton
Located just steps from Route 66, Palmer House Hilton is a luxurious historic hotel with all the modern conveniences you could desire alongside award-winning services. Palmer House was built in 1925 and was the city’s first hotel with elevators, electric light bulbs, and telephones in the guest rooms. The French neo-classical influences of the design give this landmark its distinctive charm.
Related Tours
Enhance your visit to Chicago with a tour! Whether you love history, architecture, or family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of options for everyone.
Attractions Near The Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
Chicago Pizza Tour in Chicago, Illinois
Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois
Henry’s Drive-In in Cicero, Illinois
Paisans Pizzeria in Berwyn, Illinois
The Route 66 Begin Sign is such a classic stop! It’s definitely the perfect start to a Route 66 road trip!